Thanks for visiting my "Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma" fundraising webpage.
Donating through this site is simple, fast and secure. It's also the most efficient way to make a contribution to our fundraising efforts. Just click on the "Sponsor Me Now" link at the top or bottom of this page.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much!
Love,
John
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Dear Friends and Family,
On October 8th I'm taking part in the "Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma" Run/Walk. When somebody asked me why I was doing this, a lot of thoughts came to mind.
I'm walking for the guy who put training wheels on my first bike. And took them off, and helped me ride on my own when I didn't need them. (Although from the looks of my scraped knee last weekend, you'd think I still need the training wheels.)
I'm walking for the guy who patiently helped me make every Cub Scout "Pinewood Derby" car and science fair project throughout my childhood, and who coached my brothers and I in just about every team sport at my elementary school.
I'm walking for the guy who's marched for me on the last weekend of every June, ever since I came out to him.
I'm walking for the guy who's taught me more about what's important in life, by his example, than any book, class or minister.
I'm walking for my Dad.
My Dad was diagnosed with scleroderma over 5 years ago. It's been a rocky ride - made somewhat easier by my Mom's nursing skills and the docs St. Louis U. Medical Center. And while the docs do everything they can, there's still almost nothing known about what causes scleroderma or how to stop it. Scleroderma is a chronic, progressive autoimmune disease - like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or multiple sclerosis, in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissues. Approximately 300,000 people in the U.S. have scleroderma.
I'm asking you to please consider making a pledge online at : http://www.firstgiving.com/JohnHeinze
If you'd like to walk too, the cost is $25 for registration, which includes a t-shirt & other perks. You can register online at http://firstgiving.com/?did=1783
If you would prefer to send a check directly, for any amount, that's great too. Please make checks out to Scleroderma Foundation and mail to me at:
John Heinze, 1611 Locust Street Unit 301, St. Louis, MO 63103
Thanks so much,
John