Hello Everyone,
This year I decided it was time for me to run in the P.F. Chang's Rock and Roll Arizona Half Marathon in January.  I've chosen to do this not only for me, but in order to contribute to a greater cause. That is when I discovered the Phoenix Children's Hospital Miracles in Motion Program.  I will be raising funds for the hospital and my honor patient for this event is Benjamin.  I've had the opportunity to meet him, and he is an amazing kid.  He is full of life, full of energy, and is always smiling.  Here is Benjamin's story from the words of his father John:
 

Benjamin's Story started in February of this year with some bumps that formed on his shins.  Our family physician had some chest x-rays done to check for Valley Fever.  The X-Ray showed that Benjamin had a mass in his right hilar (lung) region.  After several other tests and Scans, our family doctor directed us to Dr. Stillwell at Phoenix Children's Hospital, a pulmonary specialist.   In looking at the Scans and test it was thought that the mass was a bronchiogentic cyst, and that it needed to be removed.  We then made and appointment with a surgeon, Dr. Noctrica at Children's hospital.  On April 25th Benjamin had the surgery to remove the mass, all went well.  The mass was then sent over to be biopsied. 

On April 25th we were told that the cyst was actually a lymph node and that the mass was cancerous.  While in the hospital a port-O-Cath was inserted into his chest for the upcoming chemo therapy.  A week and a half later we had our first doctors appointment with the oncologist Dr. Henry at Children's hospital and Chemo therapy started the next day as an outpatient.  On May 13th Benjamin started his first week of Chemo therapy in the hospital.  A week in the hospital and 2 weeks out was the schedule.  This cycle continued for 4 treatments with CT Scans being done before each week of treatment..

While in the hospital, Benjamin was always connected to an IV pole and typically receiving chemo therapy nearly the entire time.  The staff at Children's hospital was nothing short of Awesome!  The Doctor's, Nurse's, and PCT's were very helpful and very professional.  You felt they took a personal interest in Benjamin and his condition and what he was going through and made every effort to make him feel as comfortable as they could.   Benjamin’s cancer is now in remission and he is back in school.
 

I've started my training on August 16th, and race day is January 18th, 2009.
Thanks again for visiting my page. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to make a contribution to my fundraising efforts.  For those of you who would rather write out a check, you may write one out to Phoenix Children's Hospital and send it to me.  Email me at larsbrandon@gmail.com for my mailing address.  Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too! 

Sincerely,

Brandon Larson.

****************  Fundraising Raffle Information for Phoenix Residents***************

I'm currently holding 3 Raffles.  One for Phoenix Suns Tickets, one for Phoenix Coyotes Tickets, and one for a Martin Acoustic Guitar that I'm personally donating to the cause.  All Raffle Tickets cost $5 a piece.  If you want to purchase them through a donation to my website, then place the donation and email me stating which raffle you would like to participate in with your Full Name, Address, and Phone Number.  For example if you donate $20, then email me asking for 4 raffle tickets.  I will enter 4 tickets in the raffle for you and email you the ticket numbers for your records. 

The Suns tickets drawing will be held on election day.  The Coyotes tickets drawing will be held the week of Thanksgiving, and the Guitar drawing will be held in early December.  All winners will be notified and posted on this website.