My Fundraising Page

My Light the Night Page: for Eric Zagorda

I am raising money for the Light the Night Foundation in memory of one of the first friends I made in Boston. Eric was my safety net all through Freshman year-- his room a safe haven when I couldn't be in mine, and he always willing to listen to my ramblings, then bring me out of my own head with his sharp, honest take on everything. This friendship continued through school, when he would make the effort to cross the train tracks to my far-away dorm and go out of his way to include me in his weekend plans.

Sophomore year, Eric walked into the Children's Hospital ER (it looked less depressing than the other ER waiting rooms) and told the receptionist he had Leukemia. She, as any receptionist would do in the situation, assured him it was probably nothing.

Eric had correctly diagnosed himself.

Everyone has heard about how harsh the treatments are, how weak the patients become. The treatments were indeed tough, but Eric (stubbornly) remained strong in every way he could. He switched his major from mechanical engineering to bio-medical engineering, so he could work on improving treatments. He volunteered at Dana-Farber. He spoke to a captivated classroom of students. He also organized a team of friends for the Light the Night walk, a fundraiser he was already familiar with, walking in memory of his little sister Lauren, who had died of leukemia in 2000.

I am asking for donations in Eric's memory-- he worked hard to raise funds for research and I feel one of the best ways to honor his memory is to continue to do so. Even the smallest contribution helps. Just follow the instructions on the right to make a donation. If you prefer to donate in cash or with a check, please contact me at kaitcosta@gmail.com.

Thank you so much.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Light The Night Walk is The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's evening walk and fundraising event. It is the nation's night to pay tribute and bring hope to thousands of people battling blood cancers and to commemorate loved ones lost.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) funds lifesaving research that has contributed to major advances in the treatment of blood cancers and treatments for other types of cancer, such as chemotherapy and stem cell transplants. These treatments have helped patients live better, longer lives. New targeted therapies that kill cancer cells without harming normal tissue are providing drugs and procedures that are improving quality of life.

• A donation of $25 provides patients and their loved ones with FREE booklets that contain up-to-date information on their disease and help them make informed decisions about their treatment options.
• A donation of $50 makes possible a Family Support group with a trained facilitator where comfort can be found and experiences can be shared among patients and family members.
• A donation of $100 helps supply laboratory researchers with supplies and materials critical to carrying out their search for cures.
• A donation of $1,000 makes possible one- on-one conversations with health care specialists who provide patients with information about their disease, treatment options, and helps prepare them with questions for their health care team.

Please make a donation to support my participation in the Light The Night Walk and help save lives. Be sure to check my Web site frequently to see my progress, and thanks for your support!