My NF Endurance Team Photo Blog - mynfenduranceteamphotoblog

Celebration of Children
We registered in the school and we are off to the start of our very first race together. I've been waiting for Gillian to get big enough to run with me. Aren't we cute in our matching outfits?

Celebration of Children
Pointing out the race start area and trying to distract Gillian. There was a toy area in the school and she was not happy to leave and go to the race.

Celebration of Children
"Okay, Grandma, this idea of yours is looking a little better."

Celebration of Children
Visiting our NFE table, but Gillian is being a little shy about turning around and taking a picture. There is a bouncy house and a playground nearby, and she would like to go there, but the race will start soon. We'll go later.

Celebration of Children
Ahh, she is coming around, with her usual smile and good spirits.

Celebration of Children
She looks so cute in her neon yellow!

Celebration of Childrnen
Lining up for the start of the Children's Race.

Celebration of Children
We lined up behind some pretty big kids as the race director indicated, but we were supposed to wait for our own younger age start. The bigger kids were fast and quickly got ahead of us. Wish we caught a picture, as she was smiling and ju

Celebration of Children
We're walking now, and I'm trying to talk Gillian into running again. She got very unhappy once she realized the bigger kids were far ahead and she wasn't running with them anymore.

Celebration of Children
"Yes, I am not happy Grandma, look how far the other kids are." Sometimes I feel the same way in a race, and I suspect there are many other runners who share that =).

Celebration of Children
The bigger kids have gone through the finish line, but I know there are some smaller kids coming up behind us, and she will like that.

Celebration of Children
Here come the middle size of kids, and she is happy, excited and loves running with them!

Celebration of Children
Ah, they're too fast, too. Being a 2 1/2 year old runner can be tough.

Celebration of Children
"Can you see the finish line Gillian? Ah, there's a smile! I usually feel the same way =)

Celebration of Children
Our very first race together ends with a picture at the finish line with the finish line balloon bouquet.

Celebration of Children
"This balloon bouquet is pretty big, should we leave it here?" All the other children have already run back to the playground.

Celebration of Children
Can you carry it, or will it float you away just like an angel with your wings?

Celebration of Children
It has a little weight on it. Isn't this cute? My little angel!

Celebration of Children
Liking her bouquet of balloons, she stops. "Look Daddy what I have"! The balloons don't look so big outside, but trying to stuff them in the Jeep was a challenge!

Celebration of Children
Despite all our race ups and downs, Gillian received 3rd place in the little girls! She loves necklaces and I knew she would love a medal 'necklace' if she got one!

Celebration of Children
"I am very happy!"

Celebration of Children
Reflecting on the win. Walking up to get her medal was a little scary - there were a lot of adults she didn't know cheering and clapping, and making a lot of noise - and she didn't yet know why.

Rochester Med-City Expo May 2011
The Mayo Civic Center is a beautiful building, so this was a classy Expo. There were about 20 booths and all separated and bordered by the nice black draping. I was located right next to the Rochester Track Club, which was neat since I am

Rochester Med-City Expo May 2011
My table set-up a little closer.

Rochester Med-City Expo May 2011
People loved to look at the photographs and I was able to point out some of our events and the fun that we have together as a team with these pictures. I would find that I could have sold my black RuNFor A Reason shirt 6x. With the change

Rochester Med-City Expo May 2011
My poster of pictures.

Rochester Med-City Expo May 2011
I really enjoyed my day doing this! I was surprised with a visit from my daughter-in-law, Cheri, and my granddaughter, Gillian, in the middle of the day!

Rochester Med-City Expo May 2011
It was a great day! I had 12 people take materials and express interest in our team. I have to practice on my strategy to get them to leave me with their email address. I gave them mine, and although I have not had any messages, you neve

Green Bay 5K
Our cute Green Bay 5K NF Endurance fun outfits! We were interviewed by WBAY Channel 2 - Video titled "Runners Brave Co ld, Wind, and Rain" 01:52 May 14. Carissa tells them "it is warmer in Houston" and I told them "we were here to support

Green Bay 5K
Our NFE Green Bay 5K team! Roxanne, Matt, and Carissa. It was super cold, windy, and raining.

Green Bay 5K
Carissa ran a PR in the 5K with 22:55. We were waiting to see if she placed. She did come in with 5th in her Age Divisi on. Unusual, as they started with the oldest ages first, got down to my Age Division and announce "from Hayward, WI"....

Green Bay 5K
Okay, so I'm looking a little excited here - I was!!! And, looking a little bedraggled, holding all my stuff, in a raincoat, and totally not expecting to be receiving this award.

Green Bay 5K
How fun!

Green Bay 5K
Minus the raincoat and all the stuff and in a much warmer place.

Green Bay Marathon & Half Marathon
NF Endurance Green Bay Team! Roxanne/Half, Carissa/Marathon, Joey/Marathon, Matt/Half, and Katy/Half. Waiting in the Green Bay Atrium for the start. Weather was sunny, but 25 - 40 mph winds and quite cold. Marathon runners (go Carissa

Green Bay Marathon & Half Marathon
Roxanne/Half, Carissa/Marathon, Joey/Marathon, Matt/Half, and Katy/Half. How did we do? Awesome!!! Roxanne had a PR wi th 2:04:08. Carissa qualified for Boston with 3:32:50! Katy had a PR! Joey had an injury so he and Matt mostly walked t

Green Bay Marathon & Half Marathon
I came through the finish and met up with Katy, Mindy and Kelly, as we all finished right near each other. Headed into the Atrium where it was warmer and met up with my family. Look at my darling granddaughter Gillian, she just thinks eve

Green Bay Marathon & Half Marathon
Gillian and Grandma at the finish of the Half Marathon.

Green Bay Marathon & Half Marathon
My Aunt Jackie and Gillian

Green Bay Marathon & Half Marathon
In the Green Bay Packer Stadium to watch for Carissa to come in. Look way down to the corner, here she comes and she is fast! We nearly didn't get in the stadium and get my camera out in time.

Green Bay Marathon & Half Marathon
We are cheering and yelling to Carissa to keep going fast - she has a chance to qualify for Boston!

Green Bay Marathon & Half Marathon
Congratulations to one happy Carissa!!!! Her 8th marathon was her lucky eight and at 03:32:50 Carissa qualifies for the Boston Marathon in April 2012!

Green Bay Marathon & Half Marathon
Posing with our medals, a leather football skin in a circle of gold. Ribbon has a screen printed picture of the first Green Bay Marathon - very nice.

