I had an awesome day this past Sunday. Friends, family and readers came together in Irvine to walk or run in the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation Cinco de Mayo event as we all reached for a cure for pediatric cancer.
The team spirit and feeling of community was intoxicating. Every person there gave up their Sunday morning to support those fighting this disease. Just awesome.
We had 52 team members join this year, and raised $5,450. Although not the $24,000 we were able to raise the year before, I was still happy to see that we were able to raise this amount, and over the course of 2 years, over $30,000 for pediatric cancer research!
I wanted to thank these companies that donated items for our event:
Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market (Newport & Harbor in Costa Mesa) donated a ton of water and granola bars. The manager couldn’t be nicer. I told him what we were doing and he said, “I’ll have stuff ready for you on Friday.” Just like that. Thank you Mike!
Sensitive Sweets in Fountain Valley donated some of her delicious mini cupcakes and a special cake for us. Her baked goodies are soy/dairy/egg/gluten-free, so my little one who is allergic to eggs and milk could even enjoy. People that came by were floored at how tasty they are! Love you Melanie!
xist Publishing in Tustin was kind enough to donate our banner again this year and went above and beyond to help us. Thank you Calee!
The following people were team members and I wanted to give a little shout out to their businesses too because I am so grateful for their participation and support:
Erica from Knocked Up Fitness and Core Athletica
(Erica raised $1000 for our team!)
Elsie from Precious Hand/Footprints
(Elsie raised $560 for our team!)
Dave from Snowden Industries~ Johnny from Daft Daddy ~ Christine from Happy Healthy Mamas
Lani from Merlina Design ~ Angie from Whiz Kids
And to the following companies for so graciously donating to my fundraising page:
Jessica Bennett Interiors ~ Angelique Ink ~ Apriori Beauty
JustAskBoo OC ~ Pier to Peer ~ Healthy Skin Naturally ~ Fun Orange County Parks
The biggest gift I have received from being involved in raising money for PCRF has been perspective.
Many of the teams on Sunday were created in honor or in memory of a child with cancer. I would get overcome with emotion as I saw the t-shirts and signs.
On Monday, I got to go back to my regular routine… blogging, carpool, dance class, Mommy & Me, gymnastics class, play dates, etc.
Many families regular routines include chemo, surgery, radiation and hospitalization.
Whenever I think my day is rough all I need to do is think about this event and I realize if my kids are healthy, there is nothing going on in my day that I can’t face.
My eyes were also opened up to the generosity of my friends and family. I had a personal goal of raising $1000. A week out, I was barely at $500, even though I had been trying and trying to raise money, and I thought it was going to be impossible.
But then, one by one I got donations rolling in that not only helped me reach my goal, but exceed it!!! In the end, I was able to raise $1,345. I wanted to jump through my computer and hug each person every time I got a donation email notification. Thank you so much!!!
Please keep PCRF in your mind and heart whenever you are looking to help a charitable cause. 80% of funds raised helps to go towards research to find a cure for pediatric cancer. And money is needed for research to help.
To the families and children facing cancer I have met along the way, please know that you are in my heart and prayers and thoughts everyday.
Thanks for following our team everyone! Life is precious, go give your little ones that extra hug and kiss today!
XOXO
Jen