Dear Friends and Family-

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to all of the people I have had the pleasure of knowing, or even simply had contact with, to support me in a fundraising effort for the American Lung Association (ALA).  This summer I will be riding my bicycle across the country from Seattle to Washington D.C. to raise $6,500 to fund vital advocacy programs, research and education on lung health.

If my idea sounds somewhat altruistic, it did not arise without a lot of forethought. Years ago a former college roommate joined the ALA team. She rode her bike across the country stopping in Cleveland to visit me and in the process enjoyed a nice home-cooked meal and a serious load of laundry. From this point on, I hoped to accomplishing a feat similar to hers.

This past month I was accepted into Ursuline's Accelerated Bachelors in Nursing program. I will be starting January 2013, which leaves my upcoming summer free from responsibilities. This is my time to check the Big Ride off my bucket list. Cycling is an entirely new world for me. I am a runner, and slightly burning out after last year having run two trail ultra-marathons and two marathons. The thought of riding my bike across the country scares me to death, but it also motivates me to accomplish a new goal

A dear friend of mine recently lost her father, and the message she shared with me from her loss was to live in the present and never take anything or anyone for granted. One day you might not have these opportunities, so this summer was not something I could pass up. I consider this my time to make a meaningful contribution to a worthy cause and I hope you can join the spirit in which I approach my upcoming feat. 

The ride will start on June 18th in Seattle and end 49 days later at the Capitol Building in Washington D.C. on August 5th. I will be riding 3,300 miles, through 12 states. I will be one of 18 riders funded by the generosity of caring patrons and contributors. The challenge motivates me, the agony scares me, but the opportunity to help others and experience a level of personal growth will last a lifetime.

Any contribution, regardless of amount will be greatly appreciated. There is no minimum for donations, and all donations are tax deductible. If you have the means to contribute and want to join in my cause, you can donate online (credit card) at the link below, or send me a check made out to The American Lung Association. Fundraising will be completed by May 31st. Thank you for your time, and contribution. Your contribution is appreciated not only by me, but by all of those people who may not have the breath to take them across this beautiful country. 

Gratefully yours,

Elizabeth Schreiber

Online Donations:  http://action.lung.org/site/TR?px=4823010&fr_id=4444&pg=personal

Please mail checks to the following address: 2626 West Park Blvd, Shaker Heights OH 44120