Why I'm doing Ironman

While I'm hoping there will be lots of fun, during the course of the hard work required to train for Ironman I feel the need to explain to those who do not know why I'm doing this endurance event. Simply put: To raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. This money will be used to fund research, to develop more successful treatments, and some day to discover a cure for blood-related cancers. I believe this research will benefit all with cancer.

I have included the letter I have send by way of snail mail and email to all I know. Please take a few minutes and read it. It explains why I doing Ironman. Then scroll down to enjoy some photos.

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Dear Family, Friends and Colleagues,

In honor of all who live with leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma, and in memory of those who have lost their lives to blood-related cancers, I have decided to dedicate 10 months of my life to fundraise for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and train for the longest endurance triathlon known to man: IRONMAN, taking place in August of 2006 in Pinpicton, British Columbia.

Over the last several years I have known too many who have died with these diseases! I have lost my husband Sonny, our dear friend Ted, my dear friend and colleague lost her brother-in-law Phil, and another dear friend lost her husband Ken, plus another dear friend lost her brother Ricky. Too many deaths! And as you read this message, another young man we know named Trevor if fighting for his life! These men were fathers, sons and outstanding citizens in their communities.

In our modern scientific world, this is an outrage! More research is needed to find a cure and better forms of treatment. Many of you have asked, " What can I do?" It's simple. Financially support research by joining me in raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. This year my goal is to raise $7,500 to add to the $16,000 I have already raised over the past 3 years. This is a lofty goal and will be difficult, but easier than what each of the men above has gone through. Sonny, Ted and Phil each had a bone marrow transplant. Each agreed to an endurance event much more difficult than IronMan. I will do IronMan for them. And for you, to focus for your charitable donations to the Society which applies your dollars to research to end these terrible cancers.

A few facts I need to share are that an estimated 616,695 Americans are currently living with leukemia, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma. Yet the saddest statistic is every nine minutes, another child or adult dies from leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma. This statistic represents 160 people each day - seven people every hour. These statistics are not just numbers. They represent real people! Husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, children and parents. Each day we continue to miss those who died.

Please join me in funding research, and remember your contribution is 100% tax deductible. Donate on-line at the site below
http://www.active.com/donate/tntgsf/BarbaraSilva

See what the entire team is doing at http://ironteam.net Our first workout is October 9th.

Please feel free to forward this to anyone and everyone because your donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is changing lives, one dollar... one mile at a time.

Barbara

ps. The L&L Society is helping cancer patients in hurricane stricken areas and beyond to read more click on http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/all_news_detail.adp?item_id=379423&cat_id=140

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." --- Margaret Mead