Mike's Strides for Hope
Marathon Challenge

Mike during chemotherapy, with son. June, 2003.

To Whom It May Concern,

I'm writing to tell you about a special organization I'm involved with and an exciting personal challenge I'm undertaking. I've joined forces with a dedicated group of men and women as a member of the Strides for Hope Marathon Training Team. We're committed to raising money to help people living with cancer find emotional support, education, and hope at The Wellness Community.

I'll be training to participate in the Vancouver International Marathon on May 2, 2004. This will be my first marathon, and I know it will require a great deal of time and both physical and mental preparation. But I have accepted the challenge because I want to make a difference in my own life and in the lives of people with cancer in our community.

The cause has special significance for me. In February 2003, a routine chest X-ray turned up a fist-sized tumor in my right lung. Doctors told me that I had advanced-stage lung cancer. This was a shock to everyone, especially given the healthy, non-smoking life I had led for 34 years. Because of the size and invasiveness of the tumor, doctors gave me a 10-15% chance of surviving the illness.

Over the next few months, I underwent an aggressive regimen of chemotherapy that pushed my body and mind to their limits. The chemotherapy had extraordinarily positive results and, as a result, I was able to undergo surgery last summer to remove the part of my lung where the cancer was located. Recent imaging tests have shown no signs of cancer in my body, and doctors have given me favorable odds for staying cancer-free.

Mike with friend after a Strides for Hope training run. January, 2004.

During my battle with cancer, I attended meetings at a local Wellness Community center. There, I was able to learn about my disease and talk to other cancer patients who were facing the same seemingly insurmountable challenges. My wife Linda also attended meetings at the center, where she was able to discuss her situation with other spouses and support people who were helping loved ones combat their illness. We know firsthand what a valuable resource The Wellness Community is for people struggling with cancer.

All of the support services at The Wellness Community are provided free of charge, so fund-raising programs like Strides for Hope are vital to keeping these services available.

I invite you to support me as I raise money to help The Wellness Community and people living with cancer. I have made a commitment to raise at least $2,900. Your personal contribution will help me reach this goal and support this worthy organization.

Any amount you can provide will be greatly appreciated. Click here for information on how to contribute. All donations are 100% tax-deductible. Check with your employer to see if they have a matching gift program; it could double your donation.

Training for and participating in my first marathon will help me recover from a year of chemotherapy and major surgery. By contributing, you're supporting an organization that helps thousands of people just like me deal with the many challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Mike Wooldridge