Team Dream 2009 is a group of friends with the crazy idea to bike across the USA to raise awareness and funds for lung cancer research:  3,415 miles, 10 bikes, 7 weeks, 2 oceans, 1 cure.  Team Dream 2009 was founded by Amy and includes Mark, Heather, Mary, Lauren, Marsha, David, Lynn,  Rachel, and Joe.

Our friend Elyse Aussenberg was diagnosed with lung cancer in May 2008.  Elyse is the healthiest person we know:  never smoked, eats well, works out every day like a madwoman, and still came down with this awful disease at the age of 52.  Click here for more information and facts about lung cancer.

Our goal is to raise enough money to make a difference.  We're not gonna bike across the country for 75 bucks.  But $100,000 will fund a research grant in Elyse's name to make a real difference in lung cancer diagnosis and treatment, and 100% of your donations to Team Dream 2009 will go toward this research grant.

You can choose to make a lump sum donation, or you can sponsor a block of miles for $30.00 per mile.  Soon we hope to have Team Dream 2009 merchandise for sale, with all proceeds also going to the National Lung Cancer Partnership.

Donating is really easy.  Just click the "Sponsor Us Now" box below.  All donations are tax deductible, of course.  If you would prefer to send a check, please contact Amy at akwaggoner@yahoo.com for information.

Amy will ride the entire 3,415 miles, and the other members of Team Dream 2009 will join her in 7 to 10 day stretches.   Maybe we'll still find somebody crazy enough to ride the whole trip with her.  Click here to find out more about  Team Dream 2009, and to see updates on our progress.

So we're roll

Dear Friends,

Alexis is going to walk in the Uveitis Foundation walk on September 27th in Boston.  Please help us raise money for this important cause..  This month  means a great deal to our family.  This September marks 2 years of remission for Alexis. 

Many of you already know that she was diagnosed in 2005 with Uveitis.  This is a brief description of what happened next.  She had her first surgery in June of 2005. Due to the inflammation in her eye, her retina detached in July and in August .  She had to sit face down in a special chair for the entire summer. Both times her retina detached she required surgery.  Unfortunately, too much damage had been done to her right eye and she lost most of her vision.  She was then put on  immunosuppressant medication which made her very ill.  She wasn't able to attend school for 2 years because of her weaked immune system.  She had another surgery to remove the oil bubble placed in her eye to hold down her retina.  In September of 2006 she became extremely ill.  She had contracted a virus she was unable to fight because of her weaked immune system.  It was a terrifying week at Children's Hospital. She was immediately taken off her medication. Thank God she pulled through.

The good news in all of this is that she is now in remission.  Thanks to Dr. Foster's care and persistence in fighting this disease.  We owe a great deal to the Uveitis Foundation.  Please help us make this a very successful walk.    As an added incentive to donate,  the family that raises the largest donation with have access to a beach home in Siesta Key (Sarasota) Florida.  It's an adorable home located directly on Crescent Beach...one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida.  It has a swimming pool and can sleep at least 6 people.  This does not include transportation and there are some dates which are unavailable.  Good Luck.  Thank you for your support.  Alexis and family

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page!

Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts.

Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you

Please join John's family and friends as we celebrate his life and help raise money for a great cause in his honor.  We will be doing a 5K run (or walk) on Saturday October 4, 2008 along the Charles River.

Johnny was known as the generous gift giver in his family, and we can keep his generosity alive by raising money and awareness for the Samaritans.  I think John would be pleased that we are trying to help others in his name.

Join us on John's team for the Run for Someone Else's Life.  We're running for Johnny under the name Team Persevere because of his "Persevere" tattoo!

This is the Samaritans tenth Annual Run/Walk, "Run for Someone Else's Life," along the Charles. There will be festivities to follow, which include live music, games, refreshments and a kid's race.

WHEN: Saturday, October 4, 2008

• Registration: 8:00 a.m.
• Race: 10:00 a.m.
• Awards: 11:00 a.m.

WHERE: Artesani Park, 1234 Soldiers Field Rd Road in Brighton. View Map and Get Directions.

