Dear Friends and Family,

The fight against cancer goes on.  There is no one I know who can say they DO NOT have a friend or relative who has battled this terrible illness.

This year marks 5 years of survival for me and I have found a way I can fight this disease – through the Ann’s Hope Annual Block Melanoma Walk/Run.  I am dedicating my walk this year to all those I know who have cancer right now or have lost the battle.I

The organization raises funds for melanoma research and education. Did you know that each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than the combined incidence of cancers of the breast, prostate, lung and colon? Over the past three decades, more people have had skin cancer than all other cancers combined. The incidence of melanoma, the most deadly of all skin cancers has had a 2000% increase in melanoma incidences since 1930 with 1 in 50 being affected, and it is the most common cancer killer of young women, more common than breast cancer in ages 29-34.

At this time there is no cure for late stage melanoma that I have.  Ann’s Hope Foundation has awarded over $1.3 million in grants locally to researchers seeking to find treatments and a cure for the disease. This event is their largest fundraiser and the largest melanoma event in the state. I am hoping you will consider sponsoring me in this event by donating on my behalf. This tax-deductible donation will go towards ground-breaking research. Thank you for considering and for helping to make a difference. Remember, melanoma does not discriminate, it can effect any age, gender, and race.

Link to my Honorary Survivor Story - http://annshope.org/in-memory-honor/

Thank you.