The PF Chang's rock and roll marathon is an annual event here in Phoenix. Last year we enjoyed watching our friends Cathleen and Paez complete the half marathon. This year it meant a little more as Rick Kalinowski ran in Joey's honor.
A letter from Rick is below in its entirety. Please visit Rick's fund raising web page if you would like to donate. Even though he did reach his goal of $10,000 additional contributions are still appreciated.
Our family would like to thank Rick for his dedication and kindness. We are all big fans!!!
Letter from Rick:
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Hi everyone,
First of all, I want to again thank all of you who have donated to my
fundraiser for Phoenix Children's Hospital. You have made this a fantastic
success, and my running hat goes off to everyone!
I wanted to let you all know that despite a few mishaps, I did participate
in the P.F. Chang's Rock N Roll Marathon this past Sunday. I had a bike
accident several weeks before the marathon which landed me in the E.R. with
a few stitches, a lot of road rash, and more importantly, orders to stay off
the running for a little while. As soon as I was recuperated and back to
running, I developed some micro tears in my calf which I thought might put
me totally out of the run. I was determined to make a go of it though and
decided to focus on the 1/2 marathon which I figured I could walk if I had
to. Things worked out well and I ran-walked it in a little over 2 hours.
My honor patient, Joey, and his mom were awaiting me at the end of the race
which truly made my day. I awarded Joey my medal for all his courage,
support and inspiration. He is a wonderful boy, and I feel honored to know
him. Again, thanks to all of you who have donated to my run. The rest of
you should know you still have time to help me reach $10,000! I'm at $8856
right now so pull out your wallets and let's get this done.
I hope everyone goes to the link to see the picture of Joey with his medal!
(and of course to donate!)
http://www.firstgiving.com/rickkalinowski
All donations are secure and sent directly to Phoenix Children's Hospital.
Please join me in supporting Phoenix Children's Hospitaland a fabulous
cause!
Thanks and best wishes,
Rick
leu·ke·mi·a n.
Any of various acute or chronic neoplastic diseases of the bone marrow in which unrestrained proliferation of white blood cells occurs, usually accompanied by anemia, impaired blood clotting, and enlargementof the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen.