Dear BMXer,

Helping other people is one of the finest things that anyone can do in life. This is your opportunity through the sport we know and love to help people in two ways. First, through your gathering of donations for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, you will be helping fight and bring an end to dreadful diseases that affect thousands of people each year. Secondly, you can introduce BMX to friends and neighbors that may not have thought they would ever be able to participate in competitive BMX, as this is the ONLY race where you don't have to be an ABA member to try BMX. Their contribution will their entry into the finest sport in the world, BMX.

Sincerely,
Clayton John
President, American Bicycle Association

It all started in 1981 when an avid 12 year old BMX racer from Michigan discovered he had Leukemia. Todd Kingsbury was his name, and like many BMXers, he had dreams of someday becoming a top pro in the sport. Unfortunately, this dreaded disease would keep Todd from fulfilling his dream.

When Todd's friends and the American Bicycle Association learned of his diagnosis, it was decided that an organized effort should be made to help in Todd's "Race for Life." The first ABA "Race for Life" events were formed that year, with over 130 tracks participating and raising funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Ever since, the ABA has held a series of "Race for Life" events nationwide to help in the fight to find a cure for blood-related cancers. There are awards given to top fund raisers which include shirts, jackets and trips to the ABA Grandnationals of BMX.

Of course, the best reward of all is the good feeling of helping others with Leukemia.