Green Bay Marathon & Half Marathon
Aunt Jackie and Cousin Dean, our family Cheer Team. Matt, Joey, Carissa and I pose after the race. Wonderful Brat/Beer party to follow there, but we quickly head out to FiveGuys because it is incredibly cold and windy outside.

Touring Green Bay
Green Bay Packers Lambeau Field. My first time here. It is such a pretty building, unlike most football stadiums you see, it looks like a lovely old style brick college building.

Touring Green Bay
A very excited Daren and a happy to do anything with Daddy, Gillian, head up and into Lambeau Field.

Touring Green Bay
My family and Cheer Team, son Daren, daughter-in-law Cheri, and granddaughter Gillian. Green Bay Packers Lambeau Field, Oneida Nation.

Touring Green Bay
The gates to enter the stadium of Lambeau Field. All spectators of the Green Bay Marathon and Half Marathon are welcome to sit in the stadium and watch their runners come in through the player's tunnel and run around the football field to

Touring Green Bay
After you walk up the big steps of the main Lambeau Field entry, you turn right and walk down a long hallway which will take you to the Atrium's inside entrance at the end. One very impressive observation; everything in Lambeau Field is in

Touring Green Bay
You go down one level (basement, I assume) for the Packer Hall of Fame. On the first floor is the entrance to the stadi um, entrance to the Atrium and a NFL store. Up one floor is a games area (Gillian loved that) and Curly's Pub, a great,

Touring Green Bay
Buying our tickets for the Packers Hall of Fame.

Touring Green Bay
I really like this place, there are all these wierd, big people to play with. Grabbing facemask penalty Gillian.

Touring Green Bay
How does this go? One, two, hut?

Touring Green Bay
Oh-oh, Dad's in the game, too.

Touring Green Bay
And we're down!

Touring Green Bay
"Hey, wait, he has a ball and I really, really want it!" You can't hear me, but I am loudly sniveling, and I am pulling on this ball.

Touring Green Bay
There were big walls full of pictures, stories, and facts all through the Hall.

Touring Green Bay
The Packer Hall of Fame is almost like an octogon shape. And maybe maize like, as you could go in and out, sometimes around in small circles throughout it. I expect this really helps when it is more crowded, likely during the season.

Touring Green Bay
Dedicated to past players.

Touring Green Bay
Gillian comes out of one of the maize-like little rooms and is surprised by Carissa.

Touring Green Bay
Here is where the trophies are shown, and yes, the lighting is dimmed, and it is meant to look very shrine-like. The Super Bowl trophy was on tour, so we did not get to see it. It would return that night, but we will be at our pasta

Touring Green Bay
Daren, Cheri, and Gillian with some of the other trophies.

Touring Green Bay
Our trip would not have been complete without celebrating Carissa's May 7th Birthday!!! And, with cake from Hayward, too. Her Boston Qualifier will be a great birthday present!

Georgia 5k Run Wild
This was crazy to get to! GA gave the wrong bus stop and so about 20 of us missed our bus. We hopped on another, but it took forever! We got to the Atlanta Zoo and sprinted down a hill and across a parking lot to jump in the start line as

Georgia 5K Run Wild
Running around the park by the Atlanta Zoo.

Georgia 5K Run Wild
Having fun! Enjoying the run despite the rushed start and crazy bus ride.

Georgia 5K Run Wild
Not my fastest 5K time, maybe I should have tied those shoes on the bus =). I would find out that I was 1st in my Age Division and 111th out of 639 finishers.

Georgia 5K Run Wild
Carissa coming around the last corner towards the finish line.

Georgia 5K Run Wild
Carissa enjoying the moment too, despite the rush. Carissa will find out that she is the 4th woman in overall. She mis sed an award and 3rd Place by 5 seconds! She wondered why some spectators were yelling to her to go a little faster =).

Georgia 5K Run Wild
You can see this is a nice place. We'll be off to visit the zoo after pictures.

Georgia 5K Run Wild
Our high five NFE Teammates salute. Perfect for adding "We RuNFor Hope" in the center.

Georgia 5K Run Wild
A little Mother Daughter slap fight? Who gets into the zoo first? Congratulations for our great finishes?

Georgia 5K Run Wild
For anyone living with NF in their lives, this balloon says it all.

Georgia 5K Run Wild
New NFE teammate and friend Ihesha and her family.

Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon
The Georgia Dome was very big, and the expo was the biggest I've been too - lot's of booths to look at running gear. We especially liked hanging out at our Children's Tumor Foundation expo booth!

Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon
Some of our NF Endurance Teammates, those who braved the early am photo session, anyway.

Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon
A few teammates, some running for Chad's (our photographer) brother Drew who also has Schwannomatosis. And, far right, our wonderful National Team Captain Tracy.

Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon
Carissa and I ready to run the roads of Atlanta! I just came off the National Snowshoe Championships the past weekend w hich were run in a snowstorm and it was so-o cold, and look 80's in Atlanta, loved it!! Pretty much the same as Houston

Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon
Look by the American Flag, there's Carissa coming in to the finish line of her marathon race.

Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon
Carissa is a "happy runner", as she came in under 4 hours on a very hilly course. Hilly like in Hayward, not flat like in Houston.

Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon
We are so excited! We had such a great time in Atlanta Georgia with the team! We met so many nice teammates and their families. And, we got to finally meet and share an event with our team captain, Tracy. Wish we could go to all the NF

Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon
Showing off our medals for you. They are big, heavy, and very nice quality.

Touring Atlanta
Our first sightseeing visit was to the World of Coca Cola. Atlanta is the birthplace and home of the Coca Cola Company. There are dozens of beautifully decorated Coca Cola bottle replicas. They were designed for the Olympics.

Touring Atlanta
The ceiling of the World of Coca Cola was filled with layers and levels of Coca Cola signs all the years and all the countries where coke products are sold.

Touring Atlanta
A highlight of the museum is the Coca Cola products taste testing. Here you can visit each continent that Coca Cola is s old in and taste every product. You can try 120 products if you like! Most of them were horrible! People buy them for

Touring Atlanta
Flowers blooming everywhere, lots' of trees, very clean and neat - beautiful area in downtown Atlanta where we stayed.

Touring Atlanta
Notice the pink and white blossomed trees in almost every picture. These flowers here are all pansies.

Touring Atlanta
Here we are off to an Atlanta Thrashers Hockey Game! A very nice lady, affiliated with the CNN Phillips Arena, offered us free tickets for $30 seats, one level up and right behind a goalie. Whoo-whoo!!

