American Cancer Society - Walk and Roll -May 15, 2011

In my continued quest to be healthy, I usually participate in several walkathons each year. Normally the are the result of just wanting to have fun and get some good exercise.

Last year, I particpated in the American Cancer Society's Walk and Roll because a good friend of mine, Cynthia Reed Cruse died in 2009 at a young age of a very rare form of cancer. Her daughter asked me to walk with the team she and Cynthia started before she died, Cancer Fighters For Life.

I was very moved and honored to walk with this team in honor of my friend,and for the first time after her death. However, I didn't do my fair share of fundraising nor understand that every penny counts in eradicating or finding cures for these rare forms cancer. We know about breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, but I had never heard of Cynthia's cancer, Leiomyosarcoma Cancer. As usual, I got busy with life, work, etc and never got around to sending out my share of the fundraising emails. I just figured I didn't need another t-shirt and I would make a donation and be done.

After seeing a breakdown of what and where the money goes, I was saddened to learn that lesser known cancers get less that 5% or research dollars. The majority cancers like breast, prostate, colon lung, etc. have someone or some organziation to champion them. Cynthia's cancer has the American Cancer Society and while she fought bravely and valiantly for 3 years, I intend to fight for her and other rare forms of cancer for the rest of my life.

So, this year the walk is on my birthday weekend and I have gotten my twin sister and our daughters to do the 15K bike ride (9 miles) as a girls weekend. I have chosen the Birthday Club level of fundrasing and hope to make up for last year. We will bike in honor of Cynthia and dedicate our efforts to all the rare forms of cancers that no one has heard about.

For more information or to particpate, visit the American Cancer Society at
http://main.acsevents.org/.

If you or someone you know will be participating on May 15th, stop by the Cancer Fighters For Life Tent and say hello.

Peace and Love,

Sandals,

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