Here is a note I received from my Freshman Year Roommate, Jonathan Becker. Please read it and consider supporting his efforts --
Dear Friends:
Would you consider sponsoring me for a triathlon to benefit
the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society? If
that’s all you needed to hear, click here to
donate. Or read on …
My personal connection to this issue is really about two
lawyers. The first is my good college
friend James Esseks, who inspires me with his work as director of the American
Civil Liberties Union’s Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender & AIDS Project. He is in remission from non-Hodgkin’s
Lymphoma. A few years back, I was
shocked to hear he had cancer. I am so
grateful that he is well now, because he is a close friend and I admire how he
and his team help good people wanting very basic things about family and work.
The other lawyer was my grandfather, Harry Becker. He too had non-Hodgkin’s
Lymphoma but died when I was seven years old.
I remember him as tremendously sweet, loving, and funny. I often wish I could just spend a day with
Grandpa Harry now.
Why James is surviving his cancer, while Grandpa Harry did
not, I have to believe has to do with the amazing research done in the years
between. So it’s important to support
ongoing research and care.
So what about the triathlon?
Many of you know that I enjoy cycling, and I also run some. Swimming is another story – I have never been
good at it. So I am rising at 5:00am
three days a week for a Masters swimming group and also swimming on my
own. I am making slow and steady
progress; when I started, I was winded after one lap in the pool. With the Team in Training practices added, I
am working out 5-7 days a week. It’s
hard work, but I’m enjoying it.
About the beneficiary of your gift, the Leukemia and
Lymphoma Society (LLS):
-
LLS researchers helped develop half of all new
cancer drugs approved by the FDA in the last decade. Many of the treatments also are used to treat
other cancers and diseases such as stomach cancer, diabetes and multiple
sclerosis.
-
L LLS's patient services programs include
education, support groups and financial aid for patients and their
families. If you can imagine what it’s
like to hear you have cancer, to get immediate help is so important.
-
It was rated a top non-profit on 2011 by
Philanthropedia.
My mother had polio as a child and it affects her to this
day. I know when she was young and
contracted it, people were terrified of polio.
Now we don’t fear it. I only hope
we can reach the same point with cancer.
We have all been touched by cancer in some way, and we can all be part
of the solution.
I hope you’ll donate, because it helps so many people and it
will inspire me to work harder. Please click here
to go to my fundraising page.
With love and thanks,
Jonathan
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