July 26, 2010
Dear
On October 9, 2010 I will be competing in the Ford Ironman Triathlon World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. If you are a triathlete, there is no bigger day. Competing at Kona is a life dream and goal. I wil be one of 1,800 athletes and I have been actively training to complete the 2.4-mile open water swim, the 112-mile bike ride and the 26.2 mile run for 13 months. Although I have competed in several 70.3 Ironman Triathlons, Ironman Kona will be my first full distance Ironman.
I have surrounded myself with great coaches, mentors and family whose support will help me cross the Ironman finish line. More important than my physical commitment to this race is my commitment to raise funds for the Ready or Not Foundation in an effort to find a cure for Pediatric Brain Cancer. This terrible disease has affected my own family. My niece Jackie Black was diagnosed at age six with a high-grade glioma. After two brain surgeries, 33 radiation treatments and 18 months of chemotherapy, Jackie has completed more than any Ironman in any triathlon.
The Ready or Not Foundation is a foundation dedicated to promote the awareness of pediatric brain cancer and to raise funds for scientific research targeting better treatments and a cure for pediatric brain cancer. Everyday nine children are inexplicably diagnosed with a Brain Tumor. Research is the key to finding a cure and funding for research is essential. 100% of every dollar contributed to the Ready or Not Foundation will be dedicated to funding such research. Additionally, the Ready or Not Foundation has secured a matching grant through a private foundation. Every dollar contributed to the Ready or Not Foundation means two dollars will be contributed towards the Glioma Research Project at Texas Children's Cancer Center.
As I compete through the 140.6-mile race, I hope to raise awareness of the fight against pediatric brain cancer on this unique stage. I will do so in honor of my niece Jackie (now 11 years old), my friend Matthew Cantu (9 years old) and in memory of Maggie Lane Cobb. I have set a personal goal of raising $25,000.00 toward this effort. Please consider a donation in support of finding a cure. Your donation will be tax deductible and should be made payable to The Ready or Not Foundation. I have enclosed a self addressed and stamped envelope for your convenience.
Committed to this race, to this cause and focused on the challenge to make a difference, I Am Ready for a Cure and Ready for Kona.
Sincerely,
Buddy Bell |
