Dear Friends,

It has been a year of so many uncertainties — unbearable heat, floods, rain, drought, fires — and an economy that refuses to right itself. All of us have been touched.

However, one thing that stayed the same is cancer — though the statistics have improved, the treatment is definitely better and more tolerable, and early diagnosis is extending our lives.

The job of Women Playing For T.I.M.E.® goes on. This is our 19th year and so many of you have been with us from the beginning. We have to be very proud of the $8.2 million we have raised and all the wonderful donors who have made this possible.

Every time Dr. Buck Brown gave us a challenge, we met it. I’m already having sleepless nights trying to come up with something wonderful for our 20th — I know it will need all of your participation. One thing is for sure — cancer does not take a vacation, and our only real hope for its cure is through research.

During the healing process of my lymphoma and chemo treatments this past year, I had plenty of time during my afternoon naps and meditations to regroup. In the doing, I am more grateful for all of your support, your caring and patience. I always thought I knew how to do this very thing for others, but I learned a great deal from you.

We are part of an unbreakable group of friends — our ties are strong and meaningful. If one of us hurts, we all hurt. Within the framework of WPFT, there is the miracle of friendship — with our prayers, paddlers, Foundation staff, Lake Nona and Isleworth. There is not a day that goes by that I do not treasure it.

Even before we turn our check over to MD Anderson – Orlando, we are winners because we have not let Sheila’s dream die.

My deepest thanks,

Elaine
Chair and Co-Founder Women Playing For T.I.M.E.

Elaine M. Lustig