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Runner: Brandon Monk
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I am privileged to be joining Team McGraw for the 2008 Bank of America Chicago Marathon this October 12th to benefit the Tug McGraw Foundation. This foundation seeks to raise awareness and improve the quality of life for patients and caregivers afflicted with brain tumors. As part of Team McGraw, I am raising funds to support research in this effort.
I will also be running to show my support for my good friend, Jason Manges. In November 2000, at the age of 22, Jason was diagnosed with a meningioma. By December, he had undergone his first of several surgeries to remove the baseball-sized tumor in his brain. Annual MRIs showed no new tumor development for the next seven years.
However, in April of 2007, Jason developed a severe cerebral spinal fluid leak – and by December, Jason’s team of doctors concurred that another surgery was imminent. While in surgery, the doctors discovered that the meningioma had grown aggressively since the last MRI just a few months prior. The new tumor growth was removed and the holes were patched; however, it is expected that Jason will once again have to undergo another surgery within the next few years.
Despite these setbacks, Jason has strived to lead a normal, fulfilling life. He has been married to his wife since July 2000, and together they have 2 daughters, ages 5 and 3. He has embraced this challenge and takes on each day with the poise, dignity, and grace of a true champion. In an effort to do my part, I can only hope to exhibit these same qualities as I run to support him, his family, and all those affected by brain tumors.
Thank you for showing your support for me, the Foundation, and the many people whose lives have been affected by this terrible disease.
For more about my journey to the marathon, follow along by visiting my blog at http://community.active.com/blogs/bmonk25.
With great appreciation,
Brandon Monk
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Total Donations Collected:$2,525
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| Goal: $2,500 |
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The Tug McGraw Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax-exempt organization designated by the Internal Revenue Code. Our tax identification number is 20-0586256. |
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