REGISTRATION: Take advantage of pre-registration today for $15! Pre-registration prices are available through September 27, 2008.

To sign up, please go http://www.samaritansofboston.org/5k.html and go to "Register Online."  Click on the box that says "I am participating in a team that is new this year" and then type in "John Barron - Team Persevere".

Thanks!

John Barron's team

Thank you for visiting my Personal Fundraising Page. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to make a contribution to our fundraising efforts. Many thanks for your support-- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!

This run is named after Marquette coach Al McGuire, the patron saint of Warrior Basketball.

So pony up a few bucks, and show your enthusiasm for Marquette Basketball, meanwhile helping a good cause, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.

Last year, we raised $1,650 for the cause.  Let's beat that this year!

UPDATE:  We've crushed last year's record.  I've bumped the goal even higher!

Well well well...it's that time again!

I have a goal to run a marathon in all 50 states and this is my first attempt outside California! And you are invited on the journey with me!! 

Getting a spot in the New York Marathon is tough - you either have to (a) qualify with an amazing time (haha that's not gonna happen!), (b) get picked in a lottery (waaaaaay too many people in said lottery), or (c) you can sign up and fundraise money for a charity. Option C here I come! 

I am raising money to help maintain the magical place that is Central Park. It's hosted memorable scenes in such movies as "Enchanted," "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York," and "The Muppets Take Manhattan," to name a few, and it's also considered a second home to many runners in New York City. When I visited New York in March, I ran through Central Park and loved it.

Another great reason to donate money for the cause is because I will get to run this marathon with my twin sister, Katie! I've run a marathon with my dad, my mom, my little sister/roommate Laura...now it's Katie's turn!

So what do you say? Wanna throw some money my way? I'll be your best friend!

Seriously though - I'd love it if you could donate money and help support me and a great cause. Thanks!

Hi everyone!

I'm Nicky and I'm now 5 years old. I know, its already been one year, since the last time we did this! Time sure flies!!!

Well, this year, I am now in Pre-K 4 (yes, still at St. Brendan). I did so well last year, that I am still in a regular class and loving it! I am also now a second-year veteran T-Ball player, besides my regular therapies and exercises. But, my real passions are music and swimming!

Oh, and this year, my little brother Carli is now in my old class of Pre-K 3.  It's really neat, because I get to try to help him with his homework. Mommy also tells me that we have a new baby on the way. I'm hoping for a sister!

My mommy and daddy, and a great group of family and friends, have been working really hard (again!) to prepare this year's Miracle Walk, over in Miracle Mile, Coral Gables. The Walk is to help other people learn about kids with Down syndrome, just like me.

With this Walk, we are also trying to raise money for the Down Syndrome Association of Miami, Inc., so they can continue helping and raising awareness.

Please come out on October 12th, 2008 and walk with me, my family and all my friends, so we can all, together, help this cause. If you can't join us, its okay, but then you can help me reach my fundraising goal.

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page!

Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts.

Many thanks for your support -- and

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page!

On October 4, 2008, I will be joining my teammates from Team LT to compete in the 2nd Annual Southwest Airlines Plane Pull - all to raise funds for my favorite charity, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana.

What is a Plane Pull?  It's a giant tug-of-war between my team of 20 people and a Southwest Airlines plane.  We will be competing against other teams of 20 for the title of Fastest Team Pull. 

Other awards given that day will be for the Top Team Fundraiser and Top Individual Fundraiser.  While I would love to win the Fastest Team Pull, the fundraising awards are what I would be most proud to win.  Will you please help me reach (or exceed!) my goal to raise vital funds for RMHC-CNI?

Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts.

Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!

We are no longer accepting raffle ticket purchases as we are about to draw the winning ticket.....  

Congratulations to

Costas Karageorgis

of Milton Mass!

He won the gift basket including

 FOUR State Street Pavilion tickets to

the Red Sox - Toronto game

Sunday September 14th, 2008 at 1:35 pm.

Why these FOUR seats rock:

• IN SEAT food and drinks! That's right, a waiter or waitress brings beer to Costas.
• A BAR? Yup, these tickets give Costas access to the State Street Pavilion restaurant which includes a full bar with FLAT screen TV's, free popcorn, a buffet, make your own sundae...
• FRONT ROW of the section!
• Short bathroom LINES!