Touring Atlanta
The CNN Phillips Arena and the Atlanta Thrashers Hockey Game. We had a great time!

Touring Atlanta
Loved their Thrasher bird. It spewed out fire balls for every score. Pretty cool!

Touring Atlanta
We visited the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. I should be remembering the artist's name for you, sorry, but he also has one of his glass sculptures hanging in the entryway of the Mayo Clinic Gonda Building in Rochester, MN. I was surprised to

Touring Atlanta
Orchids were the featured attraction at the Botanical Gardens. There were so many and they are so pretty!

Touring Atlanta
Atlanta Botanical Gardens Orchid Event

Touring Atlanta
Sometimes we actually do sit still =). It's hard being green, especially when your green is molting. We also saw Peter Pan in the Round Theatre. It was a play that moved in a circle and had computer animated special effects. When Peter

Showing my NFE colors on the podium
The Dion USSSA National Snowshoe Championship Race. To compete in the National Championships, you must first qualify wi th an Age Division Place or a fast enough (mathematical) qualifying time among all racers over the season at a prior qua

3rd Place Age Division
The USSSA National Championship 10K Race. It was held at Lakewoods Resort in Cable, WI. Practically my own backyard! We had a huge snowstorm the night before, so driving was tough, the snow was deep, the hills were amazing, it was cold,

Proudly Wearing our New NF Endurance Jackets
Carissa and I are so excited and so proud to wear these beautiful Brooks NF Endurance Team jackets and show off our NF E ndurance Team! We earned our jackets by reaching a fundraising incentive of $10,000.00. I could never have imagined re

Proudly Wearing our NF Endurance Team Jackets
Brooks Running jackets and all writing is embroidered, both front and back.

Proudly Wearing our NF Endurance Team Jackets.
With these beautiful NF Endurance jackets and the time and work put in to earn them, you can't help but feel tough and strong wearing them. Tough on NF we are!

Proudly Wearing our NF Endurance Team Jackets.
Time for a little snowshoe racing. In bright neon yellow, you won't be lost in the woods.

Proudly Wearing our NF Endurance Team Jackets.
Yes, as you can see, we are very excited about our new jackets!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Run For Your LIfe 5k
5K run in Houston, TX on October 23rd in the morning. That evening would find Carissa participating in the Moonlight Bike Ramble 10 Mile, Downtown Houston at 2:00a.m. This is my favorite NFE picture of Carissa.

Seawall Half Marathon Galveston 2010
Carissa runs the Seawall Half Marathon on November 20 in Galveston, TX. Wow, a race in November on a nice 70-plus degree day!

Seawall Half Marathon 2010
Carissa running Seawall Half Marathon. This is such a cool picture, it looks like Carissa is running in front of a poster of perfect scenery.

Seawall Half Marathon Galveston 2010
Really nice bib and 2nd Place Age Group Award!!! Way to go Carissa!

Seawall Half Marathon Galveston 2010
Carissa picking up her 2nd Place Finish Award. So neat that she won a place award and that she got to walk up in front of so many people wearing her NF awareness colors!

Seawall Half Marathon Galveston 2010
Really nice award!

Seawall Half Marathon Galveston 2010
Race is over and Carissa and Matt are heading to Moody Gardens for some fun and good food!

Monster Dash 2010
My costume for the Monster Dash, just Victoria and I.

Monster Dash 2010
I went to the Monster Dash with Nate and Irene Mittlestadt from Rochester, MN. Irene and Nate went to Michigan Tech with Daren.

Monster Dash 2010
The Dash had a point-to-point race this year and a shuttle ride back to the start. It was a disaster! This is the line in front of us waiting for the shuttle.

Monster Dash 2010
This is the line in back of us waiting for the shuttle. The front and back line were actually too long to even get in o ne picture frame! We ended up standing in this line for 90 minutes. Then a 30 minute shuttle ride and 15 minutes to fi

Monster Dash 2010
We had some extra clothes in a drop bag, and here we are getting them on!

Monster Dash 2010
Back home where it was warm! I must say, Gillian's Grandma appears in many unusual outfits.

Monster Dash and Halloween 2010
Gillian and I decided to go outside and check the mail.

Monster Dash and Halloween 2010
Gillian is delighted to have received a Halloween card in the mail!

Monster Dash and Halloween
Back into the house to show Mom what she found in the mailbox and to open it up!

Monster Dash and Halloween
Ohh, this is neat! Grandma Thomas always puts confetti in her cards!

Monster Dash and Halloween 2010
Boo!!! and Love, Grandma

TC 2010 Marathon & 10 Mile Pasta Dinner
Our end of the year pasta dinner was held at St. Paul College. It's a nice looking campus in the daylight, but I thought it was especially pretty at night.

Steve Kendra, NF Endurance Director, Roxanne, Murray McCartan, MN Team Captain
Wow! There are just not enough words to fully express how humbled and honored I was to receive an honor plaque from NF Endurance for our fundraising efforts throughout the year. I accept this honor for myself, but even more so for my daughter and teammate, Carissa, and my entire MN Team. Without them, I couldn't do this. I see my family in this award too, as they encourage me and keep me going.

TC 2010 Minneapolis, MN NF Endurance Team
I think it says it all!

TC 2010 10 Mile NF Endurance Runners
Often, someone will join us for a day, or because I live out of the cities, I don't get to know everyone. So, second from the left is Liz, John, Me, Veronica, and Steve Kendra (the National Director for NF Endurance Teams).

TC 2010 Marathon NF Endurance Runners
All our marathon runners. Steven Kendra on the left, and Murray, our team captain, must be taking the picture.

Coming In To Our Cheer Team Location
So excited to see our cheer team! Coming in with about 3 miles to go in the 10 Mile race event. Being congratulated by Steve Kendra, the National Director of the NF Endurance Team and our "Coach" for this event.

Coach Steve Kendra Running Along with Liz
Steve running along with Liz as they approach our cheer team location. Liz and I ran for a few miles together.

Liz Taking the Lead
Liz is taking off to finish the 10 Mile race. I'm just a little bit to the back and still high five-in the cheer team friends.

Coach Kendra Back Out at Work
Steve (right) running along with CL (left)(running his first marathon), and Murray (middle), our team captain.

Steve Cheers on the Troups
John is coming in towards our cheer team along with several other NF runners.

