Port to Fort Team Shirts

If you're planning on participating in the Port to Fort race this year and would like a team shirt, I finally came up with one I thought suitable for kids and adults.  I wanted it to honor Henry and also to be colorful and happy.  I've marked the items up $5 each which goes directly to Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation.

You can find the shirts at:

http://www.cafepress.com/lifeisfragile

Some Updates

There have been several things I've been meaning to share here recently.

• Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation asked a while back (sometime last year) if they could use Henry's image in their Annual Report.  It's come out and while not in hardcopy, they did distribute it as a PDF.  Here is the page with Henry.

(click image to see large version)

• The Believe in Tomorrow folks that do the Port-to-Fort (Sunday 4/25) wrote a note to some of last year's participants to ask a few questions.  We were privileged to do so and our 'Life is Fragile, Love is Not' team features in their March eNewsletter. 

• Some of you have asked if we'll have a team t-shirt this year.  I'm on it, but just a little slower.  Check back soon and I'm hoping to have something for us to wear.  I'm thinking of something special for the little participants too.

Finally, I have to thank you again for the support you've given to our family, particularly over the past year.  We look forward to seeing you at the Port to Fort walking or running with Team: Life is Fragile, Love is Not.

Thanks.

Port to Fort

You can register at 

http://www.believeintomorrow.org/p2f/

We had a wonderful time last year and were touched by everyone's generosity in giving of their time, support and funds to remember Henry and support those still struggling with childhood cancer.

Our team name is Life is Fragile, Love is Not

(see below)

we hope to see you there.

Abundant Charity

We've been overwhelmed by the generosity of both friends and strangers since Henry's death. It's made us so much more aware of the private side of generosity, being the subject of it. We receive notes of support, gifts of people's time, and volumes of names from the charities we've designated referencing the donations made in Henry's memory. We're moved by the generosity of those touched by Henry's story and are comforted by the fact his life still radiates and raises awareness of childhood cancers in order that those walking that path have some measure of additional support and improvement in outcomes for it.

Most recently, there have been several family friends politely ask us if we would be willing to let them receive donations in Henry's name in lieu of gifts at special occasions, substituting birthday gifts for example with a donation made to Alex's Lemonade Stand. We humbly agree and are encouraged and amazed by the trend. One such event recently brought over $500 to ALSF.

The latest such event has touched us in a special way. A childhood friend of Tara's has requested that instead of gifts for her new baby, that donations be made in Henry's memory. Charity takes on so many facets. The love, care and support that this shows is reflected in not only those donating, but so deeply in the family asking. Thank you Sandee. Any request on my part for donations after all people have done for us is difficult for me, but if you are moved to donate for this, donations are requested to go to Henry's Lemonade Stand Site.

Regarding the abundance of charity of late is also an update on the Henry's Hustle event. The mile race was fun in the rain, the games were entertaining for all involved and the number of people who came to volunteer their time was astounding in itself. The donations are enough to blow your mind. Altogether charitable donations for the event exceeded $18,000. This included a substantial amount of individual donations solicited by the school children and their families, as well as corporate donations of food, prizes and profits from sales. I attended the ceremony on the last day of school where the top earners were rewarded and several of the male teachers donned dresses as promised as incentive for reaching (and far exceeding!) their goal of $5000. It was entertaining for all involved and a happy conclusion to a wonderful community outpouring of support.

Finally, among the several Lemonade Stands held in Henry's memory since his passing (Tri-State Community Health, Searcy Birthday Party, Henry's Hustle) there are a couple notable ones coming up.

• Cranberry Twp, PA - This coming Saturday, for those living in Pittsburgh or nearby, hosted by the children of a former coworker. Click here for more information or to donate.


• Longmeadow Mile Long Yard Sale - This was the original location we'd held our stand last summer with Henry. We will be doing it again over this 4th of July as will another friend along the sale route.


• Ongoing T-Shirt Sales - at www.CafePress.com/LifeIsFragile
  I intend to continue designing shirts & other items, all of the proceeds from which will go directly to Alex's Lemonade Stand. The current shirt has the following image:
  

We're ever so grateful and feel unable to express our thanks for the continuing generosity and dedication to the cause of awareness of and research for childhood cancers in Henry's memory.

Go Team!

