THE 2010RIDINGFORROSIE FUNDRAISING PAGE HAS BEEN CREATED. PLEASE VISIT THAT SITE TO MAKE A DONATION...
WWW.FIRSTGIVING.COM/2010RIDINGFORROSIE
THANK YOU AS ALWAYS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
THIS SITE WILL BE OPEN UNTIL OCTOBER 30, 2009 - AFTER THAT DATE, A 2010RIDINGFORROSIE PAGE WILL BE CREATED.
UPDATE (JULY 20, 2009):
WELL WE DID IT!!! WE MADE OUR GOAL OF $20,000!!!
Yesterday was the big day! Chicagoland Ride for Kids...and to date, it was the largest ride of the nation raising over $430,000!! What an unbelievable achievment given the current economy.
While the day started out quite cold for riding, it ended up to be a beautiful day. Mike and I arrived at the ride with $18,132 to donate. To my surprise, we had one more voucher waiting for us for $2205...needless to say, we surpassed our goal! While I was proud to raise the $18K, there were high fives all around given our accomplishment. I cannot thank everyone enough for their support of us. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart!!
As we have mentioned before, we have such a passion for this ride, and seeing the smile on Rosie's face and hearing the other stories of survival reinforce why we do what we do. At the end of the race, the "stars" (survivors) get on stage and talk about how they are doing. Along with our dear friend Rosie was a special little girl, Teagan (I believe she is 3 or 4 years old). At last year's ride, Teagan had literally had her last dose of chemo, then headed straight to the ride from the hospital. This year, with the help of her dad, little Teagan has started to walk again. Teagan's mothers words inspired me, and again made me feel proud to support such a fine organization. There wasn't a dry eye in the place when her mother announced that Teagan was now cancer free....we do make a difference!!
I cannot thank JoAnne Colucci, Rosie's mom, enough for all her support. I could not have done this without her. JoAnne also inspires me on a daily basis. How she does all that she does and finds the time to help out on fundraising is beyond me. But there were a few late nights with a lot of giddiness and plenty of laughing to get us through it all. JoAnne, the biggest optmist I know (and someone told me just the other day, I am a 'glass half full person') has told me that we are going for $40,000 next year. I am holding my breath and jumping in with both feet - we can do it! What amazed me is that at last year's ride, we were the #5 fundraiser with $10K, and this year, with $20K, we were at #4! There were two couples who raised $30K, and one ahead of us with $24K. Just amazing!
To end the evening, they do a raffle. Those of you who supported us last year know that I won the Honda Goldwing Motorcycle...well, make that 2 bikes!! I won again this year. What a crazy thing!
Thank you all again for all your support. We truly do make a difference in these kids' lives.
THANK YOU!!!!
April, Mike, Nicholas and Andrew - The Moffas
JoAnne, Mark, Bella and Rosie - The Coluccis
UPDATE: As you are all aware, Mike and I do the Ride for Kids charity ride each year and are now riding in honor of our dear friend, Rosie. I do not want to forget the other children that are just as important, the quiet heroes, our angels, that we ride in memory of...
Caitlyn Churak, Stephanie Carr, Hannah Elders and Ryan Lamantia
These are young lives that were lost to pediatric brain tumors - they will be in our hearts and minds on our ride, and as we fundraise for this underfunded and much needed research -- they are a big part of our team and why we do what we do with such dedication!
Thank you for your continued support!
UPDATE 6/2/09: We only have about 6 more weeks to go and are just about half way to our goal! The fundraising continues, so keep your eyes and ears open for notices about upcoming events. With only 6 more weeks to go though, it is a race for the finish! Thank you all for your support. Please forward the www.firstgiving.com/2009RidingforRosie link on to anyone you believe can help support us and Rosie!! Thank you again! - April
The Ride For Kids 2009
What a site it was to see over 1,400 motorcycle riders riding in support of pediatric brain tumor research last year. It was our seventh year riding, but the first year riding for a child we know personally affected by a brain tumor. Rosie Colucci and her fight have continued to touch our lives; we will again be “Riding for Rosie” in 2009!
Seeing the Ride through Rosie’s three-year-old eyes was amazing, it brought so much more meaning to our ride. It made it so clear just what a difference we are making. Rosie and her family were in awe of all those involved in the ride. The outpouring of emotion and support was unbelievable. The 20th annual (2008) Chicagoland Ride for Kids® raised $387,026—we are proud to say that together, “WE” contributed just over $10,000. This year we plan to DOUBLE that amount with your continued support, giving and generosity.
Did you know that brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer death from childhood cancer? Did you know 76 percent of children diagnosed with a brain tumor are younger than 15? Did you know that there are more than 120 different types of brain tumors, making effective treatment very complicated?
Pediatric brain tumor research is so under funded and critical because brain tumors in children are often different from brain tumors in adults. Some pediatric brain tumors long-term survival rates remain below 20 percent. Unlike benign tumors in the body, “benign” brain tumors can recur and can result in death. Because brain tumors are located at the control center for thought, emotion and movement, their effects on a child’s physical and cognitive abilities can be devastating. These kids are struggling and need our help!
Last year Rosie rode in loving memory of three kids who didn’t make it and for countless others who are still fighting, her goal is to not add any more names to her list.
We understand that times are tough, but young lives are at stake and many can be saved if you help fund research for Pediatric brain Tumors. EVERY DOLLAR COUNTS, so PLEASE, consider making a donation today or Riding with us for Rosie!
Thank you for your generosity, support and encouragement,
Mike & April
The deadline for donations is July 18, 2009.
Thank you for visiting my Personal Fundraising Page. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to make a contribution to our fundraising efforts. Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!