Subject: FW: Weasel Worker Fundraising Letter

From: Ride to Conquer Cancer [mailto:webmaster@conquercancer.ca] On Behalf Of Gerald Longson
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2009 10:46 PM
To: Whistler Weasel Workers

Subject: Weasel Worker Fundraising Letter

A message from Gerald Longson longson_mcneil@telus.net.

April 16, 2009

Dear Fellow Whistler Weasel Workers

You may not be aware that last fall I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer.

This was a devastating discovery for my family and I. I still thought of myself as being young, healthy and invincible (don't we all). Once I got over the shock and I started to explore the available treatments.

In the process, I came across the story of "The Ride to Conquer Cancer".

Right away, this two-day major cycling event benefiting the BC Cancer Foundation struck my fancy and I signed up immediately. The Cancer Foundation, as part of my sponsorship kit, provided me with a unique black with yellow trim and wording bracelet which I wear every day.

"The Ride to Conquer Cancer" provided me with a focus and a plan for recovery and going forward with my life once I decided on major surgery as my treatment. The surgery was successful and I am well on the road to recovery. I started back skiing the end of February, worked on the Dave Murray Course for the J-1 Nationals and, as of March 23, my doctor has OK'ed me getting back on by bike. And now it is my turn to give something back to the Cancer Foundation.

On June 20th 2009, I'll be participating in a two-day cycling trip from Vancouver to Seattle with thousands of other Riders.

At this time I am seeking your support in this fundraising event by making a tax deductible contribution. All of the proceeds will go to the BC Cancer Foundation to support cancer research, treatment, and services in British Columbia.

The BC Cancer Foundation is a leading comprehensive institution devoted to cancer research and care and the work they're doing is cutting-edge.

I am sure you know at least one other person who has been affected by cancer and that is too many!! With your support we can kick this disease.

I've agreed to raise at least $2,500 for this great cause and I need your help to do that. Please use the link at the bottom of this letter to visit my webpage for more information on the Ride and how to make a donation. As well, please note on my web page that I am wearing my 1988 Whistler World Cup "Yellow Daffodil" jacket, which keeps me dry and warm, keeps the wind out and is very hard to miss.

Please keep in mind the commitment I am making to end this heartbreaking disease and the personal efforts and energy I'll have to make to accomplish not only raising the $2,500 but also completing the 300 kms ride.
When I say "heartbreaking," here's what I mean: according to the National Cancer Institute of Canada, over 166,400 new cases of cancer and 73,800 deaths from cancer were estimated to occur this year. Another unfortunate probability is that 39% of Canadian women and 44% of Canadian men will develop cancer during their lifetime. These numbers are scary enough and are motivating me to take part in this fundraising event.

I want to do something BIG about cancer. I hope that you'll share this incredible adventure with me by supporting me in my fundraising efforts.

Thank you in advance for your generosity!

Sincerely,

Gerry Longson
http://www.conquercancer.ca/goto/longson

Click here to visit my personal page.

If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:

http://www.conquercancer.ca/site/TR/Events/Vancouver2009?px=1753911&pg=personal&fr_id=1281&fl=en_US&et=X8A2r7Zt5pGt8txHLxGagA..&s_tafId=164721

If you no longer wish to receive email messages sent from your friends on behalf of this organization, please click here or paste this URL into your browser: http://www.conquercancer.ca/site/TellFriendOpt?action=optout&toe=685c921892948a71fb092e007caa3ca34e9a8038ca29605f