Archive for the ‘Events’ Category

There are MANY great causes that we all donate our time and/or money to – and we can’t get involved in all of them. But if you’re interested, I’d like to invite you to take a look at this cause – and consider becoming a part of it! (and PLEASE share this event with as MANY people as you can – especially runners!)

As many of you know from watching my FB posts over the past year, there’s a little 5-yr. old boy very near and dear to my heart – his name is Braden Hofen. Braden’s mom, Deliece, was not only my kids’ elementary school principal, she became a close and dear friend for the past 10 years. Over those 10 years I have watched her and her husband, Brian, go through some incredible pain – including the loss of another child eight years ago. NO family should have to go through what this family has been through – but through it all, they have remained ADMIRABLY strong.

Deliece has a gift with children! She took care of our children and took an INDIVIDUAL interest in each and every one of the kids who attended her school. I’m sure I’m speaking for hundreds of parents when I say, we feel BLESSED that our kids got her influence during their elementary school years! Because of this, her little boy’s story touches us even more…

Braden was diagnosed with Stage IV, high risk neuroblastoma on December 28, 2007 at the age of 3. Braden was given a 30% chance for survival at that time. He went through six high dose rounds of chemotherapy, an autologous bone marrow transplant, radiation therapy, and follow up therapies. Braden was declared to be in remission this past May of ‘09 but merely a few months later, only a few weeks from his 5th birthday, his cancer relapsed. Braden now has only a 10% chance for survival. He is undergoing medical treatments both at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri and at the Children’s Hopsital of Philadelphia. (links to Braden’s website, photos, etc. are posted below).

In an unfathomable turn of events, on February 15,2010 – Deliece was diagnosed with breast cancer herself. Yes, now MOM and SON are BOTH fighting this horrible disease.

As I’m sure most of you can understand, the medical expenses owed are in the tens of thousands of dollars – with more coming (not to mention travel expenses to Philadelphia AND what they’ll have with Deliece’s new stuff). Insurance has only coveres a portion of these expenses – but many have not been covered. In addition, Braden qualified for an experiemental trial back in the Fall. The family feels SO blessed, as the results have been amazing so far! However, many of the expenses of this trial (being done in Philadelphia) – including travel, meals, etc. – are not covered. This is where you can help!

What I am asking for is your donation to support my race team "Hofen’s Heroes". Your donation will help this family with Braden’s medical fund. No amount is too small! In addition, if you would like to walk or run in the race with me and my team on April 18th – we’d LOVE to have you! There are some special things planned to represent Braden’s strength the past 2 years. It should be a very heartwarming and memorable day!

Here’s a note from Deliece:

"I would love to see large groups of people out at this race not only showing their hope for Braden and their belief in the possibility of miracles… but simply to celebrate life! This may be the only year that Braden will be at this event. That’s not fun to think about – but a reality the Hofens’ need to face. I want it to be extra special for him this year, the first year of what will hopefully become an annual event! One that we pray Braden will be able to attend for many more years to come. This event will be as much of a celebration of today as it is about hoping for a future. To me, that’s important to think about. We really have no idea how much “future” time any of us have, but we do know we have today and we do know that should be celebrated. That’s the whole reason our family takes opportunities for “detours”. Life is about living each and every moment! I believe that if we are not truly grateful and really celebrate each and every moment we get with a truly thankful heart, we are missing the whole point of living. I, for one, don’t want to miss any of it. I want to live every single moment and celebrate each breath because when it is finally over, I don’t want to look back and think about how I sure wish we had…… I want to be able to say, “remember when….”. THIS race is a “Remember When” event for me. We all believe in Braden, we believe in miracles….we should also believe in one another and be thankful for every day! Let’s celebrate and honor that together, hand in hand, sharing smiles, and making memories so someday we can say, “remember when…”. Let’s show Braden that we have as much appreciation for each moment as he does. This truly is a child who lives each day with pure happiness and joy–even the really bad ones when he is one sick little boy either recovering from treatment or getting further treatment to try to have a future. He is fighting for his life every single day!! We have life, we need to LIVE IT!"

The website to get involved is:

http://www.psychowyco.com/bradenhofen/

Here are the instructions on how to register to donate and/or enter the race. Make SURE you read these and enter under "Hofen’s Heroes" – because, of course, I want my team to ‘knock everyone’s socks off" in this friendly little competition!

1.) Go down to the middle of the page and click the colorful "RACE
IT" logo to race or donate.

2.) You’ll see a box at the top to create a RACEIT account. You do
NOT have to do this – as it is optional. DO fill out the form
below the box to register for the race and/or to donate. Click
"Continue".

3.) Initial the waiver at the top. If you’re walking/racing – enter
your shirt size below the waiver. Click "Continue".

4.) ***VERY IMPORTANT!*** This is the page you can make a
donation if you’d like. PLEASE page down to my name and
enter your donation under my team "HOREN’S HEROES". Click
"Continue"

5.) Checkout!

The golf tournament will be held at Adams Pointe on May 22, 2010.  Please contact Rachael Althaus for more information at rachaelalthaus@aol.com.