Dear Friends & Family,
The 9th Annual Great Steps for NF walk is coming up on June 5th, 2010 at the Naperville River walk and COLE’S CREW will again take part in helping to raise money that will fund and support Neurofibromatosis research. This year will be Cole’s Crews 6th year participating in the annual walk. The first year we participated we had 9 walkers and raised $3,500. Each year we have seen increases in the number of team members walking, topping 100 walkers and raising a combined total exceeding $26,000 over the past 2 years. Cole gets very excited about raising money that goes to finding a cure for NF. He also takes pride in seeing so many people join Cole’s Crew and take part in “HIS” walk. He never tires of talking about and reliving moments from “HIS” walks.
At first glance Neurofibromatosis is a difficult word to pronounce and most people have never heard of it. For those affected by “NF,” Neurofibromatosis becomes part of their daily vocabulary. NF is a genetic disorder and involves the uncontrolled growth of tumors along the nervous system. It is the most common genetic disorder caused by a single gene. While not all NF patients suffer from the most severe symptoms, ALL live their lives with the uncertainty of knowing whether they too will be severely affected because NF is a highly variable and progressive disorder. Currently, there is NO CURE or effective treatment. It is a real disease in need of more awareness, funding and research.
A note from Cole - I am 11 years old and was diagnosed with NF when I was 2. Last year I played spring and fall baseball. I would play baseball every day if it didn’t snow. I want to play baseball for the Chicago Cubs when I grow up. I go to therapy every week and wear a leg brace at night. The brace and therapy help me gain strength in my legs so that I can hit a baseball better and run faster. You have to run really fast to be a Chicago Cubs baseball player! I have been very lucky in that I have been spared many of the serious complications that are seen with a diagnosis of NF.
Although Cole is only 11 years old, Cole knows what neurofibromatosis is; for the most part Cole takes it all in stride, NF is a part of who he is. Our mission is to ask questions, find answers, and build awareness so that some day we can find a cure.
Will you join us in helping NF, Inc. Illinois reach their goal? Cole’s personal goal this year is to raise $13,000. No child should have to endure any disorder. We want Cole and others affected by NF to have a bright future. Your contribution will keep our hope alive! Your presence at the walk will help us build awareness - please contact us (630-466-5118) if you are interested in walking with COLE’S CREW.
On behalf of Cole, our son, we want to thank you so much.
Dan & Julie Rutter
You can help by sending your check with the donor form to NF Illinois Neurofibromatosis, Inc., P.O., Box 1923, Lombard, Illinois 60148. Team Name is Cole's Crew and the Team number is #7. Check to see if your office has a matching gift program. Your donations are very much appreciated and they do make a difference.
It’s difficult, especially in these economic times, to keep up BOTH the promise of research and the comfort of good care, but these are two initiatives that we are committed to and hope to never waiver from.
We hope never to have to choose between CARE or a CURE.
If we did, what should we choose? What would you choose? Please help us continue the mission and at least choose one. Donate whatever you can spare to make a difference.
View Cole's past video's here;
2008 video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6CQ13FMZCA
2009 video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSt0HmyQxMU
2010 video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaE2iASPaKA
Please use form below to mail donations; http://www.nfmidwest.org/files/Donor_Form_3_up2.pdf