It is Almost Time to Fly Again

As most of you know our son Drew was diagnosed with Retinoblastoma (eye cancer) at 9 months old. We currently commute to St. Jude’s in Memphis, TN for exams and treatment on a monthly basis. Although we are happy to report he is in remission for the 4th time, we know this can change in a heart beat. The doctors remind us this is a marathon not a sprint.

Many people have expressed how helpless they feel watching Drew and our family go through this process. I can’t tell you how many people have wished they could do something to help out. We are reaching out to you today for that help – Help us prevent other children and families from going through this journey. Today we are asking you to join us on this marathon by lacing up your shoes, because it is "Time to Fly".

Last year Team Drew had 86 runners and 140 spirit runners. We raised over nine 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. (For a recap of last year’s event check out the video on a posting below. This year we hope to exceed that with your help. June 26th is the 8th annual Children’s Cancer Fund’s Research walk/run fundraiser called "Time to Fly" (details below).

Why should you join us on this year? We could give you a million reasons but here are a few:

• It is a great event for the entire family. There are games/activities for the kids and friendly competition for the adults.
  
• It is a great way to teach kids about helping other kids. In addition, the medals at the end of the Kid’s Fun run are a huge hit. Every kid comes in first place.
  
• You will make a significant impact in a child’s life.
  
• The gift cards raised through Team Drew will be used to donate toys to kids on the cancer floor at Christmas time.
  

If you are not excited already here are some extra incentives to join the team or become a spirit runner (anyone who donates).

Runners/Walkers:

• All walkers and runners will receive a new Team Drew t-shirt.
  
• 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 person that donates $100 or more by June 15th your name will be entered in a drawing for one of two sets of 2010 Twins tickets (2 seats per set). Yes, these seats are in the new Twins ballpark "Target Field"…….Click HERE and enter Section 115, Row 21 to get a view of your seats………CAN YOU SAY AWESOME!
  
• For every $75 each person donates by June 15th your name will be entered in the drawing for a Joe Mauer autographed bat (actual size). If Joe’s got time, you’ve got time!
  
• For every person that donates $50 or more by June 15th your name will be entered in the drawing for a $25 VISA gift card.
  
• Kids:
  All kid participants will receive a Team Drew t-shirt
  
• The first to cross the finish line will be awarded 2 two unlimited ride passes to Nickelodeon Park at the MOA.
  
• All kids registered to run will be entered in a drawing to win 4 tickets to the Children’s Museum.
  
• Top Fund-Raiser:
  The adult who raises the most funds will receive a $100 VISA gift card.
  
• The kid to raise the most money will receive a $25 Toys R Us gift card.
  Note: In an effort to share the wealth, each individual may win only one prize.
  

Join Team Drew by:

• www.ccrftimetofly.com, and then click on "Join a Team" or "Donate to a Team/Individual".
  
• Search for　the name "Team Drew" in the　team listing.
  
• Complete the registration/donation process.
  
• Forward the website to others asking them to support you and Team Drew in our race to end childhood cancer.
  
• If your company matches donations, fill out the form to double your impact. Reminds others to do this as well.
  
• Consider adding it to your Facebook/Twitter pages to help us spread the word.
  
• Race Detail:
  10K Run $25 pre-reg/$30 race day reg 7:30 a.m.*
• 5K Run $23 pre-reg/$28 race day reg 8:30 a.m.*
• 5K Walk $23 pre-reg/$28 race day reg 10:00 a.m.*
• Kids' Fun Run $11 pre-reg/$13 race day reg 9:30 a.m.
  　
  *****NOTE: All registration prices are discounted through February 28th, some up to 20% off! Prices will go back to the standard pre-reg prices beginning March 1.
  　
  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 email to friends and family that might be interested in joining the team. Everyone is welcome to join. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Tony, Heidi, Jack and Drew Giuliani

http://support.childrenscancer.org/site/TR?fr_id=1150&pg=entry - CCRF Time to Fly Website