Fundraising Letter

Dearest Friends and Family,

I trust this letter finds you happy and in good health.   We miss you all so much especially since our move to Texas. Thankfully we have new friends and family members ( Caleb, Chloe, Colin and Caylee) in Texas to add to our treasure box.

Darrel and I have often referred to our lives as “the great adventure”.  This letter is to tell you about the newest chapter in that adventure. Earlier this month we signed up to walk/run a Marathon.   That’s 26.2 miles. Never done one before.  You’re probably asking why?

Well as many of you know Darrel lost his mom to colon cancer 26 years ago and I lost my stepdad, Tom, to brain, bone and lung cancer only 11 months ago. Many of you may not know that my stepmom, Vivian, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma 8 years ago.  Well we are running in memory of our parents and in honor of Vivian, with the Leukemia, Lymphoma Society.  Watching my dad fight so hard for his life last year made a huge impact on me that I must do this. No matter how I cry out in pain during this training it’s still nothing compared to what he went through.
                                       
A diagnosis of leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma or myelodysplastic syndrome brings daily challenges. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. LLS is committed to providing information and support to people living with these cancers and to the health professionals involved in their care.

I love that LLS is not only dedicated to finding a cure but are at the same time helping patients and families in the midst of their fight today. That meant so much to mom and I helping with dad, health care professionals volunteering to assist us and also to help financially.

It is so rewarding to help others as you know. Getting our eyes off ourselves and our own struggles.  That’s why we run.

You can help us through your prayers foremost and also through your giving. You can mail me a check made out to LLS or the easiest way is on our websites:
Ginger's Website
http://pages.teamintraining.org/ntxok/Whiterck11/gbrookseqb
Darrel's Website
http://pages.teamintraining.org/ntxok/Whiterck11/dbrooksojb

Darrel also started a blog to keep track of our daily progress. It’s: Http://brooksruntherace.blogspot.com

Well, we’ve bought our shoes and socks, signed our names and started our training. It’s your turn now. I hope you will remember someone special and give.

The Lord Bless you always,  
Darrel & Ginger Brooks