Hugs 4 Life

I'd like to do something a little different for this post. I want to talk about a girlfriend of mine, Julie, who I have known for about 9 years. In that time, she has evolved from a gorgeous, confident, intelligent and successful single woman, to a beautiful, confident, intelligent and successful married, stay-at-home mother of 2 daughters. She is one woman who has always stood out as a role model to me no matter what phase of her life she may be in. One trait that I admire most is her committment to charity causes. When I first met her, she organized a group of more than 10 girls to volunteer at the Sacred Heart to prepare food boxes. We then moved on to prepare for their annual Christmas event, which included assisting families gather gifts for their loved ones. Following that experience, she went on to continue her own personal volunteering as well as work for a non-profit organization. Over the years, she has remained involved in important causes. Not only that, but she is teaching her children to do the same. They are right beside her every step of the way. They have even taught me a thing or two about Veteran's Day ;)

Julie has a history of breast cancer in her family. She is diligent about her own health. With that, she has discovered a new purpose. I'd like to share with you her upcoming challenge. Please join me in supporting her as she Hugs 4 Life.

"Dear Friends & Family,

I am writing to tell you about an extraordinary event that I am participating in and to ask for your help.

On Saturday, June 4th, 2010, I will join countless others in Swim 4 Tomorrow, a one-mile fundraising swim to benefit Bay Area Breast Cancer Network's work in the fight against breast cancer. This will be a powerful and inspiring day of hope in the fight against this devastating disease.

I am calling my swim, "A Mile for Mary" in honor of Mary Canepa, whom my children lovingly refer to as, "Grandma Mary". Several years ago, Mary was diagnosed with breast cancer. She won that battle, as well as a few others, but is now fighting another ugly form of cancer.
The money raised by Swim 4 Tomorrow supports BABCN's work of organizing and coordinating diverse efforts to prevent, combat and ultimately cure breast cancer, which threatens the life of one in eight women.

This year, my goal is to raise $1,000. Please help me reach it by sponsoring me to swim in Swim 4 Tomorrow. Whatever the amount, your donation will go a long way towards providing hope for a healthier future for all women and their families.

If you, or anyone you know has been touched by any form of cancer, I would gladly place your/their name on my cap, along with Mary's. The more names I have on my swim cap, the more angels will be with me in the water.

Thanks so much for your support, and for joining me in the fight against this terrible epidemic.

-Jules"

P.S. All contributions are tax-deductible. Please make your check payable to Bay Area Breast Cancer Network and mail it to Julie (1633 Babero Ave., SJ, CA 95118) no later than May 15th.

Bay Area Breast Cancer Network (BABCN) is a non-profit, organization committed to finding the cause, prevention and cure for breast cancer through Education, Support and Advocacy. Formed by a small group of breast cancer survivors in 1990, BABCN was created to increase awareness about breast health and breast cancer, provide information and support services to women, and positively effect public policy at the State and Federal level. We are proud of the difference we are making for women and families and encourage you to take advantage of our programs and services.