My name is Sam Sloane. I live in Freehold, NJ, and I am proud to be running the ING New York City Marathon 2008 as a member of Team McGraw for the Tug McGraw Foundation.  It has been a lifelong goal of mine to conquer this landmark event, but never did I expect to have the opportunity to join a team like this.

The Foundation seeks to raise awareness and improve the quality of life for those patients and caregivers confronting with brain tumors.  As a part of Team McGraw, I am raising funds to support research in this effort.

I will be running specifically on behalf of two individuals that I have found to be inspiring examples to me of the “Ya Gotta Believe” spirit of the Tug McGraw Foundation: Dan Nichuals, my former business partner who has passed away after his personal bout with cancer; and John Ormond, a bright and shining example of hope encouragement currently on his own journey with a brain tumor.

I share John’s own words with you all, as he steps forward to share this adventure with me.

(From John Ormond...)

My name is John Ormond; my new motto…LIFE IS SHORT, DIVE HARD. 

Eight years ago, after a grand mal seizure, I was informed I had a tumor in my right frontal lobe.  I was told it was likely cancerous and had three months to a year to live; I dove hard.

After a period of mourning, I got off my butt and began to pray.  My prayer was answered in the form of Henry Friedman, the neuro-oncologist set on wooing me to come to Duke University Hospital Brain Tumor Center.  Henry (as he insists on being called) gave me my options: resection, followed by an experimental procedure looking for FDA approval; the monoclonal antibody procedure; radiation; chemotherapy; and prayer. 

Again, I DOVE HARD…and today, I am still here.  A living testimony to taking informed chances.  A feature article in People magazine and an Emmy-winning segment followed on 60 Minutes.  Now I am doing what little I can to help the Tug McGraw Foundation. 

Sam Sloane is running the New York Marathon in my name.  I am very proud to be a member of Team McGraw.  Please dig deep, DIVE HARD and give what you can to Sam.  He is running the race and it is grueling.  Show him your love and appreciation. 

Remember...LIFE IS SHORT, DIVE HARD…and thank you for your donation.

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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.