Amy Connor Stivers to run Denver Marathon for
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

   Greetings:

   On October 18, 2009, I will be running in the Denver Marathon with Team in Training. I have just started my training program that will prepare me for race day and will hopefully carry me all 26.2 miles to the finish line. Some of you may remember when I did this a few years ago in San Diego. I was so inspired, that I’m off and running again!

   Team in Training is a fundraising program which benefits The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Each year, they train over 40,000 runners, walkers, cyclists, triathletes, and hikers for the event of their choice (marathon, ½ marathon, century bike ride, triathlon, or hike adventure). The group has an unbelievable support system made up of Coaches, Mentors, Team Captains, and Patient Heroes to keep us motivated to achieve our fitness goal and to achieve our fundraising goals. We have 2 Patient Heroes we are training in honor of and they both continue to inspire me every day:

• Mason Bernard is 6 years old. He was diagnosed with leukemia in May 2005, when he was only 2 ½. He had completed 2 ½ years of chemotherapy when leukemia cells were found in his spinal fluid in January 2008. He now faces 2 more years of a more aggressive and rigorous treatment of chemotherapy and radiation. All the while, he keeps a smile on his face that lights up a room. His mom, Catherine, is training with us to run in the Denver Marathon this fall.
• Sharon Heinzerling was originally diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2002. She was treated and was in remission for almost three years. Then, in November 2005, she was diagnosed with MALT Lymphoma. She has been treated since January of 2006, and has been in remission since December 2006! And if that weren’t enough, she is training with our group to run/walk the Denver 1/2 Marathon! If she can do it, I can do it!

   In return for the training and support of Team in Training, I have pledged to raise money to help fund research and support for blood cancer patients and their families. My goal is $2000! This is a big challenge, but it doesn’t even compare to the challenges these patients and families face every day. Here are some facts to put this in perspective:

   Research sponsored by LLS has been the catalyst for the effective treatment of Hodgkin’s disease, lymphomas, and breast and lung cancer.

   I would greatly appreciate any contribution you can make to this cause. Big or small, 75% of your donation will go straight to the patients and towards research to find a cure.

   There are two ways you can make a donation:

• Visit my personal TNT Training & Fundraising webpage: http://pages.teamintraining.org/rm/denver09/astivers
  All donations are private, secure, and 100% tax deductible. -Or-
• Send a check. Please make checks payable to: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and return them to me at 2766 E. Jamison Place, Centennial, CO 80122.

   Please keep in mind that many corporations have matching programs and will match any donation you make. Feel free to ask your company if they have a matching program. It’s an easy way to double your contribution! I will gladly accept donations after July 1; however, the sooner I meet my fundraising goal, the more I can focus my energy on preparing for the marathon. If you can’t send money now, please send good vibes and encouragement—I need lots of that, too!

   Thank you in advance for your consideration in supporting this effort. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me; or you can check out the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society web page at www.lls.org

http://pages.teamintraining.org/rm/denver09/astivers

Alumnae has daughter with rare seizure disorder

   Cal-Mum Class of 2004 graduate Nicole Socko Parker has brought to our attention the story about the disorder of her daughter Aubrey Parker. She was diagnosed in April of 2008 with Infantile Spasms. This is a rare seizure disorder that her and her husband, Cody are trying to make better known.

   The local city newspaper did an article on Aubrey at Ocala.com

Click below for the full story and photo:

   If you have any questions feel free to e-mail Nicole at SOcKo921@aol.com