Dear Friend:

You can probably guess my surprise last August when I awoke from anesthesia at Reston Hospital Center to learn that in addition to my appendix being removed which I expected, seven inches of my colon had been removed also because it was found during the surgery that I had colon cancer!

But really I should not have been too surprised. American men have a one in two lifetime risk of developing cancer; for women the risk is one in three.

Fortunately a great deal is being done through research for prevention, early detection, and cure. The American Cancer Society has as goals of reducing cancer deaths by 50% and reducing cancer incidence by 25%. I have decided to help the American Cancer Society reach its goals. And I hope you will help as well.

Join me in the Relay for Life, a Team Event to Fight Cancer. As indicated on the enclosed form, you can help by simply writing a generous check to the American Cancer Society, become a member of my team to help raise money from others, and/or participate in the Relay for Life event at South Lakes High School on June 8-9.

Relay for Life is the major fundraising event for the American Cancer Society. Last year, more than 10,000 people participated in 14 events in the Washington, D.C. area raising more than $1.37 million to fight cancer in our community. The event at South Lakes is one of the biggest in the area.

I want you on my team! Please return the enclosed form right away. Call me at 703-391-2978 if you have questions or email me at kenplum@aol.com.

Sincerely yours,

Kenneth R. Plum

P.S. Every contribution helps. Send yours today. And join us for the fun at the 24-hour Relay for Life Event at South Lakes High School on June 8-9 if you can.