Dear Friends and Family -

Greetings! I'm writing to share some exciting news.  I have just recently committed to joining 50 other climbers on a four-day trek to the summit of Mt. Rainier (14, 411ft.) in July 2010.  I will be climbing as part of the American Lung Association® in Washington's Climb for Clean Air, and I want to invite you to come along -- in spirit, that is.

The first challenge I face is building enough endurance to get to the summit of the Northwest landmark known as the "the toughest climb in the lower 48".  I've never attempted anything like this, and the thought of it gives me a sort of nervous energy that's difficult to explain. To prepare for the climb, I've already begun a regular schedule of running, stair climbing, and hikes. Take it from me, nothing makes me appreciate air and my ability to breathe it like trying to get my well-endowed tush (thanks a lot, Dad!) all the way up my 4000 ft. training "hill" in under 2 hours!

The second challenge I face is raising $3500 on behalf of the American Lung Association® in Washington. This annual event was founded in 1988 by world-renowned mountaineer Lou Whittaker to raise funds for the crucial work of the American Lung Association® in Washington and also to heighten public awareness about environmental and health issues related to air quality. Each year, the Climb for Clean Air generates nearly a half million dollars to support the ALA's goals of reducing tobacco use among kids, preventing indoor and outdoor air pollution, and educating families and individuals living with lung diseases (like asthma, lung cancer, and emphysema) to help them live more fully and comfortably.

As the only child of three children who does NOT suffer from asthma, the American Lung Association® in Washington's work in this arena is especially motivating for me. I hope for the day when my siblings, Eric and Melanie, will not have to carry inhalers with them at all times or suffer through debilitating respiratory infections in the wintertime.  I hope that one day, perhaps, they will even be able to take their breathing for granted once in a while, as I admittedly do.

I'm so thrilled to be participating in this wonderful event, but as is true with so many things that are really worth doing, this can't be a solo effort! I need your support not only to raise the $3500 donation required for participation in the Climb, but also to muster up the internal strength I know I will need to meet the physical and emotional challenges that lie ahead. Please express your support in one or more of the following ways:

• Send a tax deductible* donation, made out to the American Lung Association® in Washington to:
  (name & address) Deadline: May 15, 2001
  (*I will mail an official receipt back to you for your records.)
  $25 - $50 How exciting, Pam - good luck!
  $50 - $100 Are you nuts? Blow a kiss my way from the summit!
  $100+ Shazaaaam! Send me a snapshot of yourself at the summit!
  
• Help me spread the word about what I'm doing.  Mention the Climb to 3 friends and ask if they'd be interested in sponsoring me. . . wait, make that 5 friends! More info on the Climb at www.alaw.org
• Many companies match their employees' charitable giving.  Ask your employer to match your gift!
• Check out my Climb website at www.cleanairadventures.org! (I know, isn't it crazy?) I'll be adding tidbits regularly about my training and fundraising efforts. Send the address to friends.
• Send me your inspirational and encouraging thoughts, poems, jokes, stories, etc. either by mail at the address above or by email at (insert email). I'll post 'em on the website!

Much love,