Hello Everyone,

Aida and I were recently married in June and to celebrate our union we decided to dedicate ourselves toward a challenging charitable activity that will enhance and enrich the lives of others.

So with Aida's encouragement, I decided to join the "Miracles in Motion" program and run in the PF Chang's Marathon on January 17, 2010, to raise $1,500 for Phoenix Children's Hospital.

This decision was simple and easy for both of us.

Aida works at Phoenix Children's Hospital (PCH) where she daily recognizes the needs and successes of comprehensive healthcare for children. PCH is the leading provider of pediatric care in the state, serving more than twice the number of children than any other single hospital in Arizona.

Also, Aida is a Hodgkin's Lymphoma survivor and PCH's Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders is the largest pediatric program of its kind in Arizona. This type of program is personally important to both of us since our nephew, Seth, struggled with leukemia.

We now have an Honors Patient to support us while we train and prepare for the Marathon!!! His name is Benjamin and he is about the same age (eleven) as our boys plus he plays a wicked game of "wheel of fortune" at Dave and Busters. Below is the story about Benjamin that was sent to us from his parents, John and Lisa:

 "Benjamin's Story started in February of last year with some bumps that formed on his shin's.  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 of 2008, 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.  

Today, Benjamin's cancer is in remission and he is back in school!"

 

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. Just "click" on the "Sponsor Me Now" tab at the bottom of this page.You can also donate by check. Please make all checks payable to Phoenix Children's Hospital and please write our name in the memo section of the check to ensure that we receive credit for your generous donation. You can mail the check to us or send it directly to the hopital:

Phoenix Children's Hospital Foundation

Attn: Ashley Robison and Vanessa Arviso

 2929 E. Camelback Road, Suite 122

Phoenix, AZ  85016

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. As one of our sponsors, we will keep you posted on how our training is going. If you would like more information on Phoenix Children's Hospital, please visit their website at www.phoenixchildrens.com.

Thank you for your support!!!

Jeff and Aida

 I just completed three months of training with Miracles in Motion and our mileage has increased significantly. Last Saturday, I ran 16 miles in preparation for the full marathon.  But to reach our ulltimate goal, we need your financial support!!

Remember, your tax deductible donation allows PCH to provide specialized care to Arizona’s most ill and injured children and every dollar counts. So please give as little or as much as you can.