02/11/2004

I thought it only fitting that I officially begin my next journey in this fight against cancer on the 5 year anniversary of my cancer diagnosis. The absolute fear I felt five years ago is part of what continues to motivate me to continue raising funds and awareness around this cancer monster. My goal continues to be spreading the word that this is a fight that we absolutely CAN win.

Unfortunately monsters rarely die easily and this monster is tougher than most. It will take our continued support - financially and emotionally - to uncover the key that turns this battle in our favor. Great strides are made almost daily in this fight and I truly believe that once we find the key to one form of cancer the others can't be too far behind.

In the meantime there are quite literally millions of individuals and families that are in need of our help. I was blessed with (and continue to be amazed by) a strong circle of family and friends that rallied around me as I took on the monster. Unfortunately not everyone is as lucky as I am. This is where we can help.

The funds raised by the Breast Cancer 3 Day will benefit the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, one of the world's leading cancer organizations. The Komen Foundation is dedicated to eradicating breast cancer as a life-threatening disease through research, education, screening and treatment. This means that those individuals I mentioned earlier will have a place to turn for help. They will discover that they really don't have to fight this monster alone....and that someday with our help their children, and ours, may not have to fight the monster at all.

It's hard to put a price on that but that is exactly what I'm going to ask you to do. Please donate generously to this cause. I have been amazed by the absolute generosity of family, friends and complete strangers over the past three years and I'm confident that this year will be even more amazing.

I will do the hard part. I will raise the required minimum of $2000 then exceed it to reach my personal goal of $5000. I will train faithfully for months, walking more miles than I ever thought possible, let alone reasonable, in order to be ready for the final 60 miles I will walk in October as part of a group of courageous women and men in the San Diego Breast Cancer 3 Day. I will talk myself senseless to anyone who will listen about the importance of early cancer screening and education, regular medical and self exams, research, treatment and of course support for those who currently battle this monster. I will invite you to join me on this journey as part of my team of Kindred Spirits but if you cannot, then please consider joining me financially in this fight by clicking on the "Donate" link to the right and following the prompts for an online donation. Every little bit helps. This is a unique opportunity for you to be a hero to someone you will never even meet. Now there's something to think about!

Thank you in advance for your incredible generosity and thank you so much for your continuing support.



Penny Kellam
kellam83@att.net