Guess what? I’m on an endeavor to run a half-marathon on May 4, 2003 in Vancouver. Yup, that’s 13.1miles! I know, this may come as surprise, since I’ve never been a runner or been very athletic =). Then one day I got up from bed and started running in my neighborhood and that’s where it began. In the past year or so, I’ve run in a couple of races and loved it.

This year, I’ve decided to join a program called Team in Training. Team in Training is a volunteer fundraising program for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I attended an informational session primarily to learn more about the training program, but I learned even more about the devastating statistics of leukemia and lymphoma.

Did you know. . .

· Leukemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, is the number one killer of children between the ages of 1 and 14.
· Leukemia and Lymphoma cancers are the 4th major cause of cancer deaths in the United States.
· Over 100,000 Americans will contract leukemia –and more than 57,000 will die from leukemia or its related diseases this year.

I didn’t.

Each person on the team will be running for an honoree.
On February 8th, I was blessed with the opportunity to
meet Rich Brooks, my honoree. I feel honored to wear
Rich’s name on my honoree bracelet.

I went in to the information session thinking about how I would
benefit from the training program and left realizing it’s not about
what I can gain from the training (of course, I’ll benefit from the
training =)), but being grateful for what I have and what I can do to
make difference in someone’s life.

I’m committed to raise a minimum of $3100 for the Leukemia and
Lymphoma Society. Over 75% of the donations will go directly
to the research, patient services, professional education, advocacy,
and community services. To help fight against leukemia and
lymphoma, please complete the sponsor form and return it to me
with your tax deductible-contribution by March 7, 2003.


Training for and running in this race has been a challenge already, but it is nothing compared to the challenge that Rich Brooks and others who battle this disease are forced to confront on a daily basis. With your generous support, I will cross that finish line at the half marathon in Vancouver, and we will all contribute to the finish of leukemia and lymphoma in the 21st century.

Sincerely with much thanks and appreciation,
Grace Yang
grace.yang.1993@alum.bu.edu