Dear Friend:

As 2001 is well under way, we are all inevitably consumed with our daily lives, families, and work (I know I sure am)! But remember to stop and take a deep breath of fresh air. In fact, take several because you CAN! If you are like most fortunate people you breathe through your lungs about 2 gallons of air a minute. That is about 3,000 gallons of air, or 20,000 breaths a day. And if you are like me sometimes, you may not even notice.

But many people do notice because if you can't breathe, nothing else matters! Asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, lung cancer, or tuberculosis can make breathing a challenge. To aid in conquering this challenge, I have accepted a challenge of my own. I am going to sponsor an asthmatic child and I will raise $5,000 for the American Lung Association® in Washington. In July 2001 I will be joining the American Lung Association® in Washington's 13th Annual Climb For Clean Air^®.

The Climb For Clean Air^® is the attempted summit of the 14,411-foot Mt. Rainer. That is correct! Mt. Rainer, the eminent landmark of Washington and the most difficult endurance climb in the lower 48 states. The trek will be 2 days and will be led by Rainer Mountaineering Inc. and the famous Lou Whittaker. Approximately 100 people will attempt the challenge, yet only about 70 will complete it. Some will not have the physical stamina to reach the soaring summit and others will not raise enough money to qualify for the team. I WILL REACH MY GOAL!!

But, yes, you guessed it I need your help. I need to raise $3,500 by June 1 in order to be on the team. The great news is that your 100% tax-deductible donation will be going to an outstanding cause. Last year's climb raised nearly $500,000 for the American Lung Association® in Washington. Here is what your gracious assistance and the 2001 Climb For Clean Air^® will help to support:

1. Greater and more proactive attention to the fight against increasing air pollution. Due to smog, over the past 15 years, the beauty of Mt. Rainier's peak is being seen less and less (the number of visible days from Sea-Tac Airport has decreased from 60 to below 40 for the months April to October).
2. Prevention and treatment of lung diseases such as lung cancer, asthma, emphysema and COPD. Lung disease is the third leading cause of death by disease in the U.S.
3. Children with asthmatic health problems factor into missed schooldays and can affect kids to lead normal lives. Once again, I will be climbing for a specific child from a local "asthma house" (I will meet the child this spring).

• 1-$25 Good cause, , go for it!
• 25-$50 You better start training dude!
• 50-$75 Make us proud, !
• 75-$100 We want a photo of you on the summit!
• $100+ We want a photo of you on the summit holding a flag with our names on it!

Thank You. And please, pass this on to a friend. Gratefully yours,