Knowing that Great Harvest's One Day One Dollar One Goal campaign is happening again is so precious to me. This campaign raises funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Having a Great Harvest team of runners and walkers through LLS Team In Training for Rock N Roll San Diego is even better! To me, this demonstrates love, caring and passion and so perfectly represents the Great Harvest mission statement "Give Generously to Others".
Fourteen months ago my heart was broken when I lost my husband, Mauri Booton, to Lymphoma. I don't know how to fix my heart, but I do know that continuing to raise dollars for cancer is how I can help. I continually have hope that we will someday STOP cancer!! 
Many people ask “What happens with the dollars that I donate?” TNT dollars were used to develop a chemotherapy drug, Rituxan, which Mauri received as part of his treatment. Mauri's mother died from Lymphoma 17 years before he did. She survived 11 months. Mauri survived 4 years, in part because he was given Rituxan. When his mother had lymphoma, bone marrow transplants were rarely an option. After Mauri was diagnosed with lymphoma the second time, our HOPE was a bone marrow transplant. A transplant was scheduled and he underwent preparatory chemotherapy. Unfortunately he died before the transplant could be done. Another cancer survivor in Mauri's support group received a bone marrow transplant late 2009. Now she is home and doing well! This is another example of how WE do make a difference-ONE DAY, ONE DOLLAR at a time.
Dollars raised through Team In Training/Leukemia Lymphoma Society and other cancer organizations provide help and HOPE for many people struggling with a cancer diagnosis. When someone receives a cancer diagnosis, their life is turned upside down, inside out and is never the same. This diagnosis affects everyone in the circle of the cancer patient. Raising money means research for new treatments, clinical trials for new medications, access to information and places to call for help. It also helps provide support groups, respite care for caregivers, assistance with co-payments, transportation assistance, counseling services, home health care, hospice and compassion funds. These are just a few of the benefits of raising money. This work is extremely important and very necessary. By contributing, you are helping to make these services possible-ONE DAY, ONE DOLLAR at a time. We all know someone impacted by cancer, who needs our help. There's a lot more work to do,and WE do make a difference.
Recently, I received a research report regarding treatments 
developed using Leukemia Lymphoma Society Team in Training dollars. One of the most significant pieces of news was that many of these treatments are now used for other forms of cancer, in addition to blood cancers. Based on this information, TNT research dollars are helping even more people. This is a great WIN-WIN!
Last year, my Great Harvest family banded together and helped me raise over $51,300 for cancer resulting in a Team In Training research grant in Mauri's name. What a great accomplishment and a way to carry on his passion to raise awareness and dollars for better treatment, research and support for persons touched by cancer. Mauri was a big personality, with big passion and this was the ultimate gift to honor him.
This year, we are working to raise $75,000 through our campaign. Many bakeries are hosting events this Friday, April 8th, asking customers to donate $1 to help find the cure. Check with your local bakery for participation or donate on our team site at http://pages.teamintraining.org/nc/rnr11/greatharvest
I am so grateful for my Great Harvest family for this effort, and to every customer, friend, employee that is contributing to the campaign. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for all your efforts to help STOP cancer. The entire cancer community greatly appreciates your generous contribution.
In the words of Mauri: "Woo Hoo, Life is Good!!"
Have you ever worked on a rewarding event to raise funds for cancer research or patient support? If so, please share your story.
