Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Team Joy Light the Night Walk

Hello friends & family!

As all of you know, I was diagnosed with a rare form of Leukemia in 2007. My doctors gave me my grim statistics: they could medically prove I had this for less than 2 weeks; if I had not received treatment when I did, I only had 2 days left to live; and I was given a 40% chance of survival. All of you were instrumental in helping me and my family overcome this disease. Thank you for your service, love, and concern.

I have not been active in charity work for a few years, but through my experience with Leukemia, I have decided to focus my efforts on the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. This is due to their significant help that they gave to me and my family during my sickness. Two examples of this help include: 1) research and origination of technology and drug development funded by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society whose technology and protocols saved my life and 2) free educational resources provided for patients and families touched by blood cancers. Ken participated in 2 conference calls and was able to get answers to our questions from international experts concerning my rare condition.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and services for patients and their families. The LLS research funding is aimed at effective discovery and development of new therapies for all blood cancer patients who need them. You can learn more about this society at www.LLS.org.

If you possibly can, I’m asking you to join me and my family for the “Light the Night” walk on Saturday, October 9th, at Sugarhouse Park and to make a donation as part of your participation. Light the Night Walk is LLS’s annual walk and fundraising event. On Walk night, participants gather in cities and towns across the U.S. and Canada and walk in twilight, holding illuminated balloons—white for survivors, red for supporters, gold in memory of loved ones lost. Anyone can take part—children, adults, and seniors are all welcome. This is a casual fundraising walk with no fitness requirements. Ken and I are so passionate about this endeavor that we will match any donation that you make. Donations are accepted in any increments and are appreciated even if you are unable to attend. For a $100 donation, you will receive an illuminated balloon, t-shirt, and dinner. Registration starts at 5:00 p.m. and includes dinner, live entertainment, and a kid zone. The walk will start at 7:15 p.m. You can also register on-line. To register to walk and to make a donation, visit www.lightthenight.org. Click on Register to Walk, then click on Join a Team. Look for Team Joy and Sugarhouse Park. If you are unable to attend but would like to make a donation to my team fundraising page, use the following link: http://pages.lightthenight.org/dm/saltlake10/TeamJoy. Click on Donate to a Team Member…Joy Woolley. “We all know someone with cancer. It’s time to walk the talk. Please join us and raise funds for lifesaving cancer research.” --Tina Fey, Light the Night Walk National Spokesperson

I know this is short notice, but considering a 1 ½ mile walk for all of you marathon and tri-athlete types will be a walk in the park (literally!) with no training necessary, I hope you’ll join us. We’ll see if you can out walk me with my 2 new titanium hips!

Loves,

Joy