On Sunday August 20, 2017, I will be participating in my 6th Iron Girl Columbia Triathlon. Wow --- 6 in a row! And I just turned 60, so that means a new cap color in the swim portion, and a new decade will be written on my calves! In honor of this momentous year, I’m changing my favorite number to 6, at least for the next few weeks. Keep reading to learn 6 ways you can support me for the Iron Girl.

Number 1: Consider donating to the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. I joined UCF’s Team Fight in 2006 to honor the memory of my first husband, John Duvall, who lost his battle with Ewing Sarcoma cancer in 1995 at the young age of 38, when our two sons were 16 months old and 5 years old. By donating through my fundraising page with Team Fight, you will be supporting the 4^th annual John Duvall Memorial Scholarship as well as other important UCF programs. If this appeals to you, consider including a 6 in your customized donation. Perhaps give $16, rather than $15. Consider $26 instead of $25. Or $260 instead of $250. You get the idea. No amount is too small, and your donation is deeply appreciated. I’ll also accept round numbers, so no worries if you don’t want to include a 6!

Number 2: Join me in the fight against cancer! If you choose not to give to the UCF, that’s okay. Find another way to join the fight against this insidious disease. Volunteer by becoming a scholarship reader, or assembling chemo bags, or knitting caps, or quilting blankets, or ??? The possibilities are endless.

Number 3: Email or text me the name of someone close to you who is currently battling cancer, or who has battled cancer in the past. I carry a list of names with me during the race to inspire and remind me why I do this event every year.

Number 4: Send me a note of encouragement on August 6 or August 16, or 6 pm any day (you get the picture).

Number 5: Women, come join me in the fun! Registration is still open. Call me for details. You can do this! If not this year, next?

Number 6: Come out to the race on August 20 and cheer 2500 amazing women! Stand along the bike route and shout words of encouragement. Line the run path and applaud as we complete the final leg!

For 2017, I have set a fundraising goal of $7,600, which is $160 higher than what I raised last year. Please consider contributing to the Ulman Cancer Fund in support of our motto “Cancer changes lives, and so do we!” On-line contributions can be made here. Alternatively, you can send a check made payable to the Ulman Cancer Fund, 1215 E. Fort Avenue, Suite 104, Baltimore, MD 21230, Attention: Anna Leming. Please include a note that says you are supporting Cheryl Duvall, or write my name in the memo field.

Your contribution will support important programs that the UCF provides to young adults battling cancer. Your gift will also assure continuance of the John Duvall Memorial Scholarship. I sincerely appreciate any amount you can contribute to help young adults fight cancer. No amount is too small.

Thank you for your support!

Cheryl

cherylduvall@mac.com, 410-952-2910 mobile

The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults changes lives by creating a community of support for young adults, and their loved ones, impacted by cancer. With your support, the Ulman Cancer Fund is able to provide free support services and resources for the young adult cancer community including:

Cancer to 5K - a 12-week training program designed to introduce or reintroduce cancer survivors to physical activity.

Patient Navigation - a free program (onsite at cancer centers and remotely through our office) that ensures no young adult ever faces cancer alone. We provide one-on-one support & resources to young adults and their families to help them manage the cancer expereience and long-term cancer survival.

Scholarships - a financial assistance program to help young adults continue their education after being affected by cancer through their own diagnosis or the diagnosis of a loved one.

Your donation will help make these programs and our mission possible!