Support the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation

Dear Family and Friends,

I will be participating in the 2016 IRONMAN Lake Placid on July 24, 2016 as part of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) Team For Cures. This will be my 11th Lake Placid race and just my 2nd year racing with the 'team for cures'. This event is very meaningful since my wife, Kathy, was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in February 2014. How ironic that the MMRF is the new official charity partner for Ironman Lake Placid.

The work ahead of me? Swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles, and run 26.2 miles; raise at least $20,000 for the MMRF; and raise awareness of multiple myeloma. Training for this 140.6 mile event is a big challenge, but nothing compared to the challenges faced by Kathy and other patients with multiple myeloma.

Multiple myeloma is the second most common form of blood cancer and, sadly, has one of the lowest five-year relative survival rates of all cancers. But while there is no cure, great progress is being made.

In fact, thanks to the important work of the MMRF, the world's leading private funder of myeloma research, the FDA has approved six new treatments, including two in just the past 24 months – a track record that's unparalleled in the world of oncology. These drugs have doubled the lifespan of myeloma patients. And now the MMRF is funding 21 additional treatments in various stages of development, giving hope to tens of thousands of patients and their families. As I write this note, Kathy's numbers have greatly improved as a result of these new drug treatments.

The Goal: Raise $20,000 for the MMRF! The MMRF is one of the most highly regarded cancer foundations in the world. An outstanding 90% of the total MMRF budget goes directly towards research and related programming. And the MMRF is in the top 1% of all charities, having earned Charity Navigator's 4-star rating for the past eleven years in a row. The 2015 team raised $900,000. Thanks to my family and friends for helping me to raise $25,553.

Please help me to "make it count" by supporting my participation in the 2016 IRONMAN Lake Placid benefiting the MMRF. I have set a goal to raise at least $20,000, and I need your help to get there. Please contribute whatever you can, even if it is a fund raising idea. It all adds up!

Get a copy of my new book: For contributions of $140.60 (ironman race distance) or more, you will receive a signed copy of my book From Rust to Trust: Peter's Tips for Living a Principle-Centered and Other-Focused Life.

Thank you for taking this opportunity to give back and support this game-changing cancer organization. Thank you for "making it count."

Peter