TEAM SARCOMA 2008

It was a hot, humid Sunday at RiverWinds.  Supporters came by the dozens as we readied for our 2nd Team Sarcoma Walk, Run or Cycle to raise awareness and funds for the "Forgotten Cancer" sarcoma.  Over 110 participants braved the heat and raised $9,000.00!  This year the Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative and the Joan Karnell Cancer Center at Pennsylvania Hospital will benefit from our efforts.  Our event was held in conjunction with the International Team Sarcoma held this year from Germany to Austria along the Danube River.  This year they had over 5000 participants worldwide! 

We started our morning off with oranges, bananas and water.  Lots of water.  Later we added some much needed pretzels to our withering bodies and more water.  It was wonderful to meet all the people I had contact with over the phone or through email.  This year we welcomed back sarcoma survivor Kristine Walinski, age 25, and her crew.  Also returning was Robyn Grossman whose son, age 23,  was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma.  Both Kristine and Jared are doing well.  Joining us for the first time was Patricia Dempsey and Jeff Mortimer.  Patricia, age 52, was diagnosed two years ago with liposarcoma.  After two surgeries, she just recently passed her last 6 month checkup and is going strong.  Jeff, age 46, was diagnosed with myxiod liposarcoma just under two years ago.  He recently underwent surgery, but he, his wife Cheryl and brother-in-law Bob, came to assist us and we look forward to having all of them next year!   A very special group came down from North Jersey, Union, organized by Linda Resende, to walk in memory of their loved one, Tony Ferreira.  Tony lost his battle with clear cell sarcoma in April.  Over 25 family and friends joined us to remember him.  Walking with button pictures of Tony , it was a wonderful way to honor him.  We thank each of you for making the journey.  This year we also remembered Krista Marie Bell, age 19, who lost her four year battle to Ewings sarcoma.  And last, but not least, my own brother Peter, who lost his 4 month battle to Ewings sarcoma at the age of 37 in 2003.  As you can see by these ages, sarcoma really knows no borders.   Whether you were a family member, friend, or someone who just wanted to participate for the cause, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  You will make a difference in the lives of those suffering now and in the future from sarcoma.  I invite to you to view the photo show below, and we hope to see you there next year!

Below is a link to the complete press release issued by the Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative

http://tinyurl.com/59e3fc

MANY THANKS TO:

Steven J. Anuszewski, Financial Planning Services - Steve is the first to sponsor our t-shirts and we can't thank you enough.  This is the one most important aspect towards achieving our goal and it is greatly appreciated.    

Albert's Organics -  Albert's Organics donated enough fruit for over 100 people.  Thank you and also Mr. Walinski.

Ellen Reese -  Ellen donated again this year all the pretzels, which we now can't do without!  You are wonderful Ellen.

Tom Dyer - Tom transports all the set-up equipment and supplies.  I literally would not be there without him.  Thanks Tom and Colleen.

Table Crew:  Paula Trainer, Robyn Grossman, Annemarie Regan, Jeff and Cheryl Mortimer and Robert Duffield.  Thanks for all your help, you made registration a lot smoother!

Shop Rite of West Deptford - Shop Rite again donated many cases of water, which was much needed and appreciated.

Joe Ferrari - Joe not only made contributions and walked, he took pictures all day for us.  Thank you Joe!

TEAM SARCOMA COMMITTEE:

Carol Anuszewski, Dominic Bruzzese & Jess, Robyn Grossman, Kristine Walinski, Lisa Walinski, Ellen Reese,        Patricia Dempsey, Linda Resende. 

Each of you is an important member to the team and the cause.  No one person really does anything alone, and you are all proof of that.  Look at what you did!  We look forward to adding more members for next year!