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Brady's Fundraising Page

Running for Dad and Ruben

It’s been almost 17 years since my dad passed away from multiple myeloma, a blood cancer. I think about him every day. I think about who he would be. I think about who I would be with him still here.

I can’t bring him back. And, I can’t fill the void his friends and family feel.

But, there’s something I CAN do. I can help the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) improve treatment for patients and, ultimately find a cure. On April 29, I will run the Big Sur International Marathon on behalf of the MMRF in memory of my dad, Gene Averill.

Multiple myeloma is an incurable blood cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates more than 20,000 new cases of multiple myeloma were diagnosed in 2010. Although progress has been made in treating this disease, the five-year relative survival rate remains one of the lowest of all cancers.

My dad died after a year-and-a-half long fight with cancer at 46. My sister Brooke and I were 10 and 11, respectively.

Recently, I was reminded more must be done to make this disease disappear. My Pioneer Press colleague Ruben Rosario was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in April. He saw a doctor after pain stemming from an injury he sustained in a basketball game lingered for too long. His diagnosis came after MRI's, X-rays, blood tests and a bone marrow biopsy.

His case hits home. He’s a father and husband. More than anything, I want him to beat this thing. I don’t want Ruben or his family to know more pain than they do already.

And so I’m doing my part, however small, to help. I’m running the marathon a few weeks after the 17-year anniversary of my dad’s passing.

We've all been affected by cancer in some way. I hope you'll join my cancer-fighting efforts by making a donation to the MMRF. Every dollar counts.

To follow my journey, check out http://www.bradygervais.com and click on "Running for Good." You can also follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/bgervais.

Total Donations Collected:$5,028.00

Goal: $5,000

101%

$5,000
Goal

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Contributor	Amount	Comment
Frederick Melo	$30.00	"Go Brady!"

Stephanie Weiss	$30.00	"Good luck, Brady. Thanks for doing this run to honor yor dad and Mr. Rosario."

Jennifer Hawley Price	$100.00	"Thanks you for everything you do to fight multiple myeloma and strengthen the running community as a whole. You will rock Big Sur! "

Elizabeth Towle	$26.20	"Good luck, Brady!"

Tammi Scott-Lynch	$20.00	"I am sure your Dad would be proud! I hope the wind is at your back and you have fun on the run Brady. "

Stef Hebig	$26.20	"Brady - you're an inspiration! Good luck training and at the race!"

Carolyn Kluss	$50.00	"Brady- You are an amazing person, and an amazing runner. Your dad would be proud."

Amy Trang	$25.00	"So proud of you, Brady! You are not only my role model for running but also a role model for living life to the fullest and giving back! "

Kim & Vickie Bartness	$50.00	"We are proud of you Brady!"

Wayne Horsman	$75.00	"Brady, you are an extraordinary young lady and runner that is inspiring to all that meet you. Your dad would be so proud of you. Wish you the very best for a great race & experience at Big Sur!!"

Mia Adams	$50.00	"Good luck, Brady!"

Ana Hawkins	$50.00	"Good luck, Brady! "

Joyce Lewis	Hidden	"I read about your ride in Ruben Rosario's column. I have a friend who is suffering from this disease. She has done the stem cell treatment and seems to be doing fairly well. I am grateful to you for running this race for those suffering from this disease. "

Kathy Felch	$25.00	"Good Luck Brady. What a great cause! "

Saewook Lee	$50.00	"Good luck, Brady!!!"

Emily Brennan	Hidden	"Brady, Thanks for posting this. I am donating 26.2*2 - for every mile you run, your Dad will be right there with you in spirit. You can do this and it is a beautiful way to honor him. I'm thinking of you! Emily "

Maria Pfeiffer	$50.00	"Good luck, Brady! Thanks for doing this run to honor yor dad, Mr. Rosario and my own father - fighting hard right now"

Kirsten (Miller) Ankenbrand	$25.00	"Brady -- your thoughtful words always keep me tearing up. I really admire what you're running for -- and that you're so touched by your colleague's battle. You're such a good person and I wish you nothing but a healthy running season so you can meet your incredible goal! Sending big virtual hugs...! --Kirsten"

Matthew Florence	$26.20	"Go Brady!"

Laura Fagan	$25.00	"Its nice to help someone who is dedicated to making a difference. Good luck in ALL your races this year! God Bless you in 2012. :) "

Alek Babel	$26.20	"Run fast, take chances!"

Christina Lee	$50.00	"Brady, you rock!! :) No, seriously, you're amazing & such an inspiration!"

Katherine Derong	$50.00	"Run, Brady, run!"

Katherine Magy	$50.00	"Run on."

Jean Brislance	$25.00	"All the best to you, Brady! Good luck!"

Mark Waller	$5.00	"Great work you're doing, Brady! A real inspiration! Cheers to your dad & his memory."

Jenna VanLoy	$20.00	"Brady, Good luck with the run! I am sure you will rock it!"

Ed Schober	$26.20	"You Rock!"

Judy Bergs	$100.00	"We appreciate your dedication to honoring the memory of your Dad and continuing the quest to find a cure for the cancer that took him from us. Judy and Greg Bergs"

Emma Carew	$20.00	"Brady -- you continue to do such amazing work! You are an inspiration."

Kathy Berdan	$25.00	"Go, Brady!"

Julie Justison	$34.00	"34 days left... 34 bucks towards your cause, sorry I didn't do this sooner. Good luck. And have fun."

Teresa Crater	$50.00	"Run Brady Run! Have a great race!! "

Justin Morin	$100.00	"Brady- Good luck on April 29th. I know you will kick butt! The hard work and dedication you put forth is inspiring. Your father would be proud!"

Jane Jensen	$100.00	"We are proud of you honey. What a wonderful tribute to your father. Glen and Jane"

David Pittman	$27.20	"27.2 because you go the extra mile! Very proud of you, Brady! "

Emily King	$50.00	"Keep doing GOOD, Brady! "

Meggen Lindsay	$50.00	"Good luck Brady! This is a wonderful thing you are doing."

Tracy Hirigoyen	$26.20	"We've never met, Brady, but I admire what you're doing and wish you (and Ruben, too!) all the best."

Cameron Barden	$25.00	"Go Brady! You rock!!"

Brett Bogan	$25.00	"Go Brady! Good luck at Big Sur!"

Brandon Revels	$26.20	"Best of luck to you in your upcoming marathon!! Way to go!!"

Ralph Duquette	$100.00	"Keep the memory alive. Best of luck from the Greater Boston Track Club. :-)"

Hannah Schroeder	$100.00	"Brady, you're an inspiration. Sending you much love and luck this weekend! "

Kelli White	$26.20	"You're a true inspiration, Brady! Your kind heart, your work ethic, your enthusiasm... basically, you're kickin' ass and takin' names daily -- never forget that! Good luck at Big Sur!!! :D"

Joe Jao	$50.00	"Go Brady Go! Your father is very proud of you!"

Anna Giacomini	$26.20	"Go get 'em!"

Markemmanuel Rodriguez	$27.20	"Boom! Rock it! "

Kara Nierenberg	$26.20	"Run hard, but more importantly run smart. I miss you lady! Good luck!"

Leah Elmquist	$26.20	"I wish you much luck on your run this weekend. Remember your cause when you're feeling down and keep pushing!...You are doing something AMAZING =)"

Jacob Gervais	$100.00	"Kick some butt tomorrow morning!"

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