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Greetings!

Thank you for your interest in the "Wilhelmina E. Bell-Taylor Race for Lung Life 5K Run/Walk." I am excited by the talents, creativity, experience, and knowledge of everyone who is willing to contribute to this important outreach endeavor. I am delighted that so many want to honor the life of my mother, Wilhelmina Bell-Taylor, who was a woman of great faith and determination who overcame numerous obstacles and challenges throughout her life.

Despite the physical challenges that my mother faced -- from a diagnosis of Hodgkins Disease at age 19, to congestive heart failure, and most recently lung cancer in 2004, she never wavered in her commitment to impacting the lives of others. Her life mission was to help as many people as she could before she died, and she did just that.

My mother raised me and built BETAH Associates, Inc., a 20-year old management consulting firm based in Bethesda, MD, on the principles of faith, integrity, and service to others. I embrace and live my life by these same principles. Therefore, I am determined to continue to carry forth her legacy and mission to improve the quality of life for others. One way that I believe I can do this is through the implementation of the annual Wilhelmina E. Bell-Taylor Race for Lung Life.

My hope is that this event will raise awareness of the deadly impact of a disease that oddly enough remains in the shadows. Did you know that lung cancer is the leading cancer- killer in both men and women in the United States and, in 1987, surpassed breast cancer to become the leading cause of cancer deaths in women? Probably not. So these are my goals -- to transform the view that society has about lung cancer and to eradicate the stigma; to encourage patients and families battling the disease; and to identify ways to support research, treatment, and care.

My mother's battle with lung cancer didn't end in defeat, nor was her determination to fight in vain, because her desire to help others will continue through this race and through your efforts. I am hopeful that the inaugural event on April 4, 2009 will lead to an annual event that will continue to grow in years to come and that our hard work will support finding a cure and ending the devastation that this disease causes in the lives of so many. Thank you for taking a step to end the stigma!

With Appreciation,

Michelle Taylor
Race for Lung Life Chair