running for a reason--in memory of tyler

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Running for a Reason - In Memory of Tyler

September 10, 2002

By: Barb Northey - Writers Bio
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In July I did a three-part story on little NY native Tyler McGrath who died on his 9th birthday of two kinds of Leukemia - AML and ALL Leukemia.



His favorite driver was Dale Jr. who graciously was doing all he could to let the little tike know he cared. Jr. agreed to call Tyler in the early morning hours Monday July 22. Tyler left us shortly after the day of his 9th birthday. He never lived to get the call from his hero. But Tyler is not forgotten.



Nascar rallied to his side and he was showered with love and articles of driver gear and pictures and die casts and cards filled with so much love.



He inspired a woman named Jennifer Savage of Warsaw, IN, to go back to running a marathon, something she could do to help the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society raise money for research so more little angles like Tyler, and a woman she deemed a good friend, would not have to suffer and die. I will leave you with her email to me. It tells better than I could what a great effort she is making physically and spiritually to help others. There is information on the bottom for donations. If we can stop these horrible diseases it will be the greatest tribute to a brave little boy that we could ever possibly give.



On August 23 she wrote:

“I have been working very hard, and even did a practice half marathon on Tuesday. My fundraising is picking up, and I am almost halfway to my goal of $2500 in Tyler's memory. I carry his name everywhere with me on a little hospital band, so I remember why I am doing what I do.”



On Sept 5, she wrote:
“Dear Friends:


I thought you all might like an update on my progress:

The time is drawing near for my next race, the Chicago Marathon on October 13, 2002. I am getting very excited and nervous as my training along with fundraising efforts intensify and I come closer to the big day. I am getting into big miles, and have long training runs of 18 and 20 miles planned in the next few weeks. I also recently ran a very hilly 15k (9.3 mile) race, and had a personal best time of 1:18:27. I even outran my coach in that event!

Why do I run? In early June, someone very close to me was diagnosed with two separate blood disorders. She chooses to remain anonymous, but I can share that she is a lovely older lady, who I have gotten to know well in recent years. As she faces her challenges, I cannot think of a better way to show my love and support than to reach towards a goal of $2500 in donations and sponsorships for this event. These funds will go for research and patient aid, to help her and people like her!

I am also focusing my run to remember the struggles of a little boy named Tyler, who lost his battle with AML and ALL on his 9th birthday, July 21, 2002. Perhaps we can make it so other children do not have to deal with this someday by helping fund research now...

Though it is a big challenge, I am very serious about this. I have dedicated many hours of time to training, educating others and myself about blood cancers, and lots of prayer. Between the people I have met and the things I have learned, it has been a very meaningful experience and has changed my life, not to mention the running making me incredibly fit and healthier in both mind and body in the process.

Keep in mind that, while I am working hard for this, my training for and running this marathon are nothing compared to what children and adults endure each day in their struggles with cancer...

I am running out of time to raise funds for this event, and still have $1000 to go! Please help us win this fight, and make your checks of $25, $50, $100, $500 (or whatever is best for you), out to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. If possible, please try to mail them by September 20, so that I have time to submit them to the Team before the event, although I can accept donations at any time.

Send them to:
Jennifer Savage
PO Box 1493
Warsaw, IN 46581

If you would like to use a credit card or have any questions, please contact me at: 574-320-2246, email [email protected], or MSN Messenger at [email protected].



All donations are tax deductible!

Thank you again to those who have shown their support, you are heroes to those who deal with this each day. To all who have not, your dollars could be what finds the cure...

In honor of all those who have faced the battle against blood cancers, the race is not over, it has only just begun!

Sincerely,
Jennifer Savage
Team In Training Participant”



Angels come in all shapes and sizes and I do believe inspire us in this world to do good and help others. Jennifer has answered her calling.
 
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