Dear Family, Friends, and Coworkers,

As many of you know, my nieces, Taylor (7) and Macey (5) were diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis in January, 2008.

Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide). A defective gene causes the body to produce unusually thick mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening infections.

In the 1950s, few children with cystic fibrosis lived long enough to attend elementary school. Today, advances in research and medical treatments have further enhanced and extended life for children and adults with CF. Many people with the disease can now expect to live into their 30’s, 40’s and beyond.

On May 1st, 2010, I will be running in the Capital City Half Marathon to help raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. In support of Macey and Taylor, I am setting a personal goal of $2,500.00. Any contribution that you could make would be greatly appreciated and fully tax deductible. Donations can be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation online at:

http://www.cff.org/Great_Strides/TomSears

If you prefer to contribute by check, please make it payable to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and mail it to me at:

Tom Sears
6848 McDevitt Court
Dublin, Ohio 43017

If your company has a corporate matching program, I would be more than happy to assist you with that process as well.

Lastly, I am hoping that with the support of family and friends (and lots of training), I will be able to post a new personal record.

Please feel free to forward this letter as you see fit. Thank you for your support and God Bless.

Tom