Wednesday, March 4, 2009

It is "Time to Fly"

As most of you know our son Drew was diagnosed with Retinoblastoma (eye cancer) at 9 months old. Life has been a roller coaster ride since the beginning of this journey. In the last 2 years, Drew has gone through 25 eye exams under anesthesia, 3 port surgeries, 7 MRI’s, many local treatments of the tumors and 10 months of chemotherapy. At his most recent eye exam, the doctors indicated one of his original tumors in his right eye has started to grow again. They treated it, and now we wait again. We are unsure what the future holds for Drew. If history is any indication, we will be repeating chemo or starting radiation in the upcoming months.

We are excited for the day that we can cure this devastating disease. Drew is one of the lucky ones; his type of cancer has a 95% survival rate. Sadly, we’ve met other kids that aren’t so lucky. They continue to battle this disease everyday, and there are many that have lost the fight. This is what drives us to continue the fight against this deadly disease until we find a cure.
Many people have asked us what they can do for Drew and our family throughout this process. Our response to this has been to help us prevent other children and families from going through a similar type of journey. How can you help in that fight – Lace up your shoes or become a spirit runner, because it is “Time to Fly”.

Last year at the Annual CCRF Time to Fly Run/Walk we created a team of 62 runners and 54 spirit runners, and were awarded the top Family/Friend fundraising award. We raised over eight thousand dollars for the Children’s Cancer Research Fund. The funds raised go directly to cutting edge research at the U of M to help eliminate not only Drew’s type of cancer but many other cancers that affect children. This year we hope to exceed that with your help. June 27th is the 7th annual Children’s Cancer Research walk/run fundraiser called "Time to Fly" (details below).

Now for the fun part, incentive in a tough economy, to join the team or become a spirit runner (anyone who donates). This year we have a few extra gift cards, tickets and football and baseball collector items to help make your decision to join easier. I’m sure you all have heard of Matt Birk, Minnesota Vikings 6 time Pro Bowl center and Joe Mauer……Minnesota Twins catcher……All Star…..two time MLB batting champion….both of them were kind enough to donate a few items to Team Drew to get you motivated. Now if Matt Birk and Joe Mauer have time, you have no excuses!

Runners/Walkers:
· All new walkers and runners will receive a Team Drew t-shirt. We will provide t-shirts to returning runners/walkers if they need a new one.

· If registered by June 15th, your name will be entered in the drawing for a Joe Mauer autographed bobble head.

· If registered by June 15th, your name will be entered in the drawing for a Matt Birk autographed football.

· First male and female to cross the finish line in the 5K will each be awarded a $25 VISA gift card.

· First male and female to cross the finish line in the 10K will each be awarded a $25 VISA gift card.

· All walkers will be entered to win a $25 VISA gift card.


Runners/Walkers or Spirit Runners (anyone who donates):

· For every $125 each person donates by June 15th your name will be entered in the drawing for a Joe Mauer autographed bat (actual size).

· For every $75 each person donates by June 15th your name will be entered in the drawing for a Joe Mauer autographed ball.

· For every $75 each person donates by June 15th your name will be entered in the drawing for a Matt Birk autographed football.

· For every person that donates $50 or more by June 15th your name will be entered in a drawing for one of two sets of Twins tickets (2 seats per set).

· For every person that donates $25 or more by June 15th your name will be entered in the drawing for a $25 VISA gift card.

Note: In an effort to share the wealth, each individual may win only one prize. Prizes will be drawn in the order in which they are listed.


Kids:
· All new kid participants will receive a Team Drew t-shirt. We will provide t-shirts to returning kids if they need a new one.

· The child that raises the most money will be awarded 2 unlimited ride passes to Nickelodeon Park at the MOA.

· The first to cross the finish line will be awarded 2 two tickets for Grand Rios Water Park.

· All kids registered to run will be entered in a drawing to win 4 tickets to the Children’s Museum.


Race Details: Time To Fly
· Date: 6/27/09
· Location: Harriet Island
· Walk/Runs/Times/Costs (if you register through 06/21/09):
· 10K run @ 7:30 AM ($25) per runner
· 5K run @ 8:30 AM ($23) per runner
· 5K walk @ 9:15 AM ($23) per walker
· 1K kids fun run @ ($11) per child


Websites:
· To join the team or become a spirit runner: http://support.childrenscancer.org/site/TR/Events/General?team_id=2270&pg=team&fr_id=1130

If the link does not work go to: http://www.childrenscancer.org/ > Click on Time to Fly > Click on Register Now > On the right side of the screen click on Find a Team or Participant > Click the button for Search for a Team > Type Team Drew in the box > Click on Team Drew > To become a spirit runner (make a donation) click on Make a Gift on the right side of the screen and follow instructions > To join the team scroll down to Team Drew and Click on Join Team

· To read Drew’s story: http://drewgiuliani.blogspot.com/

There is a saying that "God doesn't give you more than you can handle". We have often asked ourselves: How much does one child have to handle? Children are supposed to be innocent and care free, and this disease has stolen that from many children. When asked what The Children’s Cancer Research means to us we answer: It is an organization that gives children & families their lives back. Drew wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for the hard work and dedication of CCRF, which is supported by great people like you. We would be honored to have you join us in raising awareness and money for this cause.

Please feel free to forward this blog entry to friends and family that might be interested in joining the team. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Tony, Heidi, Jack and Drew Giuliani

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

We are ready to race!!!! Looking forward to the day!
Tom , Holly, Jake, Brett

Anonymous said...

We're excited to run again this year! Let's hope for a sunny day.