There are lots of reasons, but the two most important are:

My Mom:  My mom died from cancer in 1994, and I miss her very much.  July 9th is her birthday, and I can't think of a more appropriate way to spend it.

Donna, Shannon & Alex's Mom:  Shannon & Alex are my neices' and nephew's favorite babysitters.  Eight years ago, when they were in high school, their mom was diagnosed with AML (acute myelogenous leukemia), and it looked as though they might lose her.  I'm happy to report that she is currently in remission, and has been around to watch her daughters graduate from high school and college and to see one of them get married.

Stories like Donna's are not nearly as rare as they used to be - for 50 years, the Leukemia Society of America (now known as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society) has been committed to cancer research and treatment, and it has made a difference.

Survival rates for acute lymphocytic leukemia have gone from 4% in 1960 to over 80% in 1999!  Therapies developed in the fight against leukemia now show promise as treatments for breast cancer, AIDS and sickle cell anemia.

Please Help Me Make a Difference!    Click here for pledge form