An open letter from New York Times Bestselling author Cherry Adair:

I NEED YOUR HELP!
Many of us have been affected in some way by breast cancer. (just the words send a nightmarish shudder up my spine!) My mother Petal died in 1974 of breast cancer. And while treatments and medical breakthroughs have improved enormously since then, the dreadful anticipation of breast cancer still hangs over our heads. A close friend died of cancer last year, and two dear friends are going through treatment right now. Just the word cancer is terrifying to most of us.

Many of us have been touched directly and deeply by breast cancer, and this year I want to do my part in something that has nothing to do with writing. Something bigger and way more important.

This year I’m going to walk 60 miles to raise money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation’s annual Three Day Walk for Breast Cancer.

In this crappy economy everyone is struggling to find their financial footing. I understand that only too well. And charities, no matter how well deserving, are feeling the brunt of everyone cutting back in a big way. I get that most of us don’t have disposable $$ this year, so I’m going to match all donations up to $5,000 for this truly worthy cause!

I’m going to walk that sixty freakin’ miles, yes, that’s not a typo, sixty miles to raise money to fund breast cancer research. Just thinking about me walking that far makes my feet hurt, but it’s worth it. 100% of the net funds go to research, 85% to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and 15% to the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund. Even a few dollars adds up when we all work together.

Here’s the reality — either you’ve been affected in some way directly by breast cancer — you, or your mom, a sister, friend, relative or coworker, in which case you know how badly this research is needed NOW, or, you haven’t been personally affected by breast cancer (thank God!) but probably know someone who has. Either way, please help me raise $$ for this incredibly worthwhile cause. This is something that I feel passionately about, and every single dollar you donate will be greatly appreciated.

Think of it this way — if I had a new book out this year — I hope you’d buy it — could you perhaps donate the price of one paperback? Two paperbacks? A hard cover? More? (Remember — whatever you donate I’ll match it!! WooHoo – two for the price of one

HOW YOU CAN HELP

If you’d like to participate yourself (I’d LOVE for you to come and join me and my team and sweat & groan walk with us in Seattle or volunteer to help in a 3-Day walk near you, then visit their website or sign up by calling 800.996.3DAY.

I’ve formed a fun group called the PINK PETALS (in honor of my mom) and we’ll each raise money, and then walk together in the 3 day. Fortunately, I don’t have to beg people to contribute per mile, but I am asking (please, please, please!) for you to donate something, anything to help me help the fight against breast cancer.

HERE’S WHERE YOU GO TO DONATE (Thank you! Thank you!!)
To contribute or find out more about PINK PETALS, please click here