Who Hates Cancer?

Raise your hand if you HATE cancer.  Got both arms up?  Me too.  Did you know:

• 1 in 3 people will have some form of cancer in their lifetime.  Next time you're sitting around the dinner table, look around.  Odds are that at least one of you will have cancer.
• 1 in 4 deaths in the US is from cancer.  It is the 2nd leading cause of death in our country.
• Each day, 3400 people are diagnosed with cancer.  In less than 15 days, Yankee stadium would be filled with cancer patients.
• And each day, another 1500 people lose the fight.

But did you also know that the survival rate for many types of cancers has improved in recent years?  Thanks to cutting edge drugs and treatment, as well as awareness programs dedicated to prevention and early detection.

"The American Cancer Society is a nationwide community-based, voluntary health organziation dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service."

I personally know that the ACS stands behind their mission statement.  And that is why I have chosen to swim, bike, and run 140.6 miles at Ironman Coeur d'Alene 2011 in an effort to raise over $5000 for their organization.  Through the Janus Charity Challenge, my friends and family, and your friends and family, will be able to participate and support the fundraising efforts.  I am (un)patiently for the 2011 programs to be added to the website.  But until then, here is some additional information:

--I have a new blog page that will have current fundraising status, links to events, and ways that you can help.

--You will be able to "Buy a Mile" for $10 in honor or memory of someone, and I will race that mile for them.  I am hoping to find a way to have all of the names printed on my swim cap, bike jersey, and running singlet.

--General donations will always be much appreciated.

--I'm working on some fun events between now and June 27th (race day!).  Some ideas: a 5k snowshoe event, another bike clinic (like we had for the Livestrong fundraising), group training rides/runs, and some cool swag from the American Cancer Society.

Stay tuned...

Email me at sarahhatescancer@gmail.com for more information.