Hello Everyone,

It's that time again and Great Strides 2010 is quickly approaching. GREAT STRIDES is the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's largest and most successful national fund-raising event. Our local walk will take place at CHESAPEAKE CITY PARK on SUNDAY, APRIL 25th. I really hope you can join us! Special thanks to everyone who participated last year. Team "Rachel's Hope" raised a whopping $23,727 in 2009! That speaks volumes to your dedication and commitment.

An update on Rachel - Having CF is tough, and being a typical 12-year-old, Rachel is very unhappy about the 2 1/2 hours per day that she spends doing treatments. Also, it seems that she is either at the doctor's office or having some sort of test or procedure almost every week. Her pulmonary function test results haven't been great lately, yet we remain hopeful. Our hope comes from knowing that the CF Foundation is supporting research that will provide new therapies to help Rachel, as well as pushing toward a cure for CF. In fact, Rachel is currently enrolled in two clinical trials and we are hoping to soon see some positive results. Your fund-raising successes and pledges of sponsorship are what fund such research which, in turn, allows us to hope! To learn more about CF, the CF Foundation, and the ongoing research, please visit www.cff.org. I know you'll be extremely pleased with the way your contributions are being put to work.

Whether you're signing on again, or joining us for the first time, welcome to TEAM "RACHEL'S HOPE! Please click "Join My Team" at the top of this page to register and email me if you need a walk brochure. Also, I'd like to encourage EVERYONE to do an online campaign this year. My co-worker's husband decided to do so last year and quickly raised several hundred dollars! Whether you attend Great Strides or not, you can still do an online campaign. It's an awesome way to ask for sponsorship without making anyone feel uncomfortable. Simply forward this letter (or one of your own) to everyone on your email list and anyone else you are considering asking for sponsorship. All you do is click on "Send Page to Others", at the top of this page. Those who wish to sponsor you, or our team, can either contact you directly or pay with a credit card online. How easy is that?! Good luck, and see you on April 25th.

If you're unable to walk this year, or decide that online fund-raising just isn't your thing, you are still a vital part of our team. The financial support from friends and family is what makes our team effort successful. Making a donation is easy and secure! Just click on "Click to Donate" at the top of this page to make a donation that will be credited to Rachel's team. Or, if you'd prefer, just put a check made out to the CF Foundation in the mail. You can send it directly to me at: 805 Forest Lakes Drive; Chesapeake, VA 23322. Any amount you can contribute is greatly appreciated and is also tax-deductible! Together, we can make a difference!

Appreciatively,

Susan VanLandingham "Rachel's Hope" Team Leader Email: HomesBySusan@cox.net Phone: 757-450-7574