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I'm doing the Chicago Triathlon Relay! And fundraising to help others in cancer treatment

Dear friends and family, 


I can't believe I'm writing this, but it's true: I'm doing the Chicago Triathlon this year—as a relay team with fellow cancer survivors. :) 

It's a surprise to me because I thought I'd have to pause racing this year because of the toll treatment takes on your body. And, as some of you might recall, I've opted not to distance swim while I have my port implant because the movement irritates the port, and it gets uncomfortable. But, I've exercised through this whole thing, so I'm in great shape. ... And then my friend—a fellow triathlete who was recently diagnosed with his own cancer—had the brilliant idea for us to do a relay. So we are! We anticipate it will a really meaningful moment at the finish line. Emoji

I'll be biking 25 miles as part of the relay on Sunday, Aug 25. If you're in Chicago, please come watch us! 

And, I have a second part to this story too. All three of us on the relay team recognize how much easier it is to go through cancer treatment not just with the support of family and friends, of course, but—to be blunt—having enough money to shoulder the extra costs associated with treatment. All of us have excellent health insurance, and savings. We are each all located near hospital systems—I personally have a 12 minute drive to my medical center, which I was at weekly to daily for months—which made it easy for me.  

Others don't have it so lucky. They have to travel distances for their treatment, a cost that adds up very quickly and takes a significant toll. This is on top of lost wages, extra supplies, and other random stuff that's a financial burden. 

To help patients who need a boost, we're raising money for the American Cancer Society's Transportation & Lodging fund, with a team goal of $25,000. Would you consider donating? 

My personal playbook for dealing with cancer was multidimensional. Exercise was a huge part of it, as was feeling support and love from you via check-ins, words of encouragement, prayers, cards, meals, hats, supplies, and everything else you've gifted me. 

I've felt all your energy and love and use it to propel me to this day. Thank you for caring for me and cheering me on in this journey! 

Love, 
sara

Here's a sharper (albeit less personal) version of the email above, with a pirate tone applied. Thanks, Gemini! 

Subject: Avast ye, Mateys! Join me in a plunderin' good cause!

Argh, me hearties!

I be settin' sail on a grand adventure – the Chicago Triathlon Relay! That's right, I'll be swimmin', bikin', and runnin' me heart out with a crew o' fearless landlubbers.

But this be no ordinary voyage. I'm also hoistin' the flag for a noble cause – to help those cursed with the cancer plague cover the cost o' travelin' to and fro their treatments. It be a heavy burden, me hearties, and we can lighten it together.

So, I be askin' ye to join me in this plunderin' good cause. Every doubloon ye spare will help a fellow sailor weather the storm. Ye can drop anchor yer treasure at [link to donation page].

Thank ye for yer support, me hearty! Together, we can plunder this disease!

Yo ho ho!

sara

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