A Coach and a Director Never Rests
I love this picture! It speaks of determination, dedication, and motivation, caring and pride..."A Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step". We may be here together, in this effort together, but in the end, each journey is still very much your own to make.

Another Marathon Runner Coming into the Cheer Zone
Coach Steve running in with Jeremiah.

TC 2010 10 Mile Finish Line Ahead
I thought this looked so pretty, that I had to stop and take a picture. I'm coming up on the finish of my 10 Mile race event.

TC 2010 Marathon Cheer Zone
Out of the running clothes and into the cheering clothes! Ready to rock some runners and hopefully make them smile and like us!!!!!

TC 2010 Cheer Zone
We had quite the adorable young ladies cheerleading team.

TC 2010 Cheerleading Team
This is Megan. She has a smile and enthusiasm for every activity we do.

TC 2010 Marathon Cheer Drum Line
High School and Middle School students from Bloomington Jefferson Schools came out to help us win the cheer competition with lots of great percussion!!!

NF Wolfman
The wolf is just a hit every year!

The Wolfman and a Lovely Cheerleader
TC 2010 Cheer Zone.

Kari Said Neon and Wigs!!!
We've got the wig, neon is the "in" color, and Victoria is on hand to help!

Our Youngest Cheerleader
Isn't he just precious? I don't think there could be a runner out there who wouldn't be moved and cheered by this little guy!!!!!

FuNFor A Reason
Thank you to our coach, captain, cheer zone organizers Kari and Jen, cheerleaders, drum line, DJ, and runners! We were thrilled to find out that we won FIRST PLACE in the competition and earned a $750 donation to the Children's Tumor Foundation.

Birkie Trail Run Half Marathon
Saturday, September 25, 2010. I'm ready for the start of the Birkie Trail Run Half Marathon! It's rained for 2 1/2 day s, and mud and puddles are predicted for the bottom of some hills. This is the stretch from OO to Telemark Mt. Resort,

Birkie Trail Run Half Marathon
What goes up, must come down!

Birkie Trail Run Half Marathon
There were a many big hills. This looks like we're going down again, but it really starts to climb all the way up to th e skyline of the trees. I found you can get a good picture going down a hill, but not up, as the trees hide the ascent.

Birkie Trail Run Half Marathon
Coming in towards a rest stop.

Birkie Trail Run Half Marathon
I loved it! I don't think the hills were as big as the tales of them. But, I've decided that running up a hill is like ly much easier than skiing up a hill - you aren't kicking your feet out to the sides like a duck, with big long sticks a

Birkie Trail Run Half Marathon
On to my next adventure!

Hayward Fall Century Bike Tour
Sunday, September 26, 2010. I'm ready to begin the 27 Mile bike ride. This is my "sort of duathlon". Run on Saturday and Bike ride on Sunday. Carissa says it doesn't count, you can't transition overnight at home =(

My "Sort-Of" Duathlon Weekend
My Birkie Trail Run Half Marathon Bib and Finishers Medal and my Fall Century Tour 27 Mile Bike Ride finishers certificate! It's a first step to a real duathlon!!

Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival 2010
CheqFat is a 40 mile mountain bike race held on the Birkebeiner Ski Trail, from Hayward to Cable in WI. Getting into th e CheqFat Tire 40 or the Short and Fat, is highly coveted, with thousands of apps for only 2500 entrants. Roxanne, alon

Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival 2010
L to R: Roxanne, Linda (friend), Carissa (daughter and NFE teammate), Paul (friend), and Cheri (daughter-in-law) working packet, bag, and chip pick-up. The week before, Roxanne, Linda, Paul, Andrea, and Mary worked at assembling biker bags

Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival 2010
Cheri, Carissa, and Roxanne. It was a fun, party atmosphere all under a huge tent at Telemark Mountain Resort in Cable, WI.

Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival 2010
Carissa handed out biker packets to the elite bikers!

Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival 2010
Linda and Paul handed out chip timing anklets to the bikers.

Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival 2010
Carissa pulls down one huge NF colored balloon!

Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival 2010
Race Day morning dawned pretty chilly! Here is my brave parking crew. L to R: Paul (friend), Linda (friend), Roxanne, Dave (husband), Carissa (daughter), and Daren (son).

Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival 2010
My Family: Daren, Me, Dave, and Carissa.

Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival 2010
OK, we're supposed to be taking down the startline from the Short and Fat Race - but it looks like Carissa is being taken down instead! Those kids!

Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival 2010
Up she goes! This has been going on for years!

Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival 2010
And over she goes!

Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival 2010
And down she goes! We did a nice job of taking down and packing up the startline, too.

Hot Undies Run Houston Album 1
Our awesome Undies Logo! Doesn't this just make you think of FUN!!!! Thanks Matthew for creating a great logo!

Carissa and our Hot Undies Run Poster 2010
Thanks Carissa for creating a great poster!

Bag Pick-up
So, this is what 400 runner's bags look like? It took a big pick-up truck, an SUV, and a mini sports car to transport these bags to the event. Thanks Miriam, Jordan and Tim. Our bags were donated by Lululemon Athletica.

Carissa working Undies registration
Bring on the runner's!

Benefitting the Children
Hot Undies Run may have been a little wild and crazy idea, but finding a cure for Neurofibromatosis and Schwannomatosis isn't so ordinary, either.

Matt and Carissa working registration
Participants starting to arrive.

Hot Undies Run Boxers
We gave out awesome boxers to all the runner's who pre-registered.

Race Day Registration
Some of our wonderful volunteers!

Hot Undies Race Day Registration
Roxanne. We quickly printed up t-shirts on Friday night, when we realized that we would go over 400 runners. We had 500+ fun-loving runners of all ages come to our event.

Roxanne working same day registration
Filled up another 100 runner bags that morning!

Undies Registration
Roxanne and Phoebe working race day!

Hot Undies Run 2010
Go NFE!

Undies Registration
It was so much fun working registration, because people just kept coming and coming!!!

Raffle Table
Our raffle table volunteers.

BON Running Club was our host
Jordan, Carissa, and Matt

Brian O
Brian O'Neill's Irish Pub was our host and major sponsor. This is a huge covered area to the left of the indoor bar and restaurant. To the left of the covered area is a huge uncovered paved lot.

Hot Undies Run Sponsors
A poster of our sponsors. Our bag drop in the back area, and our raffle table.

Hot Undies Run
Starting to fill.

Hot Undies Run
Getting a little more crowded.

Carissa (left) and Roxanne (right)
Are feeling pretty good right now, because this is turning out great!!!!

