Friends and Family,

This email is going to a lot of folks who I count as among my favorite folks on earth (and assuming that I have your email address). I am extremely fortunate to have as many incredible folks around me as I do, and am looking to take advantage of your friendship.  I have registered to participate in the Lance Armstrong Livestrong Ride in September (Lori and I rode last year in the inaugural event) and am looking to each of you to make a donation to Lance's fight against cancer, in my name.  2005 was a really crappy year relative to cancer in my circle of friends and family, a few folks lost their fight (including the best father-in-law ever and the father of one of our closest friends) and a few continue to battle despite very long odds against them. 

I cannot begin to express in words how absolute my hatred is for this disease and how hard my family prays for a cure.  Frankly, it is sad that my sons (Jack age 4 and Alex age 9) have to include a prayer for so many cancer sufferers every night.

So here's the deal...I have to raise $500 at a minimum in order to participate in this ride...I'll pay it myself if I have to but it would be so much more impressive if we can blow out that number together.  You have seen the stats that show that Lance has raised over $50M just on those yellow wrist bands alone and a ton more outside of that.  Last year I had a lot of folks tell me that there was no way that the Livestrong ride could run smoothly and raise significant dollars (especially with 3,000 riders). Well, they were totally wrong and the ride earned a ton of money for cancer research and was as organized as any ride in the country.

If you are willing to donate please go to the link below...it is specific to me and counts against my total. 

www.livestrongride.org/06OR/timmedlin

Here's the best part...Anyone who donates at least $25 is invited (including your entire family) to a BBQ at my home sometime in August or September.  For those that have not been to a BBQ at the Medlin's, it typically includes dry-rubbed pork ribs, chili, burgers, dogs,  etc , as well as  a chance to dance to some great music and maybe even a movie in the backyard .  In addition, anyone who donates $50 or more will be the lucky recipient of my "almost famous" Chocolate Soufflé.  Trust me; the soufflé is worth the $50 all by itself. 

Recently, I attended a 1980's party dressed (or not dressed) as Tom Cruise in the 1983 movie "Risky Business".  Yes, I wore a dress shirt and no pants...I am so sorry for anyone that had to witness that...However, several folks were really eager to see me dance, as Tom Cruise did, to Bob Seger's "Old Time Rock And Roll".  Well I didn't, but If my total donations exceed $1,000 then I will embarrass myself and everyone who has ever known me by doing my best Tom Cruise imitation from the movie...obviously I am very committed to the cause.

Honestly, Lori and I would love to host each of you at our home regardless of your donation but we feel that cancer is a disease that has outlived its usefulness and hope that you feel the same.

Thank you so much for your consideration and we look forward to hosting you this summer.

P.S.  If you already are, or decide to participate in the ride I will absolutely donate to your fund also....and feel free to forward this to anyone who is willing to pay to see me dance in my underpants!!