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All my Portland-area hoopers and wannabe hoopers!!
Come play at the Rip City 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament July 25th & 26th! Divisions for all ages, abilities and skill levels. Activities include the tournament, Slam Dunk contest, 3-Point Shootout and a Youth Skills Challenge.
Benefits Special Olympics Oregon -- so hurry and get your team signed up before registration closes July 10th.
Showing posts with label Charity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Charity. Show all posts
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Rip City 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament
Monday, January 5, 2015
Knight Cancer Challenge
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| The Knight Cancer Challenge has almost been met! |
A year ago, this past September 20th, Nike founder Phil Knight, and his wife Penny, launched one of the most-impressive and inspiring cancer research challenges to date:
If OHSU can raise $500 million by February, 2016 the Knight family will match that $500 million -- all benefiting cancer research.OHSU & The Knight Cancer Institute
For those of you outside the Portland area, Oregon Health Science University (OHSU) is a nationally prominent research university, and Oregon's only public academic health center.
Over the years, OHSU has grown into a world class teaching hospital and research center.
The Knights and OHSU have history together in the cancer research community. In 2008, a $100 million donation from the Knights turned the then-named OHSU Cancer Institute into the Knight Cancer Institute. The NCI-designated institute is an international leader in cancer research and personalized cancer treatment.
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| OHSU sits above Portland's West Hills. |
Together, their mission is to 'end cancer as we know it.'
The Knight Cancer Institute focuses on attacking cancer on a molecular level, and looks for ways to detect cancers earlier, before they become deadly, giving more patients the chance to survive more cancers.
If OHSU is able to match the Knights' $500 million challenge, the vision for those funds will go towards:
- Seeking faster, smarter ways to detect and treat cancer – before it becomes deadly.
- Putting unprecedented research resources behind this initiative so that it can make a significant impact in a decade. We can’t ask those living with cancer to be patient.
- Assembling a collaborative, multidisciplinary team of cancer researchers, combining new recruits with top talent at OHSU to focus on improving early cancer detection, and fund their programs sufficiently to ensure they can devote their time to innovation.
- Investing in the resources to accelerate discovery. Investments in equipment, shared research resources and computational biology will generate new discoveries.
As of January 5th 2015, OHSU has received nearly $450 million towards the challenge. One anonymous donor, pledged $100 million to the effort in July of 2014.
Pretty impressive to raise those kinds of funds in less than a year. Nothing is guaranteed, but it seems that the Knight Cancer Challenge will be met (it feels crazy to assume $50 MILLION is a guarantee in a relatively short time frame), and $1 billion will be on its way to OHSU and cancer research.
If you'd like to participate in the challenge, go here for more information.
LINKS:
Monday, December 8, 2014
One Step 4 (RED)
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| Mission accomplished! |
Running and working out (well, mostly running) continues to be a part of my daily life. Even though my days as a competitive athlete are behind me, there is still something that working up a sweat and clearing my mind does for my quality of life. That will probably always be the case -- at least I hope it is.
No one makes me run. And it's not like it was before, when I had to stay in shape for my professional livelihood (or in college, for my personal livelihood during the always-unpredictable Ceal Barry practices).
I run when I want to. When I feel good, I run. When I need a day to rest, I take a break. Simple as that.
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| Not every run looked like this. |
Every once in a while, however, it feels good to have a tangible reason to pound the pavement (personal sanity aside).
In early October, through Nike+, I pledged to run at least 150 miles by December 7th.
Bank of America, (RED), and the Nike+ running community joined forces to bring us 'one step closer to ending AIDS'. For every mile run and pledged, B of A would donate 40¢ (or one day of medication that can help an HIV-positive expectant mother from passing the virus on to her babies).
I was already a member of the Nike+ community, so all I needed to do was push the pledge button, and log the miles.
150 miles; it wasn't an enormous number, but it would take a commitment to get it done.
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| One mile = one day of medication. |
I said I'd get to 150, so you better believe that I was going to get there. I liked having something holding me accountable -- it made it easier to get out the door.
That brings me to my point: I ran a lot more during these past two months than I would have had I not committed to this campaign. During the cold days, I would have said, 'It's too cold to run,' and stayed in. When I was tired, that would have been a good enough excuse not to get out the door. And so on.
If the commitment/motivation is there (in anything), we will find a way to get it done. The Nike+ community was committed to the cause, and we accomplished this with our legs:
One million dollars towards ending the spread of HIV/AIDS: not bad for a bunch of runners.
Get out, get involved -- you never know what will get you out the door!
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Walk to End Alzheimer's Recap -- Year 2
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| Walk day with Papa's Team. |
Two Sundays ago -- Grandparents Day -- the Portland Alzheimer's Association hosted their annual Walk to End Alzheimer's.
As you may know, for the second straight year, I organized a team in memory of Papa -- my grandpa -- who we lost in 2009 to Alzheimer's after a 12 year bout.
