My sister Tara is running in the Boston Marathon for the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge Team (DFMC). She is running in memory of a teacher named Anita who was in one of the science programs that Tara runs. And Tara is also running in memory of our Great-Uncle Donny. Here is the letter that we received from Tara so that she can raise donations.
“Dear Drew and Allison
While most people have spent the winter hunkering down and staying out of the cold, I’ve found myself outside more than usual. You ask why? Well, long before the snow began, I joined the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge Team (FMC) to train for the 109th Boston Marathon happening on April 18th. I can say it is a small sacrifice to run 12 miles in -4 weather or snow shoe in waist-deep snow during cross training. I consider it a privilege to be able to do these activities. It is the least I can do to help the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute raise money for important cancer research.
One hundred percent of the funds raised by DFMC team members benefit the Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Cancer Research. The Barr program allows scientists to begin researching important questions without waiting years to be awarded large grants. In the summer and fall of 2003, I had the pleasure of meeting and working with a number of researchers from Dana-Farber and arranging lectures for teachers and students. I was inspired by one particular teacher undergoing cancer treatments while in our program. Despite battling cancer, Anita was learning as much as she could to pass along to her high school students. Sadly, she lost he battle with cancer this past fall. In April, I will run in memory of Anita, my uncle Donny, and all my family members and friends who have shown courage in their own battles against cancer. I hope that you will consider making your contribution in support or memory of someone you know.
Together we can make a difference and there are several ways in which you could generously support my efforts. A form is included with this letter for you to indicate your choice. All donations are tax-deductible. Every donation, large or small, goes directly to much-needed cancer research and brings me one step closer to helping the DFMC team reach our goal. If your company has a matching gift program, I would appreciate the inclusion of a matching gift form.
You can track my progress in meeting this goal or contribute online at.
www.dfmarathon.kintera.org
(I have made this a direct link to Tara’s Page)
I am proud to be a member of the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge Team. I hope that you will help me to reach my goal of raising $6,000 by making a tax deductible donation to the “Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge.” The motto of DFMC is that “it takes more than courage to beat cancer.” This is true, each and every contribution helps. Thank you for your generosity and support, and for being part of my team to make a difference.
Sincerely,
Tara”