Help Fight Leukemia

To the Editor:

Did you know that every five minutes someone is diagnosed with a blood-related cancer? Every nine minutes someone dies from a blood-related cancer. In 2003, there were 58,000 deaths in the United States from leukemia.

When most people think of leukemia it is often associated with younger children. In fact, it is more common in adults with half of all cases occurring after the age of 64. However, it is still the leading cause of disease death among children under the age of 15.

Thanks to tremendous support treatment advances rose from a four percent survival rate in 1960 to 85 percent in 1999 for ALL (acute lymphocytic leukemia.)

Perhaps you have noticed blue cans in many locations around Newtown. All schools in town are also participating in this fundraising effort. These cans are designated for “Coins for the Cure.” Two groups of Middle School students, The Interact Club and the NYS Youth Advisory Board, have been working diligently over the past few weeks sending letters to local businesses and organizations. They are asking for your help in finding a cure for leukemia.

As advisors for these organizations, we would like to encourage your participation in the “Coins for the Cure” campaign and thank you, in advance, for your assistance.

Sincerely,

Judy Catanese

B.J. Liberty

Don Ramsey

Roseanne Loring

Queen Street, Newtown                                                  April 12, 2004