Having been a retailer for years, and a veteran of the trade-show circuit for 30-plus years now, it’s interesting to look back at the people you meet. I dare say that if I were asked to do an inventory of true friends—you know the one's you can count on and call when times are bad and good—my list would mainly be made of friends that I’ve met through business at shows over the years.

Have you ever bumped into a friend that you haven’t seen in a while, only to pick up the conversation right where you left off the last time? Well, I have many of those friends, people that I have shared my ups and downs with, as well as gladly listened to theirs. I must admit that I don’t ask for help often, but I know that these friends would do anything to help should I call.

Well, I’ve gotten that call and I am asking all of my friends that read our Web site for a little help. You see, my good friend Greg Bennett has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and, being the fighter that he is, has beaten doctor expectations at every turn.

But he needs your help. Not help just for him, but for others fighting the disease.

Please read the letter below, take a second to respond, and help a fellow friend and retailer. I can promise you he would be the first to do it for you.

From: Jill Bennett
B.Suits,Inc. dba Birthday Suits

I am sending this to everyone who cares about Greg, in hopes that you will find the time to help raise Congressional awareness about an unprecedented funding initiative that the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is bringing to Washington DC on March 11. They are asking Congress for $170 million to advance pancreatic cancer research. It's easy to help.

There is a letter that is already written on the www.pancan.org Web site. All you have to do is type your signature to it and it will go to your congressional representatives.

Here's how to find the letter:
Go to pancan.org
On the top menu bar, click "Public Policy"
Click "Take Action Now"
Click on "Click here to take action now"
Type in your zip code
Your Congressional representatives will come up, along with a letter that you will be sending. There is a blank space in the middle of the letter where you can add personal comments if you wish, but you don't have to.
Sign, add your address to prove you are a constituent, and send the letter.

Hopefully we can find a cure soon. Thanks so much.

Love,
Jill Bennett