First Pitch of the Season

Today my baby brother is 44 years old. Happy Birthday, John! It seems like just yesterday we were tearing around the old neighborhood together. Some strange time warp dealie has tossed us 35 years into the future. Crazy.

Yesterday I launched the official fundraising letter for my Big Walk (which many of you have already received/seen), but here it is again. Within 1/2 an hour of emailing it, I already had two very generous donations - I actually had one within about 2 minutes! I can't tell you how excited I am to be doing this. Yes, it's a tremendous undertaking, but I can do it.

"Whether you think you can, or think you can't, you're right."
~Henry Ford
So, for any Black Ink Pad readers who aren't on my mailing list:

Dear Friends and Family,

I have taken on an incredible challenge. This year, I'll be participating in a very special event called the Breast Cancer 3-Day. Beginning September 12, 2008 I’ll be walking 60 miles over the course of three days, with thousands of other women and men. It’s for an event called the Breast Cancer 3-Day, which benefits Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund. The net proceeds will support breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment through Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund. They are working hard to build a future without breast cancer.

I've agreed to raise at least $2,200 in donations. I know I can raise even more than that, and have set my personal goal at $2,500. So I need your help. Please consider making a donation of $50.00. If you can’t give this amount all at once, you can spread it out over four months, using the payment plan option.

Keep in mind how far I'm walking - and how hard I'll have to train. You can donate online at http://www.the3day.org/. Just click on Donate Now and search for my personal fundraising page (Barb Black, walker id #1766328). You can also call 800.996.3DAY to donate over the phone.

In the past 15 years, I have lost three dear friends to breast cancer, and know three more who are currently battling this horrible disease. So, this is a cause that is very dear to my heart. Without a cure, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer - there is not a single life that will go untouched by this illness - these woman are mothers, aunts, cousins, sisters, wives, friends. So, your support is vital. Please join me in walking for the cure by donating today. Because, as stated: Everyone deserves a lifetime. That’s why I’m walking so far. To do something bold about breast cancer. I hope that you'll share this great adventure with me by supporting me in my fundraising efforts.

Please also help me by forwarding this email to anyone that you think might want to help - friends, family, coworkers. Every bit counts. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and thank you in advance for your support and generosity!

Sincerely,
Barb

PS You can visit my personal page at the 3day.org website by going to the following link: http://08.the3day.org/site/TR/Walk/SeattleEvent?px=1766328&pg=personal&fr_id=1189

For more information about the Breast Cancer 3-Day, Susan G. Komen for the Cure or the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund, visit our http://www.the3day.org/ or call 800.996.3DAY.