Greetings,

On October 31, 2004 I will be running in the Marine Corps Marathon for the National Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (NLLS). My participation in this fundraising event was motivated by my relationship with my long time friend’s mother who is a Leukemia survivor. My friend and I are running in her honor. The NLLS is the world’s largest private organization concerned solely with finding cures for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and to improving the quality of life of patients and their families.

They sponsor a program called ‘Team in Training’ which provides coaches, trainers, and encouragement to participants in order to meet their goals. They have been of great support to me as this will be my first marathon.

Please join us to help fight leukemia, lymphoma and other related blood diseases. My goal is to raise $2,620 by October 1st to support the research of finding a cure for cancer. Please search your hearts and make a donation. All contributions great and small will be greatly appreciated and will bring the society “one step closer to a cure.”

Thank you,
Patricia Ligas

P.S. As part of my training I participated in a race organized by Nike in New York City's Central Park, which is where this photo was taken.