Day Twenty-two of...98 Days

It's Super Sunday - the day(s) to win the big one.

The experts agree and are unanimous in their evaluation; in order to win the big game today or any day for that matter there are specific conditions that must be met. The following list, although not exhaustive, does a fair job at listing many of the important factors.

The Cause:
The members of the winning team (The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society) applies themselves because they so wholeheartedly believe in the plan and their cause.

Research:
It requires exhaustive research to find the competition's (blood cancer's) weaknesses and exploit them to win (find a cure).

Planning:
Like any huge contest or battle, the winning team (Researchers) is characterized by their level of planning and preparation.

Execution:
With the research completed and the plan developed, next step is the crucial one of flawless execution. Perfect timing, ideal team makeup, efficient delivery, are all characteristics of perfect execution (to find the cure).

Fan Support:
What would this big game (to find a cure), this classic,timeless stuggle be without a loyal and committed fan base (fund-raisers)? It is vital that this loud and rowdy support network exists to move the team on to greatness and victory (to find the cure).

Expand the Base:
If we agree that the fan base (fund-raisers) is so important to the team, then the logical next step in for current fans to constantly work to spread the word and bring new members on line. After all, if you are passionate about the cause you will want to do everything to win (to find the cure for blood cancers).

Passion:
A natural outgrowth of belief in the team, the cause, the enduring struggle to win.

Teamwork:
Because the cause is important,it is a big one and to achieve victory against an equally committed foe (blood cancer) means fans have to rely on the strength that comes with numbers and teamwork - a lot of teamwork (and fund-raising). Each team member doing his or her best to promote the cause and use his or her talents to bring home a win.

Commitment:
To win the big one (to find the cure) each team member must be fully committed to doing what he or she is capable of doing each day to continue putting the pieces in place (fund-raising) that will eventually become the foundation (funding research) upon which glorious victory is built.

Coaching:
Experts (LLS) in charge of the game plan is so vital to conducting a winning campaign.

Big Money:
In this timeless struggle, this battle for the ages, this impending glorious victory - nothing comes without alot of blood, sweat, and tears - and money. Victory against a stubborn and skilled opponent (like blood cancer) like we face is difficult and it takes money to put the pros on the field of play.

Yes, it takes all of the above to win the big one against our current challenger (blood cancers). And you know, coincidently, it is crucial to have all of the above factors in place for the winner of the Super Bowl too.