Recently, I received a call from Katie Kmetz . She is presently a sophomore in Rye, New York.  She is the neice of a friend of mine, Michael Kmetz.  Michael and I met when I was 20 and he was 4.  We were both battling Cancer and were treated by the same oncologist. I had Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and Michael had Leukemia. We both were blessed to go into remission where he remained cancer free until his sophomore year at college. He then began losing feeling on the left side of his body and shortly thereafter was diagnosed with brain cancer. Michael passed away at the age of 23, on May 9th 2006.

Michael was a real people person who had a true appreciation and passion for life. He excelled on the football and lacrosse fields and his kindness was unforgetable. Stepinac highschool where he attended has scholarships in his honor.

Katie Kmetz asked if I would join her team "Crushing Cancer" in honor of her late uncle, continuing a family tradition of fundraising for a cure.  Michael's parents, Dave and Peggy, have been raising money to find a cure since he was diagnosed back in 1990-- the same year I was diagnosed.  I have had the pleasure of serving on the board of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Westchester Chapter for 25 years and have seen the hard work and the fervor the Kmetz family has given towards finding a cure.

I am alive today because of people like the Kmetz family who have continued to enable the Leukemia and Lymphoma society resources and funds in the quest to conquer cancer. It is something I feel very strongly about and I am asking you to consider supporting Katie with me. It's brave, noble and heart felt for Katie at such a young age to take a stand on cancer and your support would mean the world to me. Thanks again for your consideration.

Best,

Matt