In addition to these awesome seats, you will ALSO get:

• A bottle of Manny Merlot
• A bottle of Sauvignyoouuk Blanc
• A bottle of Schilling Schardonnay
• A bottle of Captain's Cabernet
• A one-time use digital camera
• A selection of Red Sox Lottery Scratch Tickets

&nb

Thank you for visiting my Personal Fundraising Page.  My name is Benjamin Fagan and I am 8 yrs. old.  I was diagnosed with a Pineal Region Brain Tumor in September of 2007.  This is a tumor that is most common with children (mixed germ cell tumor).  The tumor was removed on Sep. 25th and I'm now going through treatment so the tumor doesn't come back.  I'm a strong boy and I get my strength through God and my loving family.  I feel God's angels surrounding me.  Please help find a cure so children like myself can beat cancer and live a long healthy life.  Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to make a contribution to our fundraising efforts. Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!

1-22-08  -  100 Miles of Hope 

I would like to support the research effforts in finding a cure for childhood brain tumors.  I have read in numerous articles there is a lack of funding for research.  Why?  Going through this challenging time with our son and seeing the many children in the hospital experiencing similar circumstances is an indescribable feeling.  I want to help.

I'm going to run in 15 races during the next 5 -6 months.  These races are listed below and will total 100 miles.  Included in the schedule are 3 half-marathons which is a distance I have yet to run.  I have averaged about 4 races a year and they have all been under 6.2 miles (10 K).  Please support me in making a donation to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.  I may need donations of Ibuprofen as well. ha ha.  Like a checklist, I will enter my times after each race. 

Ben is doing very well, and we thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.  Pray, Pray, and keep on Praying.  We Believe! 

I had to make a few minor changes to my 100 Miles of Hope schedule due to our Make a Wish trip to Maui on July 27.  I will end with a bang doing the Eppies Great Race which will be my first triathlon.  Instead of a swim, the race includes a 6 mi. kayak down the American River.     

Thank You,&

Thanks for taking the time to visit our webpage to learn about the Alpha-1 Foundation. When our daughter and son-in-law brought Cooper, our third-born grandson, home from the hospital he was jaundiced. However, we didn’t worry much since our first 2 grandsons, Tyler & Bryce, had also been jaundiced in the first days of their lives. However, we soon discovered that Cooper’s jaundice was not the “ordinary garden-variety” experienced by so many newborns. Much to our shock and dismay, we learned that Cooper had Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (A-1ATD). Within just a few weeks after he was born he had developed total blockage of his liver. Cooper underwent surgery to have a liver biopsy to determine the extent of involvement, to rule out another congenital liver disorder and to confirm the diagnosis. We learned of the possibility of future liver failure requiring a liver transplant and also the risk of developing liver cancer.

Since this is a genetic disorder, everyone in our family was tested; as a result, we discovered that Bryce also has A-1 ATD. While we were initially devastated, in some respects we are fortunate that Cooper was diagnosed so early; otherwise we wouldn’t have known that 2 of our 3 grandsons had this disorder until they began to exhibit signs of advanced lung damage or liver failure. By then, it may have been too late to treat Bryce or Cooper. Thankfully, recently Cooper's and Bryce's liver tests are only slightly elevated when checked.
 
 We want to educate people about A-1 ATD. Here are the basic facts:
I. We all make a protein enzyme in our liver called Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (A-1 AT).
II. We also make another protein called neutrophil elastase (NE), which is secreted by our immune system's white blood cells, that circulates throughout our bodies to combat infections and kill bacteria and viruses.
III. This protein will not only destroy bacteria and viruses, but our own tissues as well.
IV. In most people, the A-1 AT protein binds to the excess circulating NE proteins and prevents them from attacking our own tissues.
V. Those few people with A-1 ATD, have hardly any A-1 AT protein to stop this destruction. As a result, their white blood cells secrete an enzyme that damages their own body: the most significant effect of this action is on the lungs. Any cold, pneumonia, pollution, smoke, etc., will cause injury to the l