2007 FUNDRAISING LETTER
Each of us has at least one moment in our life that changes everything. That moment, whatever it is, changes how we look at the world and ultimately how we choose to live in it. It causes us to look around and consciously decide to do things differently. Our world and our place in it literally shift with our new knowledge.

In my own life I?ve experienced this shift twice. The first time was when I heard the words ?You have cancer,? followed closely by ?with a 24% chance of survival.? I was 33 with two young teenage sons at home. I wasn?t ready to leave them. But I was incredibly lucky. Early detection and aggressive treatment quite literally saved my life. I was able to watch my sons grow up into amazing young men.

But my world shifted. You simply can?t be told your world may be ending without something changing. My eyes were opened not only to what was really important to me ? my family and friends ? but also to how fortunate I was to have access to the treatments that saved my life. My outcome could have so very easily been different. It is different for tens of thousands in this country alone every single year.

The second time my world shifted was December 28, 2005 when I learned that my oldest son Sean had died in a traffic accident on his way home from work. He was 22. Once again my world shifted. Learning to live without Sean just a phone call away has been a challenge beyond all explanation. I wouldn?t wish it on my very worst enemy and it?s a challenge no family should ever have to face?ever.

So why am I sharing these very personal stories with you? Because these shifts in my world are why I am committed to doing everything I can to help stop the monster we call cancer. No family should ever have to experience the death of a loved one from this monster - especially when the cure is just around the corner. It?s that motivation that brings me back to the Seattle Breast Cancer 3 Day. Before the sixty mile weekend walk in September I?ll spend countless hours walking in preparation, countless hours mentoring my teammates and countless hours talking to anyone that will listen about early cancer detection, regular checkups, etc. None of this will bring Sean back but it might save another family from losing someone so precious to them...someone that could be saved.

So this is where you come in. The cure may be just around the corner but it will take cold hard cash to get there. To participate in this event I am required to raise $2500 by June 1st. Please give generously to this important cause by filling out the enclosed donation slip or going online to www.the3day.org and searching for my name. Your fully tax deductible donation will be responsibly managed by Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund.

I?ll be sending out some progress reports along the way but the best way to keep track of my training and fundraising progress is to visit me at http://pennys.pledgepage.org. You can also keep track of my team?s progress and fundraising projects at www.kindredspirits-usa.com. Be sure to sign the guest books when you visit! Kind words of encouragement are always welcomed!!

Thank you in advance for your generous support. I simply can?t do it without you.

-Penny