Friends and Well-Wishers,
It's your old friend Joe Lyons. Some of you already know about what's going on with my family, others I have not talked to in far, far too long (How are you? I'm fine!). Some of these email addresses are undoubtedly invalid and some of you are getting this email probably 2 or 3 times. You'll have to forgive me. It was a lot easier to add all of my non-family email addresses at once, than it was trying to type them all individually. So please don't hold it against me if you see this email pop up in your life more often than the one from the King of Nigeria and his exciting business proposition...oh and, take it from me, that guy is full of it.
Anyway, to the matter at hand. This year, cancer has reared it's ugly, unwelcome head into my family twice. First, my Dad found out he had esophageal cancer. Then, about 3 months later, my brother, Dan, found out he has Leukemia (the ALL variety to be specific). So, needless to say, it's been an emotionally exhausting year. But if cancer had it's choice of fights to pick, it definately made two very wrong decisions. Both Dad and Dan have been kicking so much ass, that not a day goes by that I don't stand there in amazement at the sheer strength and will power they have in them. Although they may be losing weight and hair, they have never been bigger in my eyes. I am impressed, humbled, and honored that I get to be related to them. Dad's tumor is already shrinking in terror and Dan is already entering Stage 3 of a very long and strenuous treatment with a ferocity of a Viking riding into battle on the back of a Begal tiger...which is to say, he's doing really well. I couldn't be prouder of them.
So here's where you, dear friends, come in. The Saturday after Thanksgiving (11/28/09), me and brother's old high school in Harrisburg, PA is holding a 5K for Dan. Here's the website:
This benefit run for Dan kicks off at 9:30am and will feature a 5k run, a 5k walk and a fun run for kids. There will be raffles and the National Marrow Registry will be there for anyone interested in signing themselves up to be marrow donors. It's easy and it's a chance for you to help give someone else their lives back.
Now I know what you're thinking, "Joe, it's the Saturday after Thanksgiving! I'll be more turkey than human at that point!" Well, first of all, you need some better portion control. Second of all, I can't think of a better way to liberate yourself from all of that turkey-weight! It'll be a great excuse to be outside with friends and family and it'll help put you on the road to recovery as far as your pants size goes...and there will be t-shirts! I've attached a registration form to this email.
A lot of you, obviously, won't be anywhere near the Harrisburg area on 11/28, so please, if you're able, send along a donation for any amount. You can do so by filling out the aforementioned registration form. Just check the "Making a Flat Donation" line. Every little bit helps and I can't tell you how much of a difference it's going to make in my brother's life. Hate stamps and just plain don't trust the US Postal Service? Then get your donation to me and I'll make sure every cent of it gets to Harrisburg on 11/28.
Words won't be able to express my gratitude for anyone who is able to attend or donate. If you're not able to do either, than please send all of your thoughts, prayers, and good mojo my family's way and you'll still have all of my eternal gratitude. Also, if you know folks who may be interested, please forward this along, post it on your Facebook page, rent out ad space on the side of a bus...you get the idea.
Well, sorry for the long email. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your time. I hope this message finds you well and I look forward to talking to all of you soon. If you have any more questions about the 5K or anything in general, then just drop me a line.
Thanks again!
Joe Lyons
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