June 23, 2004   Dear local business: My name is Beth Santos and I am a graduated senior at Oyster River High School. This year, two of my friends and I will be walking the three-day Breast Cancer Walk in Boston. The walk lasts from July 30- August 1st, and is 60 miles long. Each participant needs to raise at least $2,000 in order to walk, but we are working to raise $25,000. For this reason I am asking for your help. This year, 215,990 women will develop breast cancer and 40,110 women (not to mention 470 men) will die from it. It is one of the leading causes of death among women in the United States, and currently has no known cure. Funds from this walk benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, which funds breast cancer research and treatment, as well as the National Philanthropic Trust for breast cancer initiatives. The numbers among breast cancer victims are so high that nearly everybody knows someone who has or has had breast cancer. My mother’s good friend, Sharon, is one of these women afflicted with the disease. Though Sharon currently lives in another state, she was a very important member of my childhood, and her sons have been my friends. It is completely unfair for a human being to have to be put through so much chemotherapy, radiation treatment, and seemingly endless pain. It is unfair for a family to have to worry so much, and, with many families, to have to endure the death of a loved one. To me, the most unfair part of all is the fact that we can find a cure but haven’t yet. However, we must press onward so that we may end all of the pain. To do this, we each need to carry our load. Would you consider making a donation for breast cancer? You can either pay a flat amount now or agree to pay money monthly. You may visit my website. http://helpbeth.cjb.net, if you’d like to pay online. If you prefer to donate by check, you can make it out to “Breast Cancer 3-Day” and send it to me directly. Either way, your money will be sent directly to breast cancer efforts. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Do it for your friends. Your family members. Your neighbors. Help find a cure before it’s too late.   Thank you for your time,   Beth Santos   P.S. For more information, you can visit the Breast Cancer Walk’s website at http://www.the3day.org.