Hello all!
In 2003, people asked me, “what/how are you doing?” Not knowing the answer myself, I responded: “Savin’ the world.” I set my sights on teaching and doing extreme things to raise extreme amounts of money for extremely important causes.
Three extremely cold winters included hurling my de-clothed body into an icy lake to raise money for Wisconsin Special Olympics. In 2006, it was so extremely cold, they had to cancel the Polar Plunge.
For two Wisconsin summers and one oddly cold Arizona October, I walked through the night for the American Cancer Society. The Relay for Life put some blisters on my feet, but I was at least able to stay warm.
Feeling due for a change, or perhaps wanting more blisters, I have decided to run a marathon in 2010. Running in Phoenix in January isn’t exactly extreme; however, 26.2 miles will be a first for me. I will be participating in the P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n Roll Marathon.
Along with a change in event, I have also decided to pick a new cause. The Phoenix Children's Hospital has provided hope, healing, and the best healthcare for children and families since it was born nearly 25 years ago. Today, Phoenix Children's is one of the ten largest children's hospitals in the country and provides world-class specialty care to our community's sickest kids, right here in Arizona. Every day, hundreds of physicians and more than 2,300 employees come to work at Phoenix Children's to do what we do best: Care for kids.
So donate and I’ll run fast, or I’ll run slow if the price is right. Hey, I even said I’d crab walk the marathon, but it’ll cost you.
Thanks for your support of my extreme fundraising endeavors,
Dan
As a member of the Miracles in Motion team we get a Phoenix Children's Hospital patient as our teammate. Read a little bit about who I... make that YOU... are supporting by donating!
Honor Patient Name: Andrew Burleson
Parents Name: Ron & Kim Burleson
Patient’s Diagnosis: Posterior FossaMeduloblastoma & Langer Hans-Cell Histiocytosis
Date Diagnosed: April 3, 2003
Patient’s Age: 9
Favorite Color: Purple
Favorite Animal: Dog
Favorite School Subject: Art
Favorite Movie: Shrek
If I could go on a vacation anywhere in the worldI would go to: Disneyworld
My Hero is: my mom and dad
Andrew’s Story (Written by Andrew’s Mom): PCH islike another family to us. It all began April 23, 2003 when we were toldAndrew’s MRI from the previous day showed a malignant brain tumor and we wereto had immediately to the hospital. It was a whirlwind of activity and peoplecame to us, surround us and took control of the situation before we had achance to fully realize what was happening. From his neurosurgeon, Dr. KimManwaring, to his oncologist, Dr. Etzl, to his nurse Annie Giesking, to thesocial worker everyone just had so much love, concern and compassion for ourlittle boy and situation. It was overwhelming. Andrew had a 6 hour surgery, 8weeks of radiation, and 18 months of chemotherapy. He is currently cancer freebut was left very handicapped from the brain surgery- unable to walk or speak.In addition, 1 year after treatment and having his port removed he wasdiagnosed with a 2nd malignancy- LCH- Langer Hans-Cell Histiocytosisand had a 2nd port and another 18 months of chemo. This past summer hehad his 2nd port removed and obviously we’re hoping and praying tonever need another.