Hey everyone!
Here’s the scoop. I recently had a weight-loss procedure known as a vertical sleeve in an effort to lose weight and become a healthier, more productive person. Although there were many factors to consider, ultimately I felt my future health and well-being were harmed by a lifestyle of unrestrained and often emotional eating. Going through the procedure has made me take inventory of my life and all that I have to be grateful for, and one area where I have always wanted to give back has been to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
My grandfather, Billy E. Ice, died in 1993 of leukemia that had transformed to lymphoma. He was just about the best man I had ever known. He was smart, funny, charming—did I mention witty? He spent hours translating Italian and French operas into English, studying the finer points of Greek and Roman mythological pedigrees, painting art, writing, or even just listening to some great modern classical music. His death was a catalyst for me to change, and ultimately he shaped the person I am today. Every inspiration I ever had to succeed in the world came from this man. He believed in me as I believed in him.
Ultimately, his life was cut short at age 64 by a disease that still kills every day in the world. In his memory and honor, I want to have a benefit for the Leukemia & Lymphoma society. Here's how you can help:
In an effort to have fun, and to raise money and awareness, I am hosting a contest called, “Century to Century: A Benefit for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.” With my recent surgery, I will be losing some weight in the near future. Soon, I will be hitting 300 lbs, and eventually I’ll be down to the 200-lb mark. But let’s have some fun.
If you can correctly guess the day and time I will hit the 200-lb mark, you will win a gift-card of your choosing in the amount of 5% of the total proceeds raised. But that money won’t come out of the fund-raising. I am pledging to donate the gift card to the winner (minimum of $50.00 and up to $500.00) and on top of that give 5% of however much is raised as an additional bonus (minimum of $100.00 and up to $500.00). I hate having limits, but I’m not a rich man here.
The finer points: there will be 24 squares (1 hours for each square) in a day selected within the remainder of this year and through the end of next year. For $1.00, you can select one of these 1 hour-long squares. You can buy 1 square, or you can buy 1000 squares. I’m going to set up a special account at a local bank for this purpose, so there will be no co-mingling of personal and donated funds. I am also going to rent a PO Box for this upcoming year, and checks can be mailed. I'll be posting this PO Box tomorrow. I am taking checks or cash in person if you see me. From now on, I’ll be carrying around my list of selected squares. I’ll update the list regularly as it changes. If you mail a check, direct message me your selection and I will update it. I will be updating the square selections at least daily, but I am encouraging people to post on the wall of this even what square was selected. I’ll use your initials only or a code if you don’t want to be identified publicly.
Within 10 pounds of my goal, I will weigh myself 5 times a day, and if I am quickly approaching the 200 lb mark, I will weigh myself every hour until the century mark is hit. The scale I will use is located at the OMRF gym. It is a typical physicians analog scale, and we’ll consider it to have reached the 200 lb mark just when the arrow dips as we slide the small bar. The winner will be announced through this event, and he or she will receive the gift card within 1 week by mail. The donation to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society will be made within 1 week as well. We will keep a running tally of our donation totals and the gift card value so you’ll know exactly where we stand.
Please feel free to invite any friends who may be interested in helping out and having the chance to win a prize. How cool would it be if we could raise a ton of money to help The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society!?! Let’s do it, and let’s get healthy together!
Thank you!
John A. Ice
