Join me in making a Difference in the Fight Against Cancer!

[RickPeete]

Hi everyone!  Rico suggested that I share with you a special event that has great importance to me, and give the TSF Community a chance to consider supporting me along the way.

As most of you know, I have been doing a lot of work to live healthier, lose weight, and lead a more active lifestyle.  I do a lot of exercise and running to help me reach those goals.  Well last fall, I ran a 10K to support Breast Cancer research. The race was great, made even better because I was running for a cause, something that meant a lot to me.  I have experienced first-hand how cancer kills.  I have both witnessed and experienced the pain it leaves in its wake.  I have also seen the spiritual renewal and joy of its survivors.

After that 10K race, I committed to participating in the 2012 Avon Walk for Breast Cancer to be held over two days on June 2-3, 2012.  It's a big commitment, one that requires many months of training (which I have already begun) and fundraising. But breast cancer is a big disease, one that still affects far too many people, and I'm determined to do everything I can to help put an end to it.  What better way to put my improved fitness to work than to walk in support of this cause.

Breast cancer is something very real in the life of my family.  We have many friends who are survivors and we are thankful.  But we have others who fought hard but not been as fortunate.  Many women, going back several generations, in my wife's family have died from this disease including my mother-in-law Barbara.  We have learned that this runs in families, that there is a genetic component to this.  It is a fear that my wife and I live with.  And we pray that someday, there will be a cure.  We are still praying.

Albeit a two-day 'walk', this is indeed a "race".  A race to put an end to this disease that claims so many men and women every year.  This is an event that goes beyond medals and personal accomplishment. This is a larger journey with a destination that will help heal an ailing world.  I am proud to walk in remembrance of Barbara and in solidarity with all who are "IN IT TO WIN IT".

The money raised goes to the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade, whose mission is to fund access to care and finding a cure.  They provide funding to organizations all over the country in five areas: medical research, clinical care, support services, educational and advocacy seminars, and community-based, non-profit early detection breast health programs.  You can visit avonwalk.org for more information about this event and breast cancer in general.

I will be just one of thousands of people that will walk a marathon and a half (39.3 Miles) over the two-day event, raising awareness of the cause and educating even more people.

But I can't do it without help.  Though I'm required to raise at least $1,800 in donation, I plan to raise much more with the help of friends like you!  All donations are tax-deductible!  I appreciate your donations as they will help MAKE A DIFFERENCE!  There are two ways to make a donation:

ONLINE Donations: You can make a donation to my fundraising campaign by going to my AVON fundraising site and clicking on the DONATE NOW link there.  It is simple, quick, and completely secure.

MAIL-IN Donations: If you prefer to write a check or send in a printed credit card transaction, you will need to print out the Mail-in Donation Form, fill it out according to the instructions, and mail it to: AVON Foundation, PO Box 742509, Cincinnati, OH 45274-2509.  Please make sure you include the form with your check and write my Participant ID (#241882) in the Memo Field of your check.

As you're considering whether to make a donation, remember that in less time than it took to read this message, another woman or man in the U.S. was diagnosed with breast cancer -- one every three minutes.  Approximately 41,000 women and men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012.  Please pray for all cancer survivors and those fighting the disease right now. Together let's continue to make a difference, to fight this cancer and do all that we can to prevent it for ourselves and future generations...until a cure is found.

So why post this on a SciFi forum?  In the 23rd Century, the Federation had cured most of the diseases of our current era.  Remember how Dr. McCoy didn't want to leave Chekov in the hands of "20th century medicine" in ST:IV.  Well, we don't have the luxury of Bones' miracle pills to bail us out.  We have to fund the research today that will LEAD US to the future cures that the Federation enjoyed.

Thank you for your support and encouragement.  When I am out there walking, know that you will be a special part of my journey.  LLAP

[Rico]

Glad you posted this here and it's for a great cause.  I urge everyone to donate whatever you can.  And good for you Rick for working so hard to do all this.

[billybob476]

What a great cause and a great challenge!

[RickPeete]

Thanks!  It is good to find ways to combine things you are passionate about with positive actions that benefit the community.  Definitely worthy of the ideals of Star Trek.  :)

Thanks in advance to those who are able to make a donation towards this effort.

[moyer777]

Done!  I am so impressed!  Way to go Rick!

[RickPeete]

Thanks Rick!

[Rico]

Donation sent!  Lynn did the breast cancer walk here in Michigan a few years ago too.  Good luck with this Rick and again it's a great cause.

[RickPeete]

Thanks Rico! That is cool that Lynn did the Walk as well! :)

[KingIsaacLinksr]

If only I wasn't broke with no income =\....

King

[RickPeete]

If you have any Latinum, King?  :)

[KingIsaacLinksr]

If you have any Latinum, King?  :)

If only...if only...

King

[Rico]

Just mentioning every dollar counts.  Even a $5.00 donation is great and helps!  :)