letter to friends

the letter I sent for the 2008 walk for breast cancer

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For my mother … 

To all my family and friends, 

This July, I, and thousands of others will walk 40 miles to raise funds for the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade. The funds collected go toward breast cancer research, and support for families that are affected by it. 

I am writing to ask for your help in raising $1,800 (or more) for the cause. It all adds up, so please put in as much or as little as you can. It is tax deductible. 

You can visit my personal page to make a donation via credit card:

http://info.avonfoundation.org/site/TR/Walk2008/SanFrancisco?px=3898768&pg=personal&fr_id=1480&s_tafId=271864

(Let me know if you’d rather write a check, and I will send you the paperwork.)

Here is some information on how the money is spent

http://walk.avonfoundation.org/site/PageServer?pagename=walk_how_spent 

And here is the story behind why I am doing this: 

In 2005, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. In spite of surgery, it came back a year later – this time much more aggressive than the last. Always the fighter, she underwent surgery a second time, and fought the ravages of chemotherapy tooth and nail. Believe me, for someone who is 80 years old, this is almost impossibly hard. 

There were many, many times we feared she would not make it – it was heart wrenching to see her so weak. My mother, who has always been the rock for everyone around her, was completely helpless. But those of you who know her, know that mummy is a real trooper, and a year later, she is strong and healthy, and back in Mumbai.

 I owe my mom’s life to the early detection that helped save her, to the research due to which breast cancer is no longer a death sentence, and to the phenomenal support system of doctors, nurses, and of course, the endless stream of family and friends who encouraged her every step of the way, and kept up her morale. 

I am doing this walk in her honor, and in honor of every person who has been affected by this devastating disease. 

Most of you have, possibly, at some point in your lives, known someone who has been touched by cancer. So please, in memory of the ones you have loved and lost, and for the ones who have survived, make a donation towards this cause.

 Thank you,

Gaelyn.