American
cancer society
Relay for Life
Celebrating 20 years of HOPE
Spring, 2005
Hi. My name is Alicia Sommer and I am writing
you this letter for a very important cause.
In January of 1991, I was diagnosed with Stage III Neuroblastoma. With the help of doctors, research and God,
I was one of the lucky ones and I was able to beat this terrible disease.
I
am captain of my Relay for Life Team in Grand Island supporting The American
Cancer Society. Our team name is “The
Polka Dot Chix” which has a special meaning.
What we are trying to do is connect the dots and when all of the dots
have been joined, the cure for cancer will have been achieved. The only way all of the dots can be
connected is through research and of course that takes funds. My team consists of eleven members that are
all doing their very most to raise money to donate to this very important
cause. So far we have raised $430.00
selling fish bowls and raffle tickets.
Our team goal is to raise $2,000.00 but we need to get the word out
there so that people can offer their support to something that has touched so
many lives.
Cancer
has no friends. It treats everyone the
same regardless of age or race. I was
only one at the time of my diagnosis.
It took my aunt at the age of fifteen with leukemia. Within the year that I was diagnosed, my
Great Uncle Steve lost his battle with colon cancer and my grandfather was
diagnosed with colon cancer. A few
years ago I lost my other grandfather to prostate cancer. In my short life, I have also lost several
friends from Camp Good Days and Special Times to this catastrophic
disease. When will it end? When will this disease be defeated never to
take again?
As
a survivor, I feel it is my responsibility to help in this journey. My future plans are to become a pediatric
oncologist. Until then, I will do what
I can to improve the education of people and to support organizations like the
American Cancer Society.
My
team is looking for direct donations sent to me with all checks made out to the
American Cancer Society. All donations
are tax deductible. I realize that in
these times of uncertainty with budgets and job loss, people cannot afford to
constantly be giving but I truly believe that this is a cause that needs to
continue being supported for it helps so many.
Thank
you so much for your time and God Bless.
Sincerely,
Alicia
J. Sommer
9th
Grade Student At Grand Island High School
Please
send donations to:
Alicia
Sommer
98
Pellamwood Court
Grand
Island, NY 14072
Team
Members:
Amy
Blocho, Courtney Catalano, Theresa Covatto, Jennifer Huber, Deanna Paternostro,
Michelle Paternostro, Alicia Sommer, Emily Sommer, Jenna Stufkosky, Kacey White
and Team Adult Becky Sommer-Stufkosky