Hot Undies Run
Ready to drop their bags.

Hot Undies Run
Bag drop line.

"The Naked Cowboy!"
Ready for the start!

Hot Undies Run
People pouring out onto the sidewalk for the start.

Hot Undies Run
Everyone waiting for the start. They all look so relaxed and cool, who would think it was about a 110 degree heat index, and one of the hottest days all summer!

Brian, who owns Brian O
Brian and Roxanne taking pictures of the start. Brian O'Neill's Traditional Irish Pub is located on Morningside Drive in Rice Village, near downtown Houston and the medical centers.

On your mark, get set, go!!!!
Hot Undies 2-Mile Fun Run takes off from Brian O'Neill's Irish Pub down Morningside Drive. Note: We ran on the sidewalk s, so we didn't have to request to close any roads. Well, as you can see, a few people sneaked out onto the road! Yes,

Hot Undies Run
Okay, his apron was (whew) a little wild! I was a little shocked, but he was dressed.

Hot Undies Run
2010

Hot Undies Run
To my surprise and delight, participants of all ages came out to support our event, and our cause. A cure for NF and Schwannomatosis and the Children's Tumor Foundation!

Hot Undies Run
They smiled and they laughed!

Hot Undies Run
Many wore our boxers! Here you see a few members of the water polo team.

Hot Undies Run
2010

Hot Undies Run
We had many superheroes!

Hot Undies Run
We had many superheroes!

Hot Undies Run
Matt Burstein, who designed the Hot Undies Logo, and Carissa Thomas, my daughter and NF Endurance Teammate.

The Chippendale Guys!!
I loved these guys! I thought they had the coolest team theme. They were such a fun-lovin group.

Hot Undies Run
I loved that older people came out to enjoy our event! This man was so funny! My question is: Where did he get all those undies, and please - not really used - euuuuhhh!

Hot Undies Run
The crowd, 500+ people on a sidewalk slowed many to a walk, but not the heat! Miriam Balderas, Carissa's roommate, is wearing the purple.

Hot Undies Run
Some brought their own way to combat the heat, portable fans.

Hot Undies Run
He was one fun (and big) guy!

Hot Undies Run
These ladies registered with me "day of". They ran a 5K, earlier that morning in another part of Houston, for another c harity fundraiser. After that event, in the 110 degree heat, they came to run some more, and support the Children's Tum

Hot Undies Run
2010

Hot Undies Run
We had many superheroes. Everyone who comes out to runNFor a reason is a superhero!!!

Hot Undies Run
2010

Hot Undies Run
2010

Hot Undies Run
Wearing our boxers!

Hot Undies Run
2010

Running to Rice University
First Hydration Station is Valhalla Pub located in Rice University. Run in Exit 22 and out Exit 20.

Valhalla Pub
Valhalla Pub in Rice Universtiy was set up for a fun stop!

Runners heading into Valhalla Pub
Valhalla Pub was kind of underground. Runners could hydrate with a beer, water, or both, either inside or outside.

Valhalla Pub
Rice University

Valhalla Pub
Relaxing between the long stretches of the 2-mile non-competitive Hot Undies Run!

Valhalla Pub
Don't worry! The puppy is getting some water. Apparently, the dogs in Houston have acclimated to the hot weather, because lots of people brought their dogs.

Valhalla Pub
Ahh, the water polo team has made it to the first hydration stop. Water polo must be excellent exercise, these runners look awfully fit.

Valhalla Pub
Dave Lee (center) enjoying the Hot Undies Run fun! Dave is our race director. He organized and made this event possibl e. Carissa and I would not have been able to do this without Dave, Brian O'Neill's Pub, and many BON Running Club member

Valhalla Pub
My lovely daughter Carissa and her boyfriend Matt!

Hot Undies Run
At Valhalla Pub, and well, what else can I say?

Valhalla Pub
Lot's of runners put their undies on top of their running clothes!

Valhalla Pub
Hello Kitty has grown up to be quite pretty!

Valhalla Pub
Enjoying the fun!

Exited out of Rice University
I love this picture! They all stopped and posed under the Rice University banner. Should they put this in next years brochure??

Houston Fire Department
Our Hot Undies runners caught the attention of some pretty important people. The firetruck, cruising by, stopped and parked. Apparently, firetrucks can park anywhere, even right in the lane =)

The Fire Chief Vehicle
Hot Undies Run 2010

And the Paramedics
The runners will be well cared for if an emergency arises.

The Firemen!
This was so cool! They cheered for our runners!

The Firemen!
Cheering on our runners!

The Fire Chief Vehicle
He's giving me the thumbs-up sign as he rounded the corner, as they returned to their route.

Rice University Police
Even the Rice University Police parked and watched. I was a little worried about that, but we weren't doing anything illegal.

Leaving Rice University
Running to Little Woodrows Pub, the next "hydration station".

Hot Undies Run
On the way to Little Woodrows Pub

Hot Undies Run
On the way to Little Woodrows Pub.

Hot Undies Run
She isn't an old lady, but she did a good job of making herself look old, from a distance.

Hot Undies Run
Ahhh, the man with the used panties sign, I sure hope not!!!

The Intersection
Everyone did a great job of waiting for the WALK sign. I wish you could see the rest of the intersection and the reactions of the people in their cars!!!!

The Intersection
Hot Undies Run

Hot Undies Run
Intimacy Boutique, one of our sponsors would be proud. They do look very pretty.

The Intersection
Hot Undies Run

The Intersection
Hot Undies Run

Running to Little Woodrows Pub
Hot Undies Run

Running to Little Woodrows Pub
Hot Undies Run

The Intersection
These ladies likely could stop some traffic!

The Intersection
Hey, there's Carissa!

Running to Little Woodrows Pub
Looking good, Carissa! Like your choice of colors.

The Intersection
Hot Undies Run 2010

The Intersection
I never knew that Fruit of the Loom came in so many colors!

Next, off to Little Woodrows Pub
Those are orange fishnet stockings!

Next, off to Little Woodrows Pub
I don't think I have to add anything!

Hot Undies Run
Little Woodrows Pub, Morningside Drive, in Rice Village. A couple doors down from Brian O'Neill's Irish Pub.

Little Woodrows Pub
Partying outside the pub.

Little Woodrows Pub
Partying on the deck.

Little Woodrows Pub
Enjoying the second "hydration station."

