The 2-Times Strong Campaign: 2009-04-26

My Story

When my younger brother Patrick was four years old, he was diagnosed with lymphoblastic lymphoma. He underwent 18 months of chemotherapy before going into remission. Then, when he was 13 years old, he was diagnosed with leukemia. This time, Patrick underwent two years of grueling radiation and chemotherapy treatments before again going into remission. Today, I am happy to report that Patrick is a healthy 22-year-old senior set to graduate this May from Elon University in North Carolina. The doctors have described his recovery from leukemia as “nothing short of a miracle.” In honor of his two successful battles against cancer, we have named our team "The 2-Times Strong Campaign".

While I celebrate Patrick’s miraculous recovery, I cannot stop hoping for a day when people will no longer have to hear a doctor tell them that a loved one has one of these dreadful diseases. The impact that they have on the patient, their families, and their communities is devastating. Something can, and must be done. To this end, I have agreed to join this year's Man & Woman of the Year Campaign to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Since 1960, the five-year leukemia survival rate in children has improved from 4% to 80% today. Belief in conquering this disease matters. With your help, and the help of others, we can perform another miracle for Patrick and the countless other people who live under the threat of these diseases. You can be part of finding a cure!

Friday, May 1, 2009

Calling All Kids!

Mother's Day is fast approaching and what better way to show your mother you care than with a beautiful gift that doubles as a donation in her name to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society!

In 2005, Wendy Jarmol of Jarmol Jewelry created a gorgeous set of jewelry to help her friend Pam Burns raise funds for her Woman of the Year campaign. They sold over 100 pieces of jewelry and raised $2,000 for Pam’s campaign! Wendy has returned again this year to offer this fundraising tool to all candidates. Wendy is currently working on the 2009 set.

The stunning Leukemia & Lymphoma Society necklace and earrings are $30.00 each. The stones are Champagne Swarovski Crystal.

The best part is, for each piece you purchase, $15.00 will be awarded toward our campaign!

Orders can be made at www.wendy-jarmol.com. Click on “The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Jewelry” section to view the necklace and earrings.

To ensure that we get a percentage of the proceeds from your purchase, put either "Andrew Kepley" or the "2-Times Strong Campaign" in the comments section of your checkout.

Your mother will love and appreciate this one-of-a-kind gift... and don't forget, Mother's Day is Sunday, May 10th!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Porter's Happy Hour

Thanks to everyone who made it out to Porter's Dining Saloon for our most recent happy hour. We had a great turnout and were able to raise over $800! See below for pictures from the night.

Please don't stop trying to spread the word about our campaign, we are about a month into it and want to keep up the tremendous start we've had. If you, or someone you know has any goods or services to donate, please contact us. In this tough economy we all need to be creative in how we choose to give back to our communities, this is one of those ways.