John Lester has an amazing story. Two years ago, he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Last October, he pitched the clinching victory in the Red Sox's World Series victory against the Colorado Rockies.  Last night vs. the Kansas City Royals, he pitched only the 18th no hitter in Red Sox History.  John Lester is the example.  Stories like this make asking for money tolerable.   What an Inspiration.

My name is Lew Gilinsky. Three years ago I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. I was 41 and seemingly in great health. I was completely non symptomatic, but after a dental visit, my dentist suspected something was wrong and suggested that I get a blood test.  The next morning, I was admitted to Johns Hopkins hospital to begin treatment.  My life went from normal to panic in less than a day.  My doctor told me I had a thirty percent two year survival rate.  The following day he said he had new information and test results and that his previous prognosis was probably a little optimistic.  Stunned, I asked him if anyone like me had ever been cured of this and he said YES!

           

The treatment was rigorous.  I spent weeks in the hospital and years afterwards making daily, weekly and quarterly visits for treatment.  Three years later here I am.  It was God’s will for me to make a full recovery.  I’m leading a normal life and my treatments ended last December. 

 

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society helped to save my life by getting me the information I needed to make the right decisions while on my path to the cure.

I’m honored to be involved with LLS and these unique and special people [participants/ fundraisers].  You are all clearly angels doing work for those who are in need.  Thank you! 

How quickly 5 weeks have passed.

Within that time period, we have had a bbq in Annapolis, a happy hour in Arlington, a happy hour in Chicago and a kick-a-thon in Sterling.

All 4 events have been a terrific way of meeting new people and sharing stories as to how cancer has affected so many people.  The good news is that because of organizations like the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, there is hope!

The nest 4 weeks will be very, very intense, and the two degrees team is going to do everything possible to raise even more funds than we have before.  If you have not donated, please consider doing so.  Every dollar helps!

Please remind your network to visit www.twodegrees.org.

What  I've learned today.  The weather doesnt matter.  The fight goes on, rain or shine.

Well

This is an extraordinary moment

In jut 14 minutes, we'll start our official campaign to raise as much money as possible for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

this has been a 6 month odyssey in which we:

• Developed our name
• Created an idenity
• Launched a website
• Assembled a campaign team of 33 members
• Created our network
• Dedicated ourselves to helping others through this remarkable program

I am so excited to begin, and I look forward to updating you on our progress!

Thanks for your support and please link to our website!  www.twodegrees.org

Dan Cole


Below:  Hannah McNeal, our girl of the year and me!

As we begin this campaign, I reflect upon the many generous people who have joined our cause.  Some strangers, until now.  We are all in this together, and we have one purpose:  Raise a ton of money to cure cancer.

We are busy making preparations and contacting other generous people.   I am once again reminded that most people are good, and their intentions are good.  When we harness that energy, we can do just about anything.  Hundreds of windmills are better than one.






I hope you will continue to visit this site as ofetn as possible and when the time comes on April 10th, that you'll give generously to the Two Degrees Effort.  Your contribution is tax deductable and goes straight to the Leukemia Society.

Well, we have officially arrived.  If you are reading this post, you have visited twodegrees.org.

Hopefully, you have had a chance to move around the site.

We have over 20 teammates as part of this very important cause.  We are going to start sending out emails and letters to all people within 2 degrees of our networks.

We can only accept donations after April 10 so I hope you will consider helping us in our fight against Leukemia.

Here we go!

Dan

Welcome to the Two Degrees of Difference Blog! 
Stay tuned for updates from the two degrees team!




Hunter Ruderman and Hannah McNeal: Boy and Girl of the Year 2008