Little Woodrows Pub
Hot Undies Run

Last leg of the run!
Back to Brian O'Neill's! These guys are running in real long underwear! Keep in mind, there is a 110 degree heat index.

A Very Special Part of the Day!
One of the most touching moments for me was meeting these two young ladies and young man who came out in their own NF jersey and CTF t-shirt to walk the event with our runners. All three have an NF touch in their lives.

A Very Special Part of the Day!
I wish I could share their names. With 500+ people on the move, all too soon, they were on their way down the sidewalk.

Dave Lee and DJ Doctor Brian Reed
Hot Undies Run 2010

Our Raffle Table
We had many nice raffle prizes donated.

Dave Lee, Race Director
Dave was our race director, as well as the founder and president of Brian O'Neill's (BON) Running Club. He's had quite the transformation in attire and hair here!!! He's pumped to give out the awesome raffle prizes!

Brian and Dave
Brian Reed (DJ) and Dave Lee (race director) are simply having a blast with the Hot Undies Run!

Painting Donated by Donna Burstein
This picture was donated by Matt Burstein's mother, who is a professional artist in Florida. Unfortunately, in a photog raph, you cannot see the texture on the canvas. The canvas behind the heart, is a square cut out and recessed back in.

Peera
This is just amazing! Peera was one of our volunteers and he also works in the same research lab as Carissa, at Texas Children's Hospital. Peera wanted this painting so much, and he was very thrilled to be taking it home!!

Art by Donna Burstein
Donna also donated this lovely work of art for our Hot Undies fundraiser. In a photograph, you can't quite appreciate t he beauty of the colors. There was a texture to it, that looked and felt like it was covered, in areas, with a crystal

Winner of this Beautiful Piece of Art
This was so rewarding, because he was so excited to win this painting!! He had pictures taken with it, and even asked me to be in one!

After-Party
Listening to raffles and music. You won't see many pictures of the after-party. There was barely room to move even in that big area! And we were busy talking with participants, thanking the many sponsors, keeping things neat, and revelin

After-Party
Hot Undies Run

Water Polo Team
Giving a great pose, having fun at the after-party!

After-Party
Where did they find all the colors?

After-Party
I loved the Chippendale Team! They were such fun! Here they are enjoying the party.

After-Party
Things are starting to wind down. This group offered to pose for a picture before they head on home.

After-Party
And here it is!!!!

After-Party
Superheroes are off to make the world a better place in other areas!

Album 2 Hot Undies Run 2010
Enjoy more pictures of our fun event!

After-Party
These guys are still wearing the long underwear! And they are still smiling!! It is 110 degree heat index outside!

After-Party Misting Tent
A few party participants are still enjoying the cool mist in the misting tent.

Thank you, Sponsors!
Matt designed these certificates and Carissa and I framed them. We gave these as a thank you to our major sponsors.

NF Endurance Teammates
NF Endurance team members across the U.S. are dedicated to raising funds for research, and the goal of a cure, for the c hildren, for each other, and for a future free from Neurofibromatosis disorders. Carissa is back row, last person on ri

Some of my Minneapolis Minnesota NF Endurance Teammates
We are all teammates. We strive to bring knowledge, compassion, and support to each other. We empower each other by working together towards ending NF, rather than living with NF. Roxanne is front row, last person on right.

Grandma Roxanne and Gillian
I run and raise funds for research for many reasons, but my Gillian is my first reason. I want to see a cure or effecti ve treatment for Neurofibromatosis and Schwannomatosis in my lifetime. I hope and pray that this will be something Gill

Hot Undies Run Houston Texas 2010
They say everything is bigger in Texas, and the hearts in Houston were especially big on the Hot Undies Run event day!

Hot Undies Run Houston Texas 2010
'THANK YOU HOUSTON!!!!!"

2010 Minneapolis Marathon and Half Marathon
Carissa at the start line for the Minneapolis Marathon. We came early so it's pretty quiet.

2010 Minneapolis Marathon and Half Marathon
Roxanne at the start line of the Minneapolis Marathon.

2010 Minneapolis Marathon and Half Marathon
Carissa and Roxanne at the start line of the Minneapolis Marathon. It was so nice to be able to participate in this event together!

2010 Minneapolis Marathon and Half Marathon
Carissa runs the Minneapolis Marathon on June 6, 2010.

2010 Minneapolis Marathon and Half Marathon
Roxanne runs the Minneapolis Half Marathon on June 6, 2010.

2010 Minneapolis Marathon and Half Marathon
These are members of the MN NF Endurance Team who participated in this event.

2010 Minneapolis Marathon and Half Marathon
Roxanne - Wisconsin

2010 Minneapolis Marathon and Half Marathon
Roxanne and Carissa run with the Minnesota Chapter of NF Endurance.

2010 Minneapolis Marathon and Half Marathon
Carissa - Texas

2010 Minneapolis Marathon and Half Marathon
Carissa coming up towards the finish line for the Marathon.

2010 Minneapolis Marathon and Half Marathon
Carissa heading towards the finish line, which is just beyond the brick building in the distance.

2010 Minneapolis Marathon and Half Marathon
Carissa and I finish the Marathon and Half Marathon with great times. Beautiful route, sunshine, we had fun!

2010 Minneapolis Marathon and Half Marathon
Roxanne and Carissa finish the Minneapolis Marathon and Half Marathon and receive some really nice medals for keepsakes. Another race we enjoyed together! With Carissa's schedule in medical school, you must know this is very special for m

Whidbey Island Marathon & Half Marathon 2010
We landed in Seattle, Washington early afternoon on Thursday, April 8, 2010.

My Attempt at the Titanic Pose on Ship
We boarded a shuttle bus in Seattle for a two hour trip to Whidbey Island, which included a ride across on a ferry. There were 50 mph wind gusts and you could only venture out on the deck about two feet or risk getting blown over the railing.

City of Oak Harbor, Whidbey Island, WA
Whidbey Island is the largest island on the continental U.S. We traveled by shuttle, ferry, and shuttle again to the top end of Whidbey Island to Oak Harbor. Whidbey Island is only about 16 miles wide, but it is around 63 miles long.

Our Hosts, the Family We Stayed With
We stayed with Beth, her husband AJ, and their two daughters, Lilly and Izabelle. Beth is Carissa's good friend from high school. Beth is an officer in the Navy and AJ is an officer in the Marines and they are stationed at Whidbey Island Military Base.

