Our Fund-Raising Letter

Dear Friends,

We are writing today to ask you to join us in the fight against cancer.

As you may know, at age 25, Lance Armstrong was one of the world’s best cyclists. He seemed invincible, and the future ahead was bright indeed. Then they told him he had cancer.

The diagnosis was testicular cancer – the most common cancer in men aged 15-35. Like most young, healthy men, Lance had ignored the warning signs, never imagining the seriousness of his condition. Going untreated, the cancer had spread to Lance’s stomach, lungs, and brain.

Lance faced enormous odds and uncertainty about his future, but from the moment of his diagnosis, Lance declared himself a cancer survivor, not a cancer victim. He took an active role in educating himself about his disease and the treatment. Armed with knowledge and confidence in medicine, he underwent aggressive treatment and beat the disease.

Before his treatment, before his recovery, before he even knew his own fate, he formed the Lance Armstrong Foundation. His dream, and now the Foundation’s mission, is to help others manage and survive cancer.

The Lance Armstrong Foundation focuses its activities in three primary areas: public education and awareness, survivor services and support, and medical and scientific research grants. By funding public education and awareness programs, L.A.F. encourages medical and self-examinations leading to early detection of cancer, and thereby, significantly improving the odds of survival. Through survivor services and support, L.A.F. helps those diagnosed with cancer and their loved ones adopt an attitude of hope and positive action on the road to their recovery. Finally, through medical and scientific research grants, L.A.F. supports research for better understanding of the disease and ultimately, a cure.

Now, in honor of Kathy’s father who was lost to diabetes and prostate cancer, we are asking you to join us as we help the Lance Armstrong Foundation in their fight against cancer. Each year, the Foundation organizes the Peloton Project as part of the Ride of the Roses Weekend, in which thousands of cancer survivors, people who have lost loved ones to cancer, and cycling enthusiasts join together to raise money in support of the Foundation.

What We’re Doing

We are, of course taking one-time donations. But, as an alternative we are asking you to pledge an amount of money for every mile each of us rides in 2 events - the Cruisin’ in the Country Century Weekend in Claxton on November 11, 2000 and the Pecan City Pedalers "Wheel" Millennium on January 6, 2001.  Chad plans to ride a total of 200 miles in the two events and I plan to ride 60.  A pledge of $.50 for each of us would bring your total pledge to $130.00. You may also pledge an amount for just one of us, if you prefer. We will take any amount, from $.01 to $100. Don’t forget that charity donations are tax deductible and we will give you the necessary receipts.

If you have any question, please contact us at (770) 358-4865 or the Lance Armstrong Foundation at (512) 236-8820 or visit the L.A.F. website at http://www.laf.org.

Thank you for joining our efforts in the fight against cancer.

Kathy & Chad

This page was last modified on: July 06, 2001