Dear Friends & Family:

Matt Cassarino here, I hope that this letter finds you well. It’s not every day that I send out a letter to everyone I know, so something special must be going on…

I am going to climb Mt. Rainier!!

The American Lung Association of Washington (ALAW) runs a fundraiser each year where participants are sponsored to climb Mt. Rainier. The summit is at 14,410 feet! Mt. Rainier is considered the toughest and longest endurance climb in the lower 48 states: the ascent takes 18 hours over two days! Hmm… what am I getting myself into?
alaw.org

sponsor me online! 		They are calling this event “The Climb for Clean Air,” and famed mountaineer Lou Whittaker is our Honorary Chairman. I am writing you this letter to request your sponsorship. But first, let me tell you why I am doing The Climb:

As I have been training on the Northwest’s premier death marches, I have wondered, “Why Mt. Rainier?” I mean, this is a really tough climb! Not everyone who attempts the ascent will make it. In fact, over 30% of the 100+ participants will not reach the summit. I thought that the point was to reach the top, take a picture, and cross off one of “My Life’s To Do List.” But upon further reflection, it has occurred to me that it’s not really about reaching the top (sure that will be nice, and I’ll send you a picture if I make it), but this fundraiser is all about combating air pollution and preventing lung disease in the name of the ALAW. That’s why it’s called The Climb for Clean Air.

In particular, my motivation for doing The Climb is to raise money for the prevention of emphysema. My Grandpa (a.k.a. Pops) was afflicted with this horrible disease. During the last ten years of his life, he could not even walk a few steps without having to rest and regain his breath. This is the man who first put a golf club in my hands and ignited my passion for the game. Because of emphysema, he was not even able to enjoy a few swings on the driving range during his final years. Every time I saw him, Pops would tell me how much he missed being able to play golf. His frustration was totally evident and totally heart-breaking.

In the United States alone, over 20 million people suffer from emphysema. Every day these people struggle just to do ordinary things, like using the stairs and taking a walk in the park. I believe that the ALAW has chosen Mt. Rainier so that the fundraising participants can know how it feels to struggle for every step and every breath. I hear that near the summit, it’s 2 breaths per step – every step you take requires resting and taking two breaths. Wow. Talk about gaining an appreciation for healthy lungs and a perspective of someone that suffers from emphysema.

That’s why this fundraiser is so important. The money that we are raising will go towards fighting lung disease and increasing the quality of our air. The ALAW does a terrific job each year in raising money through fundraisers like this one. Last year, The Climb for Clean Air raised over $400,000! To participate,

Each climber is required to raise at least $3,500.

And that’s where I need your help. Please express your support of the ALAW by sponsoring my climb,

Online: www.alaw.org/summit/MatthewCassarino (The site is case-sensitive and secured)
   
By Mail: Matt Cassarino
3240 90th Place S.E.
Mercer Island, WA 98040

Make checks payable to The American Lung Association of Washington.

I am trying to raise $3,500 ASAP, so if you are going to sponsor me, please do it today!

$1 - 20: Good cause Matt! We know that you can do it!
$21 - 50: Go for it Matty! Send me a shout out from the top!
$51 - 100: You da man, Cass! Good luck!
$100+ Yodelaaaaaayeeeeeoooo!!!! This one’s for Pops!

Your donation is 100% tax-deductible and I will send you an official receipt. Also, many companies will match their employee’s charitable gifts. If yours does, let me know and I will send you the appropriate paperwork.

I really appreciate your support. Any contribution that you can offer will make a big difference to the ALAW’s mission, and get me on my way to the summit!

Sincerely Yours,

        

View my fundraising total by visiting www.alaw.org/summit/MatthewCassarino

My climb dates are July 16-17.

Help me spread the word about The Climb. Please tell 3 of your friends!