Papa's Team, By the Numbers
Thanks to you, Papa's Team raised $660.00. We landed a couple bucks short of last years numbers, but all in all I think we did a great job fundraising for a worthy cause.
We had 14 total donors, many of whom were repeat donors from last year's team -- I can't thank you enough for showing an interest, contributing money, and helping out!
Money raised from the Walk goes directly to funding care and support services, along with research efforts by the Alzheimer's Association.
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| Post-walk treats -- Mom and Nana. |
Walk day participants for Papa's Team were down to three -- me, my mom, and Nana. But over the last several years of Papa's life, I remember many a-day spent -- the three of us and Papa. So it kind of seemed right to be with my mom and Nana on this day, remembering Papa.
This year's walk was very similar to the year prior, even down to the hot, sunny afternoon on the race track. The Portland Chapter does a great job of making Walk more than just a 2+ mile walk around a race track. There's music, a car show, a kids' playhouse and food.
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Purple flower for Papa.
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What stood out again to me this year, as it did last, was the Promise Garden. Depending on how Alzheimer's has impacted your life, you're given a corresponding colored flower pinwheel:
- Blue represents someone with Alzheimer's or dementia.
- Purple is for someone who has lost a loved one to the disease.
- Yellow represents someone who is currently supporting or caring for someone with Alzheimer’s.
- Orange is for everyone who supports the cause and vision of a world without Alzheimer’s.
As walkers neared the finish line, we were allowed to 'plant' our flower. The garden that resulted from all the flowers makes for a very memorable image, representing the reach Alzheimer's has.
Portland Walk By the Numbers (all unofficial, as things are still being counted)
- Total Raised: $270,836.25
- Total Teams: 341
- Total Walkers: 3,688
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| Pre-walk festivities. |
As I promised last September, I hope to continue to make Papa's Team a yearly presence in Portland's Walk to End Alzheimer's. So mark your calendars!
Many of our families have been affected by Alzheimer's in some way, so I'm happy to be able to raise awareness for the disease, and for the Alzheimer's Association.
And again, I'm so grateful for everyone who contributed, and helped me honor Papa in a small way.
Thank you!
Thank you!
LINKS:
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| Mom and I on the racetrack. |
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Walk to End Alzheimer's Countdown
T-minus one week and counting until the Walk to End Alzheimer's kicks off at Portland International Raceway on Sunday, September 7th.
I know everyone's wallets have been opened this summer with the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. If you haven't yet put those wallets away, Papa's Team -- my family's team in memory of my grandpa, who we lost to Alzheimer's in 2009 -- would love your participation or your donation.
As a quick reminder, The Alzheimer's Association's Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. It's held annually in more than 600 communities across the US.
When you donate to the Walk to End Alzheimer's, your fundraising dollars directly fuel the Alzheimer's Association's mission-related initiatives of care, support and research. Their mission is: to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
Walk Day Schedule -- September 7th 2014
Registration: 12-2
Live Music: 12:30-3:15
Promise Garden Pick-Up/Decorating: 12-2
Team Photos: 12-2
Bus Rally/Voting: 12-2
Car Show/Voting: 12-2
Panorama Photo: 1:30
Opening Ceremony: 1:45
Bus Rally Winner: 2
Walk Start: 2
Car Show Winner: 2
Route Length: 2.99 miles
***Between now and Saturday night -- September 6th, I will match all donations made by 'Social Media Friends' (People I've reached through social media...Mom, you don't count).*** Donate to Papa's Team, or if you'd like to join us on Sunday, register for the walk by clicking on the links -- walking is free!
Alzheimer's is a far-reaching disease that does not discriminate -- help us try to put an end to the 'long goodbyes' and see the Alzheimer's Association's vision: a world without Alzheimer's disease.
LINKS:
RELATED POSTS:
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Buffs4Life Fun Run Recap
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| Di addressing the crowd after the Buffs4Life Fun Run. |
I've made two long-weekend visits to Colorado in two months. Most recently, mid-July, to celebrate one teammate's wedding.
The first visit, in June, was for another college teammate -- Di Spencer.
Late this spring, Di was diagnosed with MS, and her Buff family wanted to reach out and provide a helping hand.
Buffs4Life selected Di to be their main beneficiary this year. The premise behind Buffs4Life is 'Buffs Helping Buffs'. With all the former student athletes that have donned a University of Colorado uniform, no matter the sport, there's bound to be a few in need of help each and every year.
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| Some of the women's hoopers that turned out in support of Di. |
This year Di was that Buff.
Through the efforts of countless Buffaloes, $8,000 was raised for my teammate and great friend Di.
It was a special weekend; teammates and their families, staff members, and friends from our playing days turned out in droves in support of Di.
I know Di was especially touched just by the turnout and the support.
