Marathon for Mom
Over the years, we've all contributed to many good causes. This cause, however, is quite personal to
me. My mom, Gail Pollard, was recently diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer of the bone
marrow. She and the 15,000+ others who are diagnosed with the disease each year need your help.
The cause of this disease is unknown and there is no cure right now. While there has been improve-
ment in the treatment of myeloma, much more research needs to be done.
For this reason, I will be running in the 2009 Boston Marathon and will fundraise between now and
April 20th for the International Myeloma Foundation. I need your help. I am asking friends, family
members, and business associates to make a fully tax-deductible donation to help me meet my goal
of raising $10,000 for the IMF.
My step-dad Phil and mom Gail
About Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells, important
cells of the immune system that produce and release anti-
bodies (immunoglobulins) to help fight infection. Malignant
plasma cells produce an abnormal type of immunoglobulin,
making myeloma patients highly susceptible to infection.
Multiple myeloma, the second most common blood cancer,
represents 1% of all cancers and 2% of all cancer deaths.
Multiple myeloma is the third fastest growing cancer in
people ages 65 and under in terms of mortality. This year,
16,570 Americans will be diagnosed with multiple myeloma
and 11,300 Americans will die of the disease.
About the IMF
The International Myeloma Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-
profit corporation dedicated to finding a cure for multiple mye-
loma. Founded in 1990 by Susie Novis, the late Brian Novis,
and Dr. Brian G.M. Durie, the IMF is governed by a Board of
Directors and guided by a Scientific Advisory Board. With a positive and expansive outreach to more than
180,000 people in 113 countries, the IMF offers educational patient seminars, clinical conferences, scien-
tific workshops, grant programs, patient and family support groups, as well as cutting edge treatment re-
search.
OPTION 2: DONATE ONLINE
How to Donate
· Go to the Marathon for Mom website:
www.marathonformom.myeloma.org
· Follow the instructions provided for
online donations.
OPTION 1: MAIL IN DONATION
· In the "Donation Message" section,
· Mail a check (payable to the IMF) to:
please enter "Steve Hoppe, Marathon
The International Myeloma Foundation
for Mom."
12650 Riverside Drive, Suite 206
North Hollywood, CA 91607-3421
OPTION 3: DONATE BY PHONE
· Include your name, address, phone, and e-mail address
· Call 800-452-2873 and note that your
and note that your donation is for "Steve Hoppe, Mara-
donation is for "Steve Hoppe, Mara-
thon for Mom."
thon for Mom."
I am grateful for any level of support that you can provide, as every dollar counts. If you have any questions
or would like more information, please call me at 212-729-7822 or e-mail me at shoppe@illinoisalumni.org.
With thanks,
Steve Hoppe