OK, stop laughing. Yes, you heard correctly; I am running a marathon. I am doing this for several reasons - the most obvious being to get in shape and lose a few pounds. But, our most important reason is to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I will be training with a group called Team in Training, which will provide me coaching and support in a four-month training program.

In Los Angeles, we will be running in honor of a special man named Jack Aiello who was diagnosed in 1995 with Multiple Myeloma (a disease that affects the blood and bones). Jack is 52 years old and has 3 children. He and his son play cello, so they have a special bond with Renee. There currently is no cure for Myeloma, so Jack is continuing to battle this disease with medication, radiation, stem cell transplants, and other treatments. His goal is to see his son graduate from college in 4 years. I will also be running in honor of a family friend Alice Hsu.

I will be wearing bracelets with Jack and Alice's names on them (and all our other honorees) during our training and the marathon itself. Perhaps you know someone whose life has been affected by leukemia or one of its related cancers (lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, myeloma). If so, and you would like me to run in their honor, please let me know on the sponsor form.

You can join us in the fight for a cure by sponsoring us in this run for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

I am committed to raising at least $3000 to support The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

To join me, please complete and return the enclosed sponsor form to us by February 15, 2002. Of course, I'll gladly accept donations after this date; however, the sooner I can meet my fundraising goal, the better I can focus my energy on preparing for this event.

Your gift is 100% tax-deductible. 75% of your donation will go towards patient services and research for finding a cure; however, 100% of the amount over our goal will go towards patient services and research. Whatever amount you can give will help - it all adds up in the end.

Over the next 4 months, you can track our training and fundraising progress on a web site we have set up: http://kevinchen.pledgepage.com. Try not to laugh too hard as you are having breakfast in bed and we have been running 4 hours.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter, and for your support. By getting involved, we really can make a difference.

Thank you,

Kevin F. Chen