Whidbey Island Military Base
Because of Beth and AJ's military connection, we were invited and allowed to run the paths and trails on the military base. We ran among some very dedicated runners. Notice the tree; that's what happens when 35 - 50 mph wind gusts are common, the trees are bent.

Tulips to the Horizon
Tulips to the Horizon, as far as you could see. Just like we plant corn in Wisconsin. They were just beautiful, and you could walk among them for miles.

Red Tulips
Red Tulips, doesn't everyone just love the red ones?

Tulips by the Thousands
I had to have a picture of my favorite pink tulips.

Carissa in the Tulips
Carissa in the Tulips - her favorite are the red ones.

Deception Pass State Park
We visited Deception Pass State Park, and hiked and ran on some of the trails throughout the woods. The ocean water in this area is an absolutely gorgeous color of turquoise. It was windy, about 35 mph wind gusts.

Deception Pass State Park
We were up on that bridge, it was scary in the wind gusts. Isn't the water a beautiful color?

Deception Pass State Park
Along one of the trails, we appreciated the beautiful view. You have probably noticed that everywhere, except the tulip fields, is very hilly.

Deception Pass State Park
You can always depend on Carissa for a fun, crazy picture. What you may not realize, is how far she had to climb down to pose on that rock. Course, I was there to "eggg" her on!

Carissa
Carissa's feet are prepared to run the marathon!

Carissa and Beth Start the Marathon
Carissa and Beth prepare for the marathon. The day dawned beautiful, a bit cold, but where did the wind go? The ocean water was like glass that morning and it warmed up nicely throughout the event.

Beth Running the Whidbey Island Marathon
Carissa takes a shot to catch Beth running! Aren't these new cameras that stabilize shots on the run neat?

Roxanne Running the Whidbey Island Half Marathon
Isn't this great? A very nice fellow runner offered to take a picture of me running my half marathon. Notice the water, it is like glass. The day before, it had white caps crashing into shore. I would end up earning myself a PR with this half marathon at 2:05!

Carissa Running the Whidbey Island Marathon
Beth takes a shot to catch Carissa running. We'll find out at the end of the race, that despite all our picture taking, trading cameras back and forth, and goofing around, we all had great finishing times.

Carissa Finishes the Whidbey Island Marathon
Carissa finishes with all smiles. When Carissa tried to look up the elevation map for the marathon, there wasn't one. There was a message: "This is an island between two mountain ranges, what do you expect to run on?" Of course, it was ALL HILLS!! Go Carissa, who came in at 4:01 on all those hills, and she lives in Houston, where it is FLAT!

Carissa Finishes the Whidbey Island Marathon
Carissa finishes in 4:01, having fun all the way!

Beth and Lilly Finish the Whidbey Island Marathon
Lilly ran out to finish the marathon with her mommy! 26.2 miles and Beth is still smiling. This picture is what it is all about, run happy, and share it with everyone. "One foot, next foot, each step, every mile, we can do it together."

NF Whidbey Island Running Team
NF Whidbey Island Running Team from left to right: Roxanne (Half) from Hayward, WI, Carissa (Marathon) from Houston, TX, AJ (Half) from Whidbey Island, WA, holding Lilly, and Beth (Marathon) from Whidbey Island, WA.

After the Race Picnic
Our relax and rehash the event picnic. That's little Izzy next to her mommy, Beth.

Three of Us + 1 In Front of the Windmill
From left to right: Baby Izzy, Beth, Roxanne, and Carissa.

Time to Go Home
Our much anticipated trip and event came to an end, and home we go.

Gillian and I RuNFor a Reason Pic 1
Gillian and I RuNFor a Reason 2.jpg 2010-04-07

Gillian and I RuNFor a Reason Pic 2
DSC_0074 RuNForAReason.jpg 2010-04-07

Get In Gear NF Team 2010
Our MN Chapter NF Endurance Team for 2010. Taken at the Get In Gear event on April 24, 2010

Get In Gear NF Team 2010
I'm (Roxanne) the second from the left in the second row. April 24, 2010. It was really raining for this race. I have never been so wet, except for swimming!

Minneman Triathlon NF Endurance Team.jpg
On July 3rd, many of our MN NF Endurance Team members were volunteers at the Minneman Triathlon in Oak Grove. We helped with a variety of jobs and earned a wonderful $3400.00 donation for the Children's Tumor Foundation, for our help and t

Minneman Triathlon
We had our information booth set up so participants of the Tri could learn more about the NF Endurance Teams.

Minneman Triathlon
Jeremy Sartain was our connection to the Minneman, and also the race director. Murry, our team captain, gave a short talk about NF and the NF Endurance team during the awards ceremony.

Minneman Triathlon
This was my job - the transition area. I didn't catch a picture when it was in use, but here is where the participants put their bikes, swimming, and running gear. Everything is laid out with quite a plan, and here is where they come and

Minneman Triathlon Awards Ceremony
Another view of our information tent.

Firecracker 10K Excelsior, MN on July 4th
Wow! Where did this Firecracker race come up with all the non-stop hills! Thought I was back in Hayward! Really pretty along Lake Minnetonka and the neighborhoods. Started with rain and humidity, but turned to sunshine. After working ha

Firecracker 10K Excelsior, MN.jpg
Doesn't this look like an awesome way to start out the 4th of July? Challenging early morning run, beautiful scenery an d warm sunshine, talked with several people about NF and the NFE teams, and then went to spend the rest of the day with

Conoco Phillips Rodeo Run
The Rodeo Run leads the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Parade from downtown Houston to the Reliant Energy Dome.

Carissa and Matt
Getting ready to run the 10K with the bulls!

Conoco Phillips Rodeo Run
Music, Hoopla Teams and Spectators all along the route.

Carissa 47:38 10K
Carissa was the 82nd female and 20 in her age group. She ran a 7:38 mile.

Carissa
Must be why she can run so fast - it's the inspiration.

Jack Frost Snowshoe Jaunt 4k
January 2010. Ready for the Jack Frost Snowshoe Jaunt. I won a pair of nice snowshoes at this event! Now, I will have an extra pair to use when my family is home.

Twin Cities Snowshoe Shuffle 10K
February 2010. It's a beautiful day for a 10K snowshoe race at Long Lake Regional Park. The trail was varied with tight single track; wider groomed lengths, lot's of up and down hills, and the "dreaded" snow pit! A snow pit (my term) is a distance where the snow is very deep, soft, loose and very slow to move on. You just sink and fall all over!

