It has been a relatively slow summer on the CML front. I do not have another appointment until September. It is almost as if everything is on standstill until then. Fortunately, I have felt very good with minimal side effects.
I have decided to start working on fundraising for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through and event called Light the Night. This is an event where a team gets together to raise money for this wonderful society that provides excellent support services for patients and families affected by blood cancers. Possibly more importantly, they invest in research for blood cancers such as CML. Because of this organization and other similar societies, research was funded to develop Gleevec. In fact, such progress has been made recently that a second medication called Sprycel has been approved by the FDA for CML. A third medication Tasigna is slated for approval later this year. Without research funding from the LLS, none of this would be possible. Unfortunately, there are many other blood related cancers with fewer treatment options available. More research money is desperately needed.
Needless to say, I want to give back and I need help from you. There are many ways to help. I am putting together a team called Team Gershon to try to raise as much money as possible for the society. If you are interested in joining my team, you are able to walk in the Light the Night March on September 30, 2006. We will be walking down Blackstone Boulevard in Providence, RI holding lit balloons. My hope is that all my team members will try to raise money on their own to support the team and the efforts of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I would love to have a huge team of walkers. All registered walkers will be able to make their own donation web page and the LLS helps you with seeking donations. They make it very simple and fun.
The other way to help is to contribute directly to the team fundraising campaign. I have a website on the Leukemia and Lymphoma's Society page which explains this is more detail and allows you to donate or become a member of Team Gershon. The web address is http://www.active.com/donate/riltn/1817_jgers01
I thank you in advance for helping me with this effort. Any contribution can be helpful.
3 comments:
all signed up!
mom
Hi Jon,
I am now a member of "Team Gershon"!! What a great fundraiser. Be sure to mention this to everyone at work, or I'm sure you know, I will. After all, no one can join your team if they don't know. I would be happy to spread the word, just let me know. I have also set a goal for what I want to raise as a team member. I am also signed up to help out if it's needed.
I think that this is a great way for a person to get involved who believes that he/she couldn't possibly make a difference because I once felt that way, but I know that it's not my financial support that makes me feel like I've made a difference but my words of faith and encouragement to YOU and your sincere graditude and optimism in this that makes it all worth it. Be assured that these are not just words written from my thoughts but words that come from "my soul" and this is why I am able to express them to you the way that I do.
As always, God bless!!
Sue
Hi Jon,
We will be behind you all the way....Literally! We are looking forward to walking with Team Gershon to support this wonderful cause. We will most definitely be "wishing upon a star" that evening. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you everyday.
Love, The Kasten Crew
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