Hello Everyone

I’m excited to announce that I have committed to climb Mt. Hood!

Since I moved to Oregon one of my goals has been to climb Mt. Hood, but I didn’t know how I was going to accomplish this incredible feat. With the help and to the benefit of the American Lung Association of Oregon (ALAO), I have found that this dream is now within reach. I have committed to participate in the American Lung Association of Oregon’s Reach The Summit of Mt. Hood program. This June, I will be attempting to reach the highest point in Oregon at 11,239 feet to support the American Lung Association’s ongoing efforts to fight lung disease. In 2000 I found out how difficult life becomes when you don’t have enough breath to manage a flight of stairs.

My issues began shortly after staying at a very nice bed and breakfast that had been crafted from an old church. The owner was kind enough to show Adam and I around and tell us all about the renovations he had undertaken. His great frustration was the old style steeple was infested with pigeons. We didn’t know this at the time, but pigeon droppings anywhere can contain toxic fungal spores. We breathe them in, and the growth of these spores in your lungs emulates flu like symptoms when you’ve had only a small exposure.

In our case we were both as sick as we can ever remember being. After a week and a half Adam started getting better, I did not. This began a nine month process where I learned more about the human lung then I’d ever cared to. My Pulmonologist (respiratory doctor) told me that the vast majority of people show scars from these lung infections in chest x-rays, but aren’t aware that they’ve ever had anything other then the flu. After several different kinds of biopsies, and extended periods on steroids I finally started recovering. I learned the hard way that our lungs are very precious and thusly I’m very proud to be doing something to help the American Lung Association of Oregon.

The first challenge I face is building back enough endurance to get to the summit of Oregon’s tallest mountain. To prepare for the climb, I’ve already begun a regular schedule of weekly training hikes with the rest of the Reach The Summit team, lots of walking the dog, stair climbing, etc.

The second challenge I face is raising $3,000 on behalf of the Lung Association by May 1, 2007. I need your help to reach that goal. Your generous and tax-deductible contribution to the American Lung Association of Oregon on my behalf will not only secure my place on the REACH THE SUMMIT climb, but most importantly will help those struggling to breathe easier. In order to reach my goal, I am asking everyone to donate. If everyone who receives this letter donates $100 I will surpass my goal. However, any amount will go a long way to help.

Please express your support the following way:
You can donate online: go to http://www.reachthesummit.us/, click on “sponsor a climber” and type in “Emily” to get to my donation page. Deadline: May 1, 2007
Click Here to go directly.

Many companies match their employee’s charitable giving – ask your employer to match your gift!

I truly appreciate your support.
Thanks,

Emily

P.S. 100% of the donation is tax-deductible and a donation receipt letter will be automatically sent to you for donations over $50.