Dear family, friends and neighbors-

I want to share some very exciting news. I have just registered to be a part of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Societys TEAM IN TRAINING. This very special organization supports amateur athletes of all levels as they train for endurance events and raise money to fight the ongoing battle against leukemia and blood-related cancers.

As one of the true amateurs, I have committed to participating in my very first marathon in October 2004. I will be walking the whopping 13.1 mile North Trail Marathon in honor of a real life hero who is fighting leukemia right now. TEAM IN TRAINING is a major personal commitment for me both physically and financially. Ive promised to raise at least $1500 for leukemia research. In exchange for my fund raising efforts, TNT will provide the training and support I will need to complete the race. I am asking you to help me raise these dollars to finish two races my own and the race to find the cure.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is one of the most respected charities in the country. A full 75% of money raised goes directly into research, education and patient care. Money magazine rated the Society among the top ten charities for the percentage of money going to research and patient support. Thats pretty darn good! Every five minutes someone in our country learns that they have leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma almost 300 per day thats 11% of all cancers diagnosed in the U.S. each year. Leukemia is the biggest killer of children under 14. In the last 30 years, money for research and improved patient care have elevated the survival rate of those diagnosed from a mere 15% up to 80%! Will there be a cure in our lifetime? Hopefully so, because a cure for leukemia would mean great strides in curing all cancers since leukemia research is considered to be the window to the treatment and cure for other cancers and AIDS.

Please donate as generously as you can to the fight against this deadly group of diseases. I need your help to achieve my twin goals getting across that finish line and raising as much money as I can for a great purpose. Your donation is tax deductable. You may contribute by check or by credit card.

Thank you for any support you can provide. Your generous sponsorship will encourage me to keep walking, walking, walking toward the ultimate goal. I look forward to hearing from you.

Kara Hamrick
kdhamrick@hotmail.com OR kara.hamrick@lonestarhealth.com