From 20090426_PortToFort

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Believe in Tomorrow Children's Foundation Port to Fort Walk for team, "Life is Fragile, Love is Not". We had an outstanding turn out on a fine day and it made a wonderful tribute to our hero Henry.

Aside from being a terrific memorial and community event, our team had the largest turnout - 54 people! We were awarded a plaque and a permanent place on their annual trophy which displays the awards year over year. Next year our team will be remembered for your participation in 2009.



As for the Scheck family, we had a terrific time seeing you all and walking and running together for such a wonderful organization. Thank you again for your fund raising efforts and for your unending support of Henry and our family.

We're already looking forward to doing it again next year!

Here are the photos I took at the race! Click on the album below and enjoy!

20090426_PortToFort

Port to Fort

This weekend is the Port to Fort race in Baltimore to raise awareness of childhood cancers. I want to thank the multitude of anticipated attendees for your commitment to this cause and support in memory of Henry.

We can't wait to see everyone. There is a crane in front of the Museum of Industry (see photo). That's where we will plan to be if the crowd and specifics allow. Otherwise, just look for the 'Life Is Fragile' shirts!



From the website:

Packet Pick-Up:

Saturday, April 25, 2009
12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Falls Road Running Store
6247 Falls Road, Baltimore, MD 21209
Call (410) 296-5050 for directions.

*In response to numerous questions, one person may pick up the packets for their family members, friends, or team. (In cases of team packet pick-up, please have a complete list of names with you).

Last Minute Packet Pick-up begins at 7:30 a.m. day of race at the BMI.

More Information: www.BelieveInTomorrow.org/P2F

Race Route:

Henry's Hustle

The local Elementary School, Maugansville ES, where Anna and Sophie attend, have announced that they are planning a fundraiser in memory of Henry to benefit the charity of our choice. We've elected to have the funds donated to Alex's Lemonade Stand.

They've set up an online donation center at ALSF and have a website for the event as well. There will be a carnival, a race and a blood drive all to be held at the school on Saturday, May 16th.

We're grateful and exceedingly honored to be supported by the school and community in this way and are excited to enjoy the day with family and friends if you're able to attend.

Henry's Hustle Website: http://www.HenrysHustle.org
ALSF Donation Site: http://donate.HenrysHustle.org

Update: Believe in Tomorrow Port to Fort Race

Tara and I are overwhelmed by the number of people registering for the Believe in Tomorrow's Port to Fort Race in memory of Henry! Thank you all!

When I initially published the information in a prior post, I wasn't very clear on details. I actually did not realize that the P2F registration allowed 'teams'. I kind of thought it would be an informal thing. As it turns out, there are now three "Life is Fragile, Love is Not" teams! :) Additionally for some it seems somewhat unclear how to register and ensure placement on the team.

I've called the Believe in Tomorrow Foundation to see if they can merge the teams to avoid confusion. If you have yet to register, I've included some instructions at the end of the post. While Believe in Tomorrow encourages it, they do not require fund raising.

Finally, with registration you will receive a Port to Fort T-Shirt. Additionally, I've designed a "Life is Fragile, Love is Not" shirt that you can purchase separately if you wish.

FRONT

BACK

Eventually this will be used for fund raising as well, but at this time these shirts are being sold at cost. If you want to purchase one of these, please go to: www.CafePress.com/LifeIsFragile

We look forward to seeing you all down in Baltimore at the Museum of Industry on Race Day!

---

Registration Instructions:

If you've already registered and are not on our team - no worries. I think its mostly a convenience and show of solidarity. If you'd like to fix it though - please call 410-744-1032 and ask to speak to someone about the Port to Fort race.

1. Go to the registration site: www.BelieveInTomorrow.org/p2f
2. Click 'Register Online'
3. Click on the link in the middle that says - "Join a Team"
4. Select the Port to Fort event.
5. Continue to follow the registration instructions. There will be a page that asks whether you are on a corporate or community team. Select 'Yes' but omit the team name and captain.
6. As you continue you will eventually be presented with a page from which to enter a team name. Instead of entering the team name, pick "Show all teams." (a small link under the search box.)
7. Select "Life is Fragile, Love is Not" In Memory of Henry Keating Scheck. This is the team with the most members of the three Life is Fragile teams and the one to which I asked them to consolidate.
8. Complete your registration information.