I am proud to be running the ING New York City Marathon 2008 as a member of Team McGraw for the Tug McGraw Foundation.
The Foundation seeks to raise awareness and improve the quality of life for those patients and caregivers confronted with brain tumors. As a part of Team McGraw, I am raising funds to support research in this effort.
I wish I could say that I’m running on behalf of a particular person, but in reality there are so many. Above are 3 photos of close friends of mine and their loved ones: Lisa lost her little brother John 24 years ago and works hard to raise money for an ongoing history scholarship that she set up at our middle school in his honor; Tom lost his battle with brain cancer a few years ago, as did his brother before him; Dan lost his daughter Jessica only a few months ago.
Three heroes in the eyes of so many, having taught us the importance of living quality lives.
Of course there are also the survivors; we all know someone fighting this insidious cancer with courage, determination, and a positive attitude. We see it every day. I see it in my colleague Teddi Cook, with her husband at home, challenged by brain cancer, while she dedicates her day to children; I see it in my dear friend Brad, presently recovering from his third brain surgery, fighting the fight of his life for his family.
I love the fact that Tug McGraw saw the importance of quality of life issues and began a foundation to fund this research. Again, on a personal level, having been the primary caregiver for Zubie after he suffered a brain injury, I know only too well the visceral fear and loneliness associated with the brain trauma of a loved one. These feelings resurface when watching friends live through the challenges of brain cancer. That’s why I am so excited about this foundation. Quality of life for the entire family is so important when faced with such enormous challenges.
This young foundation seems to have taken off this year, and rightly so. On behalf of the Gaskills, the Miles, and the Murrays – the Cooks, the Johnstons, and the Perkins – and most recently, the family of Senator Ted Kennedy, I thank you in advance for any donation you are comfortable making to this very worthy cause, The Tug McGraw Foundation.
Those who know me personally know that a gifted runner, I am not. So I promise, every penny donated will be earned with plenty of my ‘Blood, Sweat, and Tears!’
Thank you again…Teri
Ya Gotta Believe! |