250 SAILORS JOIN FORCES IN HONOR OF SEVEN-YEAR OLD ANDREW HEDQUIST OF STILLWATER

Co-hosted by the Black Bear and White Bear Yacht Clubs and sponsored by White Bear Boat Works, The Leukemia Cup Regatta on White Bear Lake brings together sailors from all over the upper Midwest for a weekend of racing, fundraising, and unabashed fun. It is one of nearly forty similar sailing events around the country raising awareness and funds to help find a cure for blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and myeloma.

As many as 60 boats-from 14' sailing dinghies to 38' scows-enter this sailing extravaganza. And every year, the opportunity to sail and help others in the community leaves a memorable impression on everyone in attendance. Since 2004, supporters of The Leukemia Cup Regatta on White Bear Lake have raised over $420,000 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). By registering for the Regatta (www.leukemiacup. org/mn), participants become part of a nationwide movement of sailors and other supporters who have joined LLS in its fight against blood cancers.

This year, Minnesota sailors are raising their sails to honor Andrew Hedquist of Stillwater, MN. At the age of two, Andrew was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) in March of 2005. It was news neither of Andrew's parents expected to hear. "When Andrew was diagnosed, we were both afraid and in disbelief," said Andrew's mother, Laura Hedquist. "We never had anyone close to us go through a serious illness, let alone our little boy." Following his diagnosis, Andrew endured frequent trips to the doctor, five rounds of chemotherapy, and two serious infections.

"Watching Andrew go through treatment was extremely difficult. But the help we received from LLS was truly amazing," said Laura. "We are very thankful to have had such wonderful support!" Now a seven-year-old student at Salem Lutheran, Andrew is doing great. His doctors say he will be officially deemed cured this September- just in time for the Regatta! Thank you, because you're making the lives of cancer patients easier and providing hope to their families," said Laura. "As a parent of a cancer patient, I feel like it's a burden lifted from my shoulders so I can focus on caring for my son and navigating the complicated world of treatment, insurance, and recovery. Knowing that you are out there raising funds for this cause gives great hope to families." Those interested in attending the Seventh Annual Leukemia Cup Regatta (September 10-12) to sail in honor of Andrew, and others like him, can register by visiting www.leukemiacup.org/mn.

REGATTA DELIVERS ON FUN AND FUNDS

In addition to sailing for a cure, one thing participants can count on and keep coming back for more of each year is fun! From hard fought races, to great food, live music, a silent auction, and lots of awards and incentives, this annual fundraiser for LLS delivers. New to the event this year is The Leukemia Cup Luau featuring a pig roast! If you would like to support the Regatta by sailing, volunteering, donating an auction item, or making a donation, we would love to talk with you! For more information about The Leukemia Cup Regatta and LLS, please contact Jared Nielsen at (763) 852-3004 or visit our website at www.leukemiacup.org/mn.

REGATTA WEEKEND PREVIEW

9/10 Registration & Mount Gay Rum Reception, 5:00-9:00 PM 9/11 Continental Breakfast Skipper's Meeting Races 1 and 2 Lunch provided by Jimmy's Food & Drink Race 3 Silent Auction The Leukemia Cup luau featuring a pig roast *Purchase dinner tickets by visiting www.leukemiacup.org/mn Live Music and Dancing 9/12 Continental Breakfast Skipper's Meeting Races 4 and 5 Lunch provided by Roadside Pizza & Race Awards

ABOUT THE LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding research, education, and patient services for people with leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma. Over one hundred thousand new cases of these blood cancers are diagnosed in this country each year, and 148 people die from them every day. But many more recover, thanks in part to the efforts of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and sailors across the country. Last year alone, some 8,400 sailors raised $3.8 million to help find cures for blood cancers. $78,000 of that was raised by The Leukemia Cup Regatta on White Bear Lake.

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