Hike For Discovery is a hiking and fundraising program for people who love to be in the great outdoors and want to help people battling cancer.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS)- based in White Plains , NY- is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services. LLS's mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Since its founding in 1949, LLS has invested more than $550.8 million for research specifically targeting blood cancers.

The funds help advance LLS's mission by funding leading-edge medical research, patient assistance programs, community outreach and education programs and advocacy for legislation addressing patient issues. The need is critical. More than 823,000 people are fighting these cancers.

About Amanda’s Hike for Discovery: The “Hike for Discovery" program is a new organization affiliated with the national Leukemia & Lymphoma Society that was established in 1949 and has awarded more than $550 million in research grants. The goal for Hike for Discovery is to raise money for the society while training for a big hike. Each participant is to raise a set amount of money in the next few months and I am aiming for $5,000. It seems steep to reach in the next few months (my deadline is June 1st) but with your help I know I can do it. Any amount counts, whether small or large, and is tax deductible. Donations can be made online OR by mailing a check made out to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society sent to my address: 345 S Cloverdale Ave #401 , Los Angeles , CA 90036 . While I have been fortunate to not have been immediately impacted by this disease, sadly an estimated 110,960 new cases of blood cancers will be diagnosed nationwide this year alone and some 55,110 patients will die. The money I will raise will pay for support groups, educational programs, and financial planning for afflicted families. It will also fund grants for doctors who are working toward better treatments and a cure. On that note, I would greatly appreciate any donation you can give to not only support those affected by such blood cancers, but so that you too can be a part of making a difference.

Cheers to 2008 and helping save lives!

Amanda

Please donate to Amanda at http://www.active.com/donate/hfdgla/hfdacoffin