Twin Cities Snowshoe Shuffle 10K
January 2010. Second Place Award. My official time was 1:32 and my actual time was 1:21. Why did I have two times? Well, I read my sheet over too-o-o many times and I did not set the start time correctly in my head. As a result, I was 10 minutes late on the clock to start!!!!!!!!!

Twin Cities Snowshoe Shuffle 10K
Amazingly, I was 5th in the pack of 10 women running 10K and Second in my age division. I could have been 3rd or 4th and 1rst in my division. What is most amazing, after this disastrous start, is my time qualified me for the USSSA (United States Snowshoe Association) National Championships in Syracues, New York in March 2010. I won't be able to go , but it is pretty cool to qualify, and it was a crazy, but fun event!

Team Ortho Monster Dash 5K
Halloween 2009 I ran the Monster Dash in my full length witch costume! I wore my NF singlet in the race. Running in a full length witch costume was "ok" for a 5K, but I might plan to wear a more compact costume for a longer distance. Gillian and I shared Halloween between the Monster Dash, pumpkin carving and we went 'Trick or Treating' in our costumes!

Team Ortho Monster Dash 5k
Halloween 2009 Grandma Roxanne and Gillian

Team Ortho Monster Dash 5K
Halloween 2009 Was there ever a cuter flower plant?

Team Ortho Monster Dash 5K
Halloween 2009 Wearing Grandma's Witch Hat.

Detroit Free Press Marathon
October 2009 Carissa Ready to Go! "This was the most beautiful and interesting course I've ever run!" The park north of Detroit; running over the bridge to Canada; running in Canada, and the tunnel back from Canada made this a great event!

Detroit Free Press Marathon
Carissa October 2009

Detroit Free Press Marathon
Carissa October 2009

Detroit Free Press Marathon
October 2009 Carissa finishes the marathon!

Detroit Free Press Marathon
October 2009 Carissa and Heidi

TC Marathon & 10 Mile Cheer Team
October 2009 Many of our NF Endurance Team members were not selected in the TC 10 Mile Lottery. Instead, we cheered on our NF Teammates who ran the marathon. We also cheered for everyone else who ran by our Children's Tumor Foundation Cheer Zone Mile 23.

TC Marathon & 10 Mile Cheer Team
October 2009 Okay Team, here goes up the word "R-U-N".

TC Marathon & 10 Mile Cheer Team
October 2009

TC Marathon & 10 Mile Cheer Team
October 2009 Cheering on runners at Mile 23 is hard work!

TC Marathon & 10 Mile Cheer Team
October 2009 Victoria Bear joins our team to cheer.

TC Marathon & 10 Mile Cheer Team
October 2009

TC Marathon & 10 Mile Cheer Team
October 2009 Sometimes we were even scary in our enthusiasm!

TC Marathon & 10 Mile Cheer Team
October 2009 My grandaughter just loved my bear!

TC Marathon & 10 Mile Cheer Team
October 2009 Don't worry, she doesn't bite!

TC Marathon & 10 Mile Cheer Team
October 2009 Ahhh, a bear kiss!

TC Marathon & 10 Mile Cheer Team
October 2009 I've got a good grip on her now!

TC Marathon & 10 Mile Cheer Team
October 2009 Aren't they adorable?

Roxanne Rochester Half Marathon
August 2009

Roxanne Rochester Half Marathon
August 2009

Roxanne Rochester Half Marathon
August 2009 It was a very special run for me to be in, because we ran past the Mayo Clinic 8th floor and St. Mary's Hospital, 9th floor, and I waved up to them. Last summer, I was looking down.

Celebration of Children 5k
June 2009 The Valley Fair Pep Band from Shakopee, MN played for this event. They really added to the fun, especially as it was raining on us.=(

Celebration of Children 5K
June 2009. Wow! I placed in my age group. That was a surprise!

Roxanne & Carissa Minneapolis Half Marathon
May 2009 This was our first event together as we combined our efforts into one "team of two" to run and to raise funds, for the Children's Tumor Foundation.

Roxanne & Carissa Minneapolis Half Marathon
May 2009 We Make a Great Team!

Roxanne Minneapolis Half Marathon
May 2009 In the background you can see the brand new I-35 bridge, replacing the bridge that tragically collapsed.

Carissa Minneapolis Half Marathon
May 2009 In the background you can see the brand new I-35 bridge, replacing the bridge that tragically collapsed.

Carissa Minneapolis Half Marathon
May 2009

Roxanne Minneapolis Half Marathon
May 2009

2009 NF Endurance Team Members
April 2009 These are some of our team members at the Get In Gear Event.

Where It All Began
This is where my journey began and the reasons that motivated me to join an NF Endurance Team and run to raise money for the Children's Tumor Foundation. You can help, too. Come RUN with us, or donate to the people who run for you. Together we CAN Make a Difference!

Where It All Began
This is where my journey began and the reasons that motivated me to join an NF Endurance Team and run to raise money for the Children's Tumor Foundation. You can help, too. Come RUN with us, or donate to the people who run for you. Together we CAN Make a Difference!

Where It All Began
This is where my journey began and the reasons that motivated me to join an NF Endurance Team and run to raise money for the Children's Tumor Foundation. You can help, too. Come RUN with us, or donate to the people who run for you. Together we CAN Make a Difference!

Where It All Began
Many gifted surgeons at the Mayo Clinic and St. Mary's made it possible for me to walk out their door and run again. The Lord must have had a plan in mind for me that included running. Carissa and I have received donations from so-o many wonderful supporters and we raised more money than we ever thought possible. Please support us again, as we run into our second year. Thank you so much!

2010 Thomas Family Christmas Picture
2010 Thomas Family Christmas Picture. Dave, Daren, Cheri, Matt, Carissa, Roxanne, and Gillian.

We are Team Thomas
Mother, Daughter, and Granddaughter.

Daren, Cheri and Gillian
She thinks her parents are being silly!

My Granddaughter
Gillian

Carissa and Matt
and their dog Xia. Not pictured, we have dogs Kite and Akroma, cats Calvin, Hobbs, Sargeant David Bowie, and Lilly!

Children's Tumor Foundation and the NF Endurance Team
The Children's Tumor Foundation provides funding for research for the Neurofibromatosis disorders: NF 1, NF 2, and Schwannomatosis. They provide support in many ways to those affected by NF. The NF Endurance Team is a fund raising arm of the Children's Tumor Foundation. We have members that run in events all across the United States. We raise money through donations for our "Runs" to fund research for a cure for Neurofibromatosis. Currently there is no cure.