John Kerry takes fight against cancer personally [View All]

[globalvillage]

"It just pisses me off."

John Kerry takes fight against cancer personally
By Bella English, Globe Staff | August 2, 2006

As he prepares to bicycle 111 miles Saturday to raise money for cancer, Senator John Kerry reflected this week on his own battle with the disease, saying prostate cancer changed his life profoundly -- from his relationships with friends, family, and constituents to his political battles for better health care for poor people.

"It doesn't scare me as much as cancer just pisses me off," said Kerry, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer during his presidential primary campaign in 2002. ``Too many incredible people weren't as lucky as I was, some because they had a cancer we can't yet cure, and others because they didn't get screening or care in time or couldn't afford great health care. Every American should have the same health care that senators and congressmen get."

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This year, for the first time, he sent a charitable pledge plea to his database of 3 million supporters. The e-mailed request bears the heading ``Because I was lucky" and a link to ``help John Kerry support the Jimmy Fund." He writes that he'll be among the 200 or so riders who are cancer survivors. ``At the fund-raising training sessions for the event, they tell you to e-mail your friends for their help. But I don't suppose they realized I had 3 million friends in my e-mail address book," he wrote. The five people who come closest to guessing his riding time will win Pan-Mass Challenge jerseys autographed by Kerry.


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http://www.boston.com/news/globe/living/articles/2006/08/02/john_kerry_takes_fight_against_cancer_personally/?page=1

Dear Globalvillage,

Saturday, I'm going on a long bike ride -- with 4,500 other riders from 36 states. Following my 2003 bout with prostate cancer, I will be among the 200 or so riders who are cancer survivors.

Each of us will be sponsored by the donations of friends and family. And 99 cents out of every dollar we riders raise during the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge will go directly to the Jimmy Fund, which supports the life-saving cancer research of the Dana-Farber Institute.

At the fundraising training sessions for the event, they tell you to email your friends and ask for their help. But, I don't suppose they realized I had three million friends in my email address book. Will you consider joining me in support of this very special charity?

I want to help John Kerry support the Jimmy Fund.

All I can tell you is that this ride means a great deal to me. If you've ever participated in a walk, run or ride for a cause you believe in, you know what a powerful and rewarding personal experience it can be. The Pan-Massachusetts Challenge is especially so.

It started out in 1980 when 36 riders took part and the event raised $10,200. Last year, those figures were 4,000 riders and $23 million. And this year, with your help, we expect to crush the goal of $24 million raised. The funds generated by this race now represent 50% of all money raised annually for the Jimmy Fund. Pretty remarkable, isn't it?

I can hardly wait until early Saturday morning when I join thousands of fellow riders at the starting line in Sturbridge. There are several different routes, and the one I'll be riding travels 111 miles to Bourne.

Because I care so much about this event and about the unbelievably important work that Dana-Farber does, I'm hoping you'll sponsor me on my ride on Saturday by pledging either a total dollar amount or an amount per mile.

I want to help John Kerry support the Jimmy Fund.

Those of us who grew up in New England know all about the Jimmy Fund -- a wonderful charity that has been long supported by people all across the region. My own memories go back to Ted Williams urging Red Sox fans to rally round children struggling with cancer.

I've helped the Jimmy Fund out by taking part in the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge twice before. Now, in a few days I will ride again as a cancer survivor, one who knows that others -- including friends and family -- weren't so lucky. That makes this year's Challenge even more special and anything you can do to help will be especially meaningful. Thanks for considering this invitation to join me in support of the Jimmy Fund.

Sincerely,

John Kerry

P.S. The 5 people who come closest to guessing my time will win a free, autographed Pan-Massachusetts Challenge jersey. Click here to guess my time.


http://www.johnkerry.com/features/panmass/Text

Donate today.

https://www.pmc.org/egifts/default.asp?Add=JK0124

edit to change catchy yet confusing title