The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Letter to Editor

Son Will Swim, Bike & Run To Honor His Mother

Dear Editor,

In 2006 I completed a 100 mile bike ride for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training program.

Because of everyone's tremendous support I have decided to train for the James O'Rourke Memorial Triathlon in North Platte, NE on April 27, 2008.

I have committed to raise $1800 for the event and with your support, I am sure I will surpass this goal.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is a national, voluntary not-for-profit health organization dedicated to eradicating leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma and to improve the lives of patients and their families.

Your contributions will be used to:

• support researchers investigating causes, treatment and cures of leukemia and related cancers
• provide support programs for patients and their families and assistance to help them meet the cost of treatments
• advocate for government research funding and public policy to benefit our patients and their families

For this event I will be swimming, biking and running in memory of my mother, Jana (Lox) Koopmans.

Jana was raised in Oquawka, the daughter of Fern and the late Jamie Lox and was a 1973 graduate of Union High School. At the age of 43 she was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia.

She was the mother of two, a wife, a daughter, a sister and a friend. She was a dedicated soccer mom, but after a two year battle with the disease and a bone marrow transplant from her brother, Jeff, she passed away. She died at the young age of 45, but her memories will never be forgotten.

Please join me in supporting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Team in Training Program. Your donation will go to more cancer research and is 100% tax deductible.

Donations can be sent to: Pam Bigger, R.R. #1, Box 312, Biggsville, IL 61418 no later than March 24, 2008. Checks should be made payable to "The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society".

Ryan Koopmans