Dear family and friends,

I am about to begin an incredible journey. It will test my physical and emotional stamina. To complete my journey, I need your help. On April 26-28, 2002, I will be participating in Avon's Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk.

This incredible event will cover 60 miles from Ft. Worth to Dallas, Texas. That's right - 60 miles!

Many of you knew or heard me speak of Billie DeHart. She was a dear friend, who passed on after fighting the disease. I will be walking in her memory. She would have done the same for others.

Every woman is at risk for breast cancer, and although it cannot be prevented, it can be treated when detected at an early stage. More than 97% of women who are diagnosed at an early stage survive more than five years.

However, in order to detect this disease early on, women need access to medical care, access to screening, education and treatment. And ultimately, we need a cure. Many women do not have access to medical attention to prevent this disease.

When I made the commitment to walk these 60 miles, I agreed to not only train hard so I could complete the walk, but also to raise $1,900 for the cause. I have begun my training, but I need your help to reach my financial goal. Although we have been asked to raise $1,900, I would like to commit myself to $3,000. If I can make a difference, and save more lives, I will do it!

I'd like to ask you to invest in my dream, and help too. Your contribution, together with contributions from thousands of others will have a serious impact on this cause. I would never ask you to do something that I wouldn't do myself. For this reason I have started my fundraising with a personal pledge of $100. I need to reach my goal of $1900 by March 29th to be able to walk in April. Please make a tax-deductible pledge to help reach this goal. The money raised will go towards non-profit breast health programs, state of the art medical research and to provide support for medically underserved women in the United States.

This year, you can go online to donate and use your debit or credit card. You'll need to know that I'm walker #2622 in Dallas. Your payment can also be split into 10-monthly installments.

Challenge!! - can you part with $10 per month? With this small amount, over 10 months, your donation will be $100!

Thank you so much for supporting me in this endeavor!

Mary Lou


For more information about this event:
www.bethepeople.com