Hi!

Thank you for visiting my Personal Fundraising Page!

I just joined a team called Miracles in Motion and the team will be put in motion on January 17, 2010 at the PF Chang's Rock -n- Roll Marathon.  Each runner will be paired up with an "Honor Patient" (HP).  My HP is Andrew who is 10 years old.  His mother wrote the below, touching story, which I've copied and pasted in purple since it's his favorite color.  :)

Andrew’s Story (Written by Andrew’s Mom): PCH is like another family to us. It all began April 23, 2003 when we were told Andrew’s MRI from the previous day showed a malignant brain tumor and we were to had immediately to the hospital. It was a whirlwind of activity and people came to us, surround us and took control of the situation before we had a chance to fully realize what was happening. From his neurosurgeon, Dr. Kim Manwaring, to his oncologist, Dr. Etzl, to his nurse Annie Giesking, to the social worker everyone just had so much love, concern and compassion for our little boyand situation. It was overwhelming. Andrew had a 6 hour surgery, 8 weeks of radiation, and 18 months of chemotherapy. He is currently cancer free but 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 was diagnosed with a 2^nd malignancy- LCH- Langer Hans-Cell Histiocytosis and had a 2^ndport and another 18 months of chemo. This past summer he had his 2^nd port removed and obviously we’re hoping and praying to never need another.

I can't even imagine what Andrew and his parents have gone through.  I am so inspired by their strength.  Please join me in hoping and praying along with them!

Phoenix Children's Hospital has helped so many families, just like Andrew and his mom and dad.  That's why Miracles in Motion is running for donations - so the hospital can keep on helping those who need it most!

Speaking of running, I have my sights set on the full marathon but I may demote myself to the half depending upon how my training goes!  But, I will finish!  I will run in memory of my mom, who passed away from cancer on July 15, 2009 and  I will run in honor of Andrew who, even though I've not yet met him face to face, I'm already inspired by!!

So, here's the kicker!  I need your donations.  The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Phoenix Children's Hospital is the largest pediatric provider of hematology and oncology services in Arizona and every dollar they recieve gets put to great use.  To learn more, visit www.phoenixchildrens.com

All donations are tax deductible.  You'll not only get an email confirmation of your donation but Phx Children's Hospital will also mail you a letter to thank you for your donation.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and completely secure. It is also the most efficient way to make a contribution to my fundraising efforts.

I have already exceeded the minimum fund raising goal of $1,500. but on a personal level, it's not enough.  Having seen firsthand what cancer can do - I wish to truly make a difference and raise as much as I possibly can.  Once I reached $2,000 in donations, I promised to match that and donated another $2,000  which was the amount of money that my mom had in her checking account when she passed away.  My mom is donating from heaven.  :)

I am so thankful to have achieved my fund raising goal thanks to all of you for your generous donations!  But, even though I've reached my goal, any future donations are truly welcome (and very much needed!)  So if you were planning on donating but just haven't gotten around to it, please still consider doing so!  

Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to please forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!  Every little bit counts!  

Let's make a difference!

LET'S DO THIS!

Much Love (and training)

Lisa Ruggiero