Thank you!
Cycle for Survival 2009 was a huge success exceeding the fund-raising goal of $1 million. Thanks to you – Paul’s Posse collectively raised over $75,000 of that total.
Profound and inspirational – such a large group of people with varying backgrounds spinning together for some part of eight hours in complete solidarity with a singular goal and wish - to combat cancer (orphaned cancers, more specifically).
I am pleased and honored that two of my doctors from Memorial Sloan Kettering (“MSK”) not only showed up but actively participated, breaking a sweat in both cases! It was remarkable how many thankful patients, family members, and friends approached them and recalled their ‘story’ – a story encompassing great care, hope, and the best science & research focused on curing cancer. As a MSK cancer THRIVER, the event was overwhelmingly emotional and simultaneously energizing.
So, thank you so very much for your generous contribution. As I said in my solicitation, every dollar counts, every dollar makes a difference, and every dollar yields ever increasing possibility.
Thrive on,
Paul.
(Below is the pitch leter describing the event)
Paul's Posse rides again! (sort of)
On Sunday, January 25th the Posse will be participating in 'Cycle for Survival', an indoor cycling event benefiting lifesaving cancer research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering (MSK). we am joined by others and especially my dear friend and doctor at MSK, Gary Schwartz. The following letter Gary wrote is very compelling as to why we need your support.
To my patients and their families:
If you are reading this letter it is either because I have taken care of either you or one of your family members at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York. I am writing to you now to ask for your help. This year we are facing huge cut-backs in federal funding for cancer research. As Chief of the Melanoma/Sarcoma Service and as Director of the Laboratory for New Drug Development, I have led a major effort to find new treatments for patients with cancer. This includes patients with cancers of the skin, soft tissue, as well as cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. Based on these laboratory efforts we have launched many new clinical programs at MSKCC. Some of you may have benefited from them. The future success of this cancer research program will depend on continued research funding.
In order to raise cancer awareness and to raise the money we need to sustain our cancer research efforts, on Sunday January 25, 2009 I will be participating in an indoor cycling event called "Cycle for Survival". I will be part of cycling relay team to benefit MSKCC. This event will be held at Equinox health clubs throughout New York. Two hundred bicycling teams will be pedaling their hearts out to raise money for cancer research. This year it has been determined that a large share of this money will go directly to my laboratory and clinical research program.
One of my patient's, Paul Schaye, will be the captain of my relay team. Paul is an amazing person. He is a patient with a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) who is on the drug called Gleevec. This last year he underwent major surgery to remove this cancer from his stomach as well as from his liver. Today he is cancer free. What is truly remarkable about Paul is that he just completed the New York City marathon!
On January 25th, Paul and I will be biking for you and our MSKCC family. I am closing in on my 19th year at MSKCC. Never once have I written a letter like this and never once did I ever envision that I would have to do so. But, desperate times require desperate measures.
I understand that during a financial crisis times are tough and I only ask you to consider making a donation if you can afford it. Even the smallest donations will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance for supporting our efforts in our fight against cancer,
Sincerely,
Gary K. Schwartz, MD
We know the holidays are just days behind us, and we realize the economic environment is less than optimal for most of us. That said, we would be so grateful and appreciative if you would consider making a contribution to this event. Every dollar counts, every dollar makes a difference, and every dollar yields ever increasing possibility.
To make a donation please Click here
If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:
http://mskcc.convio.net/site/TR/CycleforSurvival/AG_Cycle_Event?pg=personal&fr_id=1050&fr_id=1050&px=1156161
Click here to view the team page for Paul's Posse
If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:
http://mskcc.convio.net/site/TR/CycleforSurvival/AG_Cycle_Event?pg=team&fr_id=1050&team_id=4120
Thank you so much for your support.
Thrive on,
Paul Posse
Fox 5’s segment re: Cycle for Survival:
http://www.myfoxny.com/myfox/pages/InsideFox/Detail?contentId=8295607&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=5.2.1