My Fundraising Page

In memory of my brother Kelley.

I don't do this very often; but I've registered to walk for the Light the Night Walk in San Antonio next week, in memory of my brother Kelley, who died of leukemia in 1968 at age 7 after a 2-1/2 year battle. My husband and children will be joining me. Light the Night is sponsored by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and this Walk is a major fundraiser for their cancer research.

I was four when Kelley died, and he was wonderful. As I put it once in an essay, his smile spared our mother many tears. Kelley would be 48 now; and I've often wondered how my life, and the world, would have been different if he had lived. Fundraising events like this may help other little sisters be able to grow up arguing, tattling, fighting, and wishing their brothers were dead--instead of the other way around.

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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 help me honor Kelley's memory and make a donation to support my participation in the Light The Night Walk.

Thank you for your support!