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Runner: Joel Kreuziger
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I am proud to be participating in the 2008 Chicago Marathon as a member of Team McGraw for the Tug McGraw Foundation. Just as I did last year, I will be again helping raise awareness of the Tug McGraw Foundation’s mission to improve the quality of life for those patients and caregivers confronted with brain tumors. As a part of Team McGraw, I will tie on the shoes to both share our message and offer fundraising support in this effort.
(For more on how your donations will used to fund brain tumor research and increase awareness, CLICK HERE.)
I am running in honor of Thaddeus Leech. Thad’s life was cut short due to brain cancer at the age of 25. I got to know Thad in college a couple years ago. Thad was the first brain tumor survivor I really got to personally know. This was particularly special to me because I had a brain tumor myself. The one thing that stands out the most to me about Thad was how much he cared about others. Everybody that knew him not only liked, but loved Thad – because that’s just the type of guy he was.
The two links below lead to two stories about my own personal experience with brain tumors.
Read "My Story."
Read "Patient Stories – Joel Kreuziger."
The following best describes Thad, written by Josh Garrow, his best friend.
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Sir Isaac Newton wrote: “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” This quote is a good explanation of how the help of one can show another a whole new world. Thaddeus Ormerod Leech was my best friend who just recently passed away September 14, 2007 at the tender age of twenty-five. Thaddeus was a man who was exceptional, to say the least; he left behind a legacy of greatness that no one else could have created or ever touched. He brought people together, whatever their backgrounds, and made a huge world feel like a grain of sand.
Character and personality was just the tip of the sword that would describe a person of his stature. Never noticing it before, I found it nearly impossible to find a time or a picture where Thad didn’t have a smile on his face. The first night I found out of his passing, I figured I wouldn’t be able to sleep because of grieving. And yet, I found myself not sleeping…because I was laughing. Every time I thought of Thad’s face, I couldn’t help but to crack a smile; some of the things we did, and words that were said, just kept me smiling all night. Thad’s smile is one that made everyone smile and brightened even the darkest of rooms. And with a smile like his, everyone was drawn to Thad like a magnet.
I know Thad would not like the spotlight, because it was not his nature. He was always concerned with the well-being of his friends and family. Even toward the end, as his medical conditions worsened, he continued to put his personal feelings and well-being aside for the sake of others. It was simply remarkable how Thad’s attitude toward life never changed even when he was facing death.
Through everything, I never had the chance to tell him how much he meant to me, how the 25 years we spent together could not have been better spent with another person. I am grateful that we had the opportunity to share both our challenges and our celebrations together. I am honored to say I know a number of great people from across the world; however, none of them could ever come close to Thad.
Thad has left an eternal mark on my heart, and I know I am not the only one. On behalf of Thad and so many others that share his struggle, thank you for your donation and support for the Tug McGraw Foundation. |
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Total Donations Collected:$2,960.00
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| Goal: $1,000 |
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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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