Dear Friends:

I am writing to tell you of a personal challenge I have taken on. It's a challenge of physical endurance -- a challenge of making a difference in my community.

From September 21-26, 2002 I will be biking from San Francisco to Solvang (North of Santa Barbara) as part of the California Coast Classic. However, this will be no ordinary trip. I will be biking for the Arthritis Foundation as a member of the Joints in Motion training team. Our team will be joining Arthritis Foundation teams from across the country to support arthritis research and community-based education programs for men, women and children affected by arthritis. My goal is to raise $2,800 to help this worthy cause.  BE POSITIVE FOR ME! I can make it J!!

My grandmother, Maria Elayba Elacio, was just one of the many afflicted. Doctors in the United States said she had one of the worst cases of rheumatoid arthritis they had ever seen. Nanay (mother or grandmother in Pilipino) gave birth to 11 children, helped to raise over 30 grandchildren and over 9 great-grandchildren before she passed away in 1993. The mother and grandmother who never sat down from cooking, cleaning, and caring for her family had become bed ridden from rheumatoid arthritis for four years. My last memories of her include her cries of pain. Though she lived a full life, the quality towards the end could have been improved with more research and treatment.

The facts about arthritis are alarming. Nearly 43 million Americans currently suffer from arthritis. That is one out of every six people! New projections predict arthritis to be the epidemic of the future. By the year 2020, the number of people with arthritis will almost double, affecting major life activities, such as working, going to school, enjoying leisure activities, or keeping house. Arthritis research can make a difference.

The Arthritis Foundation devotes more than $11 million annually to research and is leading the way to more successful treatments. The Arthritis Foundation also makes a difference in the lives of those affected by arthritis by providing programs that help people with arthritis and their families better understand and cope with their disease.

Supporting the Arthritis Foundation by participating in the California Coast Classic is a very serious challenge that I am committed to. I hope you will help me in my quest to raise $2,800 by making a tax-deductible donation in any amount to the Arthritis Foundation.  My goal is to raise this money by September 10, 2002. Thank you in advance for your help!

Please make all checks payable to:

Arthritis Foundation

c/o Teresa Ejanda

4511 W. 12^th Street

Los Angeles, CA 90019

Thanks again!!!!!

Sincerely,

Teresa