“We will forever remember, respect, and honor JP and never give up the battle that he fought so hard against.”
— David Duskin (from the Team Smitty Facebook Page)
I was just thinking that I needed to get Team Smitty set up for LiveStrong and I got a message from one of John’s co-workers, David Dushkin, that he’d set it up. If anybody is interested in joining or donating to Team Smitty here’s the link. If the link ever doesn’t work… just select “Smitty” under the Philly teams.
This year you can do both the walk/run and/or the cycling rides. I’m hoping to do both. I haven’t registered yet, I’d like to confirm that I can take kiddo with a bike trailer and spend some time pondering (if I can) what distance to do. I’ve heard the hills are steep, but I don’t know how far into the ride you get before you hit “the hills.”
The other exciting addition for this year is the 10K walk/run. So… for those distance runner types… there is a 10K!
Here are the details from the LiveStrong website:
The LIVESTRONG Challenge Series is the signature fundraising event for LIVESTRONG. For the past thirteen years, the Series has raised over $60 million for the fight against cancer. In 2010, the LIVESTRONG Challenge Series will visit four cities across the U.S.: Seattle, WA; San Jose, CA; Philadelphia, PA; and Austin, TX.
In Philly, on August 21 – 22, the LIVESTRONG Challenge takes place in the Philadelphia suburb of Blue Bell on the Montgomery County Community College Campus. This year we’ve expanded our Philly event to a 2-day format. Because of the growth of the event, moving the run/walk to Saturday will allow us to welcome more participants and add an additional 10K distance and Post Event Party for our runners and walkers. On Sunday, our riders can enjoy bike rides varying from 10, 20, 45, 75, and 100 mile options. For the first time ever in Philly, enjoy both activities of the LIVESTRONG Challenge.
In the spirit of LIVESTRONG‘s mission to inspire and empower people affected by cancer, we invite children in active treatment to participate in the LIVESTRONG Challenge via pedicab. Their enthusiasm is contagious as they ride among the riders, reminding us all what we’re truly fighting for.
One of the highlights of the LIVESTRONG Challenge is the “yellow mile” where participants are welcomed home by friends and family, while being cheered on by volunteers and staff for their personal accomplishments. Surrounded by the color which has inspired and empowered Lance and millions of others, each cancer survivor is given a yellow rose when they cross the finish line to commemorate their survivorship. And we strive to make sure that each participant feels as recognized as the first finisher.
After the Challenge, Team LIVESTRONG members, friends and family are encouraged to celebrate their accomplishments at the LIVESTRONG Village. The Village is a health and wellness expo with nonprofit, local and national vendors who provide samples of their products and previews of their new merchandise. You also can enjoy food and entertainment at the post-event party and share stories of your LIVESTRONG experience with other team members.
January 1, 2010 – April 30, 2010: Registration Fee: $45
May 1, 2010 – August 21, 2010: Registration Fee $50
December 1, 2009 – August 21, 2010: Joint Registration Fee for both events $75
All bike riders are required to raise an additional $250.
Virtual challenge has no registration fee.
I also want to promote the Virtual Challenge. If you live too far to come to Philly, have other obligations, don’t think you can physically complete a 5K or bike ride, or would prefer to do something where you don’t have to come to Philly (like you hate crowds, or have a phobia to somebody seeing you in cycling shorts (oh wait… maybe that’s just me…), etc) you can still take part in the Virtual Challenge. AKA — NO EXCUSES not to join Team Smitty! With the virtual challenge there is no cost to register and if you raise $50 or more in donations then you will receive a T-shirt & water bottle. You are eligible for the same fund raising incentives as walk/run/bike Philly participants. You could be a creative type and create your own challenge- like going on a 10 hour trail ride or hiking up a mountain or you could sit in the A/C on the hot August day and watch the race at Bristol while drinking a cold beverage of your choice. It’s up to you.
I want to send a shout out to David Dushkin & Doug Rathell for being the first two people registered.
For 2009’s Philly LiveStrong Challenge, Team Smitty had 24 team members which included people from Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, & Kentucky! We raised $7261 for the Lance Armstrong Foundation.
In 2010, Dave sat the bar at a fundraising goal of $10,000 which I think is easily attainable! He set the team member goal at 50!!! So… Let’s do it!!!! With the virtual challenge there is NO excuse to not be a member… no out of pocket money and if you raise $50 then you get a t-shirt and water bottle! How cool is that! I can’t wait to see everybody in August– GO TEAM SMITTY!!!! Let’s make John proud!
“We will forever remember, respect, and honor JP and never give up the battle that he fought so hard against.”
— David Duskin (from the Team Smitty Facebook Page)
Rainbows & Mourning Doves 