January 12, 2011
Dear Friend in the Fight Against Cancer,
I have started my annual fundraising efforts for the 2011 Relay For Life. As you know, I am very passionate about raising funds and awareness for The American Cancer Society and am a huge supporter for Relay For Life in my community. This year, I have chosen to participate in the Pinellas Park Relay For Life. My daughter is getting married the same weekend as the Seminole relay and I still wanted to fundraise. So we have decided to take our experience and passion to another relay. The event is on April 8-9, 2011. This is an 18 hour overnight event that will be held at Town Square Plaza in Pinellas Park.
This is my 7th year participating and I have been a team captain 6 times. This year I have taken on the role of Team Recruitment Chair. This year's relay is going to be very challenging to me. Over the past few months I have lost two dear friends to cancer and my Uncle has been treated for prostate cancer. My dear friend and neighbor Bettina was just diagnosed yesterday with stage 4 ovarian cancer which has metastasized into lung cancer. This cancer is incurable because it was diagnosed in such a late stage. She will start an aggressive chemo treatment this Friday. My other good friend Tanya has gotten progressively worse over the past year. She has breast cancer that has metastasized into stage 4 bone cancer and metastasized into her lung. She treats at The Cancer Treatment Centers of America up in Philly. She travels back and forth every 3 weeks. They are now talking about having chemo every week. If that is the case she will have to uproot her family and move to Philly. My heart is just breaking for these women and many others I know that are affected by cancer.
I ask myself why do I do this year after year and lose so many people to these deadly disease? It's because I know that I am helping to make a difference in so many people's lives. I believe that one day we will be closer to finding a cure. It may not be in my lifetime but perhaps in my children's or grandchildren's someday! The money that we raise will help with education, advocacy, research and patient services right here in my community!!
Last year's relay was once again a great success. My team Candi's Crusaders and the BC warriors united raised over $16,480 and just over $1000 for The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. I realized that since I have been fundraising for The American Cancer Society my team has raised close to $70,000. I also received the honor of Volunteer of the Year Award from The American Cancer Society for my dedication and efforts in Pinellas County. This year we are going to have our team Candi's Crusaders again. I have several fundraisers planned including give back nights at Applebee's and Chili's. I have other fundraisers planned where I do chance drawings. I have 2 huge fundraisers planned. One is at Quaker Steak for a 3 day Motorcycle Expo. That is the last weekend in January. The other is my annual wrap up fundraiser at Grass Flats. That will be on Saturday May 14. At both of these events we have baskets and gift certificates. Last year I was able to raise $2000 at Grass Flats.
We were able to be so successful by having businesses and individuals donate money, items, gift certificates and goods and services. the money raised helps local programs and services right here in Pinellas County.
I have set a personal goal to raise $1500 this year. Can you please help me this year by donating to this worthy cause? I know that times are though and I appreciate any and all donations. Your gift is tax deductable and can be mailed to me or The American Cancer Society office to Emily Wilson. That address is 4801 86th Avenue North, Pinellas Park, FL 33782. You can see more information at www.relayforlife.org/pinellasparkfl. If you prefer you can make a secure donation online at http://main.acsevents.org/goto/cbowes
Thank you in advance for your support in the community.
Candi Bowes
8453 79th Avenue North
Largo, Florida 33777
727-560-3084 or CB0DB@aol.com
