The Long Haul

[Seattle Sam]

Are any of you out there runners? Or have any of your lives been touched by leukemia? Please read on..

I am training to run a half-marathon next May. For those of you who have not met me in person, I am 52 years old and 40 pounds over weight; the last time I ran a mile was in junior high school. Now I am going to run 13.1 miles.

I am doing this to honor our son Dan, who (as many of you know) passed away just six months ago from cancer. I am also running to help raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Nationally, at least 75% of every dollar donated to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society supports its five major programs: research, patient services, professional education, public education, and community service.

I have agreed to raise at least $2400.00 for the Society by the end of January; and I will be contributing the first $600.00 so that the additional funds I raise will go 100% to research.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is dedicated to finding a cure and advancing the treatment for leukemia, the leading disease killer in people under age 35. Over 300 research scientists are currently funded nationally, with 18 supported here in Seattle at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and the University of Washington Medical Center. Any contributions to the Society are of course tax deductible.

If you have read this far, and would like to help me in my fund-raising effort, please PM or email me for details ñ your contributions are needed and appreciated!

Thanks,
-Seattle Sam
[email protected]

[sYc]

Sam, what address would you like the contributions sent to? The sYc will gladly donate. I lost an older brother to cancer several years ago. We were always very close, sharing the passion for hi-performnce cars.

[JChlupsa]

Count me in Sam. I cant be there to help you across the finish line but I sure can drop some $$ in the mail to you for the cause.

[Seattle Sam]

Thanks, Tom and Jeff! That's very generous!

Checks should be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (or to LLS).
please mail them to
Sam Besser
1717 198th St SW
Lynnwood, WA 98036

PS If you WOULD like to be there, the race is in Vancouver, BC, on Sunday, May 2nd.

Thanks again,
-Sam [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif[/img]

[MrsBillyBobcat]

Sam,

First of all, I am really sorry to hear about your son Dan. Running that marathon is a great way to honor his memory. Iím pretty sure that he will be right there with you in spirit every mile. I will be sending you a contribution to the address listed above.

Take care,

Rita [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[NWYENKO]

Sam, the check is in the mail. Great cause and a wonderful tribute to your son! Good luck in the Marathon. Jim [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[Seattle Sam]

Thanks to all of you for your encouragement and support! I started and completed my first half-marathon in Vancouver BC yesterday, and along the way members of sYc helped me raise over $2,600.00 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I was finisher number 5795 out of 6244 half-marathon finishers; over 7,000 started the half marathon. (I finished in the top 93%).....Below is a small portion of the official results from the marathon web site, http://www.adidasvanmarathon.ca/hm/

Adidas International Half Marathon 2004

FINAL OVERALL Results

FINAL PLACE 5795
Place in SEX 2160/2230 Male
Place in DIVISION 219/229 (Mens 50-54)
FINAL TIME 3:05:44
PACE / MILE 14:10
BIB No. 11966
NAME of COMPETITOR Sam Besser
CITY Lynnwood, WA

Without support from members of this Board, I would not have been able to raise the funds I did for LLS. I really appreciate your support and I want to thank all of you. This was a life-changing experience for me!
Thanks again,
-Sam

[Denis]

Attaboy Sam!

[mhassett]

Sam, Count us in Also. My wife's sister has Cancer and it's really hard as she is 42yrs. old with a 6 yr. old girl and a 10 yr. old boy and NO MAN AROUND!! Very Tough.
Take Care,
Mark & Ginnie Hassett