"Love Conquers All!"
God Bless You!
My deepest gratitude for your support.
Thank you for helping save lives!
On October 28th , 2002 I will be running my first marathon in Washington D.C. My goal to complete the 26.2 mile marathon is only my physical commitment to this program. Leukemia is the number one disease killer of children between the ages of 1 and 14, and every 10 minutes, another child or adult dies from leukemia or a related disease and can touch the lives of more than 50,000 people this year alone.
My participation and Motivation is for my “Honored Teammate”, Shea Marcos Garcia. Shea is three years old, lives in Dade County and suffers from Acute Myelogenous Leukemia. She likes Scooby Doo, fishing and anything Spiderman. The good news is that Shea is currently in remission. I wear bracelets in her honor because I know she will inspire me to continue the endurance training with a great attitude and face the Saturday morning trainings at 5:00a.m. with a purpose.
I know that my choice to run a marathon may come as a surprise to most. I also know running this marathon will be a huge challenge for me, but it is small in comparison to the challenges, her family and others face every day.
I am writing this letter to ask for your support by giving generously to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society on my behalf. Significant progress has been made in the treatment of leukemia. Fifteen years ago the survival rate was 4% ...today it is 80%. I would like to ask you to donate the equivalent to a night on the town or a week of lunches, a small price to pay to support the research that will save lives. (75% of the funds raised goes to research) These children are worth it!
Please join me in this great challenge. Whatever you can contribute matters...it all adds up! Remember that your contribution is tax deductible….and saving lives!! Ask your company if they will match your donation as many companies will. Please complete the enclosed pledge form and return to me prior to September 1, 2002.
Thank you for your time and donation!!

Joyce Marie Blanco