On September 26, 2004 I will be participating in the Disney Olympic distance Triathlon in Orlando, Florida. I will be training with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training in order to be fit enough to complete the 1500 m swim, 40K bike, and 10K run. I am willing to take on this challenge in honor of Kayla White, my teammate in the fight against blood cancers. Kayla is 13 years old and was diagnosed with Burkett’s Lymphoma 4 years ago but is currently in remission! Kayla is very brave and has inspired me to meet my personal goal of finishing a triathlon in September (a first!). I will be wearing a bracelet with Kayla’s name on it while I train and compete to remind myself that my challenge will never compare to Kayla’s and others’ daily battles.

Why am I doing this? There are tons of reasons, and here are three….
1. I can do it! I am dedicated to crossing the finish line in September.
2. I want to work hard for Kayla and your family and friends who may also be battling leukemia and other cancers.
3. I want to raise money to find a cure and raise awareness.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. The Society's mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Since its founding in 1949, the Society has provided more than $358 million for research specifically targeting blood cancers.

Where do you fit in?
1. Make a gift to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
2. Join the Team! (check out www.teamintraining.org for more information)
3. Visit my website at http://clueke.pledgepage.org/
4. Please don’t remind me that the Olympic triathlon distance is a long way. I’ve been told.

75% of my fundraising goal ($3,500) directly benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s ongoing research programs, patient services, and education. In return for meeting my fundraising goal, Team in Training will incur my race day expenses and provide coaching.

I am asking you to act by making a donation. Any amount, no matter how small, will bring us one step closer to a cure. Your generous donation is a chance to save a life, will make a difference, and is 100% tax deductible. Every penny counts.

Please help by
• Completing the sponsorship form (see "donate" link) before July 30.
• Asking your friends and family to visit my website and contribute to the cause.
• Letting me know if I can train and race in honor or memory of someone close to you.

I will be training twice a day, six days a week over the next 4 months and need your support. Please don’t forget to ask me how my training is going (and visit my website for updates)! Thank you in advance for helping me exceed my fundraising goal. I couldn’t do it without you.