If you think a brain tumor is something that happens to someone else’s child, think again. In October 2008, a six-year-old boy from our community was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a brain tumor. While it was a shocking diagnosis for his family and friends, each year over 3,000 children in the US are diagnosed with some form of a brain tumor.
Approximately 10% are in the tri-state area. Unfortunately, this child was not the only child diagnosed with a brain tumor in our area over the past few years.
Currently, pediatric brain tumor research is under-funded and the general public remains unaware of the magnitude of the disease. Less than 3% of the National Institute of Health’s budget is targeted at childhood cancer research and a minuscule fraction of these funds is budgeted towards research for pediatric brain tumors. Brain tumors can strike anyone; they do not discriminate based on gender, ethnicity or socio-economic boundaries.
While historically the picture for children battling brain tumors has been bleak, there is good news on the horizon. Research identifying a mutation in certain tumor tissue promises to afford new answers as to how and why pediatric brain tumors occur. We can’t ignore the real need for a treatment/cure breakthrough or the possibility that such a breakthrough can be a reality. Now is the time for us to take action.
Hopefully by now you are asking, “How can I help?”
You can support pediatric brain tumor research while enjoying a day with your family and friends at the 3rd Annual Think Fit For Kids Family Fitness and Fun Festival to Benefit a Kids’ Brain Tumor Cure on Sunday, March 3rd from 2-5 pm at Club Fit in Briarcliff Manor, NY.
Special Guest Appearances: Justin Tuck (NY Giants current defensive captain and two-time Super Bowl champion), John Wallace (Former NY knick, 1st round draft pick, 1996). Edgardo Alfonzo (Former NY Met1995-2001, All Star in 2000), Mr. Met (Official Mascot, NY Mets) and the NY Knicks Street Team.
Please join us for a Giant Family zumba class, basketball drills and games or use Club Fit’s state-of-the art fitness facility. There will also be a “Mommy & Me” class. We will conclude the afternoon with our Fun Festival in the gym featuring food, fun and music and maybe even some surprise guests!! Our event is sponsored by many of your favorite local restaurants and merchants*.
Everyone can participate, regardless of age or fitness level.
If you joined us in the past, you witnessed the power of our community joining together to raise funds and awareness for this orphan disease. If you have been unable to attend in the past, please view our short slide show below which really captures the magic of the day. Magic of Think Fit 2012
In the past two years, Think Fit For Kids has raised over $300,000 and has already funded a ground breaking research project at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Unfortunately, this just scratches the surface in terms of research. It is our goal to make this year our most successful fundraiser to date and help these children fight for their dreams, not for their lives!
Join Us and You Can Make a Difference!
For more information, go to www.thinkfitforkids.org and REGISTER/DONATE TODAY!
Email questions to: Contact@thinkfitforkids.org
*Sponsors include (but are not limited to): Club Fit, World Cup Gymnastics, Quaker Hill Tavern, Ben & Jerry’s of Mt. Kisco, ESP Entertainment, Dweck Design, Villarina’s Deli, A&S Fine Foods, Susan Lawrence Gourmet, Rocky’s Deli, Chappaqua Village Market, Gail Patrick’s Cafe, Steve Krongard & Jodi Buren Photography, Mt. Kisco Farm, Balloons by Brian, Lucio’s Pizzeria.
