Brain Tumor Walk

Last year was the first year that we attended the Southern California Brain Tumor Walk.  I found the Foundation while researching treatments when we learned that Ken's cancer had returned.  After attending the Walk in '09 and talking to others, I felt that I had to get involved.


So, I took on the volunteer status and became the Inland Empire Coordinator.  Sadly, my eldest son, Sean, got more a response through his Fraternity than I could muster in our local area.  One of the main problems I faced was that the Walk is held in Orange County, but through friends and family, we were able to raise a few hundred dollars and Eric Fonoimoana donated autographed volleyball and jersey for the raffle - the money raised on his items was $200 each!  Thank you Eric!


After all of the preparation, we arrived in Huntington Beach super early and helped get everything started.  Ken and I were thrilled to have the Committee Shirts and badges - especially since it gave us the opportunity to meet so many people.  

Ken and I chose to be in charge of the Kid's table so the girls could help.  

I was thrilled to see Marshall Varon and meet his wife, Karen.  I had not seen Marshall in years and he donated a beautiful pearl necklace for the silent auction.  (Marshall is the owner of Morgan's Jewelers in Rancho Palos Verdes.)  I hate that I did not think to take pictures with them, but I was engaged in talking to them and catching up.  Marshall could NOT believe how much Taylor and Jordan look like me and he made sure to tell them both to which they both got huge smiles.


This was the most successful Walk in its 9 year history.  Over $240,000 was raised and we had well over 1000 people show up to walk.  Ken and I are incredibly blessed that the Veteran's Administration takes care of him so well since his cancer is Service related, and in turn, we love that we were able to help so many others with our work this last year.  

More and more "blue shirts" for the increase in survivors each year!!

The girls were completely tired and were out before we left the parking lot!

Now, on to planning for 2011!