Thanks to the people with Buffs4Life for coming to Di's side -- it means the world to her, and to those of us who care about her!
Some pictures & a video from the Buffs4Life weekend in June.
The Friday night BBQ turned into a friendly 15 yard race between former football players.
The '94 Heisman winner was victorious.
The '94 Heisman winner was victorious.
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| Linda (in Coach Lappe mode) addressing the crowd at the start line. |
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| Laps getting the crowd fired up for Di. |
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| Pre race mingling. |
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| The crowd getting ready to start the race. |
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| Buff teammates and families ready to walk for Di. |
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| Britt, Coach Barry and Kami catching up during the 5k (or was it 3k?). |
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Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Papa's Team's Revival
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| Papa's Team -- the 2013 rendition. |
Last summer, I had the opportunity to lead a fundraising and walk effort on behalf of my grandpa benefiting the Alzheimer's Association.
Through the help of friends, family and loyal readers, Papa's Team was able to collect $700 for the Portland edition of the 2013 Walk to End Alzheimer's.
After the walk last summer, I wanted to commit to making the walk a yearly event --to bring attention to the far-reaching disease, raise funds for an outstanding organization, and most importantly, walk in the memory of Papa each and every year.
As promised, it's that time again to start leading fundraising efforts, and asking friends and family to join us for a walk at PIR in September.
As promised, it's that time again to start leading fundraising efforts, and asking friends and family to join us for a walk at PIR in September.
Walk details are as follows:
2014 Walk to End Alzheimer's
Portland, OR
Date: Sunday, September 7, 2014 at 2pm
Location: Portland International Raceway
1940 North Victory Boulevard Portland, OR 97217
Coordinator: Kara Busick
Phone: 503-416-0209
Why Walk is Important |
| Click for details about Alzheimer's. |
Together, we can end Alzheimer’s disease -- the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death.
The cost of care and support is rising on a yearly basis because the number of those living with Alzheimer's continues to grow exponentially. It is up to us to help ease those costs, and hopefully, eventually, find a cure.
My family lost Papa to Alzheimer's in the Spring of 2009, after a 12-year bout with the disease. If our fundraising can help bring awareness to, aid a caregiver or family member, or eventually help with finding a cure, then we have done our job.
I hope you can join us on September 7th, or donate on behalf of Papa's Team! Let me know if you have any questions.
LINKS:
RELATED POSTS:
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| Nana & Papa |
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| The Dresslers |
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| My cousin, Robbie, & I with Papa. |
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| Nana & Papa on their anniversary in 2009. |
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| The Promise Garden at the 2013 Walk. |
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| Walk start like at Portland International Raceway. |
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| The button I had made for Papa's Team. |
Friday, May 23, 2014
Buffs4Life Fun Run for Di
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| Click image to register for the Buffs4Life Fun Run. |
Diana Spencer came to Boulder with a name suited for royalty. Better known as Di, she quickly became a fan favorite, and more-importantly a teammate favorite, with her fun-loving personality and big heart.
How could you not adore a girl who lists some of her favorite things as: Elvis, Scooby Doo, the Golden Girls, James Dean, and Peeps.
Di is everything you could want in a teammate. No matter what, she was always willing to put, you, and the team before herself.
As another teammate, Tera wrote, Di was the "type of player who was selfless, encouraging and committed to our team. Off the court, Di was fun loving, supportive and had a laugh that was contagious."
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| Di, Kate and I as Freshmen. (1999) |
A few 'Di' highlights:
I remember Di taking control of a stuffed duck while we rode around Boulder in Eisha's car -- bringing that toy to life, and having it dance and sing away as onlookers couldn't help but laugh and smile.
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| The epitome of Di as a teammate. |
I remember Di saying hello to virtually every person we passed on campus with a big smile on her face, and when you asked her what their name was, she'd have no idea. But regardless, she remembered their faces and wanted to say hi.
I remember Sunday omelettes too. Di makes an amazing omelette that she'd occasionally treat her teammates and friends to on lazy off days.
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| Always up for a good time. |
I'm going to venture a guess, and say that anyone who has ever spent any time with Di, doesn't smile at the mention of her name. You can't help it.
In just a few days when she visited me one season in Germany, the support staff and my teammates loved her. At various times throughout the remainder of the season, long after she'd gone, they'd ask me how my friend Di was doing.
Time to Support Di
Why now, of all times, am I writing about Di?
Di was recently diagnosed with MS and now it’s time for us to give her our support.
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| Di at the Alumni game in 2008. |
All funds raised from this event and money donated will go directly to Di, assisting with out of pocket medical expenses. Buffs4Life also will match 100% of all proceeds raised.
Whether you were her teammate, a friend or a fan, we invite you to join us for this “Fun Run” to support Di. I plan on being there!
Even though we're scattered throughout the country, and in some cases the world, Buffs are always one.
We love you, and we're all here to support you, Di!
LINKS:
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