Team Steiner will be running a 10K on May 3 at the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati to raise money for Children’s Tumor Foundation (CTF). CTF funds neurofibromatosis (NF) research as well as promotes awareness for NF and supports people with NF. Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow anywhere in or on the body. One in 3,000 people are diagnosed with NF; making a cure and better treatments a necessity.

As some of you know, Jodie, Braeden (4) and Bronson (1) (Chaun’s wife and sons) all have NF type 1 and Braeden and Bronson both have optic glioma brain tumors as a result of their NF. In addition, Braeden has congenital pseudoarthrosis of his left tibia (leg bowing) due to his NF. Braeden has successfully completed 60 weeks of chemotherapy treatments and one day his tibia will likely be replaced with a steel rod. Bronson began the same chemotherapy treatment on February 27, 2008. Both kids have frequent MRI’s and other medical appointments to monitor the status of their tumor. Jodie too is monitored for her NF; however has no significant symptoms like our children.

Children’s Tumor Foundation has some outstanding programs to accelerate research with relatively small investments. Currently CTF is supporting the research of at least two treatments for optic glioma and two treatments for bone healing. These treatments could have a substantial effect on Braeden and Bronson’s future health and life. One of the optic glioma treatments could be available in as little as two years! The leg treatments could improve healing of Braeden’s leg after surgery.

In addition to our family, we know several other people affected by NF; including several other children who have optic gliomas. Some are doing well, while others are struggling. It is very tough to see others with this disease suffer and wonder if our kids will be in their situation some day. Manifestations and symptoms of NF and optic gliomas are highly variable, making treatment and coping very difficult.

Team Steiner consists of Chaun and Chane Steiner and Cortney Martin. Chaun hates running and has not ran any length for many years and Chane (Chaun’s brother) is always ready for a good challenge. Cortney has a big heart with a desire to help. Although we do not share a run of loving, we wanted to do something challenging and difficult to raise awareness, and more importantly, funds for CTF. Our team goal is to raise $10,000. Somehow, someway, we will achieve and exceed this goal.

Synergy Sports and Fitness, at Central Avenue and Reynolds Road in Toledo, has generously agreed to donate training time to Chaun at their facility for this event. It is one of the most unique and exciting fitness facilities in the area, with something for everyone, including state of the art fitness club with monthly memberships and no other fees, the region's most prestigious performance training program, tennis and volleyball. Synergy also has cutting edge group exercise classes, including the most comprehensive kettlebell training in the region, with the only certified kettlebell instructors (3) and classes/instruction available for beginners. Please call Synergy at 419-537-0001 or visit their website at www.synergysportsandfitness.com.

In addition to running the 10K to raise $10K on May 3, some or all of us may also be running the 10K Turkey Day Run in Cincinnati on Thanksgiving day 2008. Both of these events will require extensive training and will be difficult.

Donations are tax deductible as CTF is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Chaun would love to speak with any of you in regards to where the money goes, the structure of CTF’s outstanding research programs and how this disease has effected our family and others with NF that we have personally met.

Below at the bottom of this page is a video from the Children’s Tumor Foundation that demonstrates how your support benefits Jodie, Braeden and Bronson as well as nearly 2 million other people worldwide that are affected by Neurofibromatosis. I hope you’ll please take a few minutes to watch the video and perhaps be as motivated as we are to support The Children’s Tumor Foundation.

Please help us help not only our kids, but everyone with this devastating disease. Please give generously. Even if you can give a small amount (no matter how small), it will help and will make a difference in people’s lives. If 10,000 people each gave only $1, then we would achieve our goal. Each and every donation is greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help!

Donations can be made online via this webpage; or checks can be sent to:

Children's Tumor Foundation
95 Pine Street, 16th Floor
New York, NY 10005

Please note FP08 and Runner ID #3653 (Chaun), FP08 and Runner ID #3654 (Chane) or FP08 and Runner ID #3665 (Cortney) on the memo line of your check when sending in a donation.

Additional information about our sons can be found on their CarePages at www.carepages.com. To access CarePages, you will need to register for an account (which is simple and fast). Our CarePage names are Braeden and BronsonLee.