Run the NYC Half-Marathon with The Fresh Air Fund! March 20th

On March 20th, the Fresh Air Fund-Racers will take to the streets at the NYC Half-Marathon! Thank you to the Fresh Air Fund-Racers and their supporters for participating in this world class event. You are making a huge difference in the lives of thousands of Fresh Air children!

One of my favorite charities is the Fresh Air Fund that makes it possible for boys and girls, six to 12 years old, who reside in low-income communities in New York City to enjoy the experience of spending two weeks of life outside the city each summer. Not only is the New York City Half-Marathon a major fundraiser for the Fresh Air Fund, it is also a very popular event that is sold-out every year.

The Fresh Air Fund-Racers NYC Half-Marathon Team
From the Fresh Air Marathon News Site
Ready to be a part of one of the world's best road races? Join The Fresh Air Fund-Racers on March 20th, 2011! The amazing 13.1-mile course takes you through beautiful Central Park, action-packed Times Square and ends with breathtaking finish-line views of the New York City harbor. More than 11,000 runners, of all ages and abilities, finished the NYC Half-Marathon last year, and we are so proud of our very own 2010 Fresh Air Fund-Racers who ran and raised $100,000 for us!

We are calling all runners and Fresh Air Fund supporters to come out and either challenge themselves to run the race or join our cheering squad. The Fresh Air Fund provides runners with guaranteed entry in exchange for fundraising before race day. Entries are limited - please get in touch soon! Please email kbrinkerhoff@freshair.org or call (212) 897-8890. Or click here to learn more about how to fundraise for the race!

Over the past four years as a NY Road Runners charity partner for the NYC Half-Marathon, our 335 Fund-Racers have raised close to $400,000 for The Fresh Air Fund!

The Fresh Air Fund is also looking for host families for this summer as announced by Sara Wilson in the following message:

Hi Merv,

The Fresh Air Fund is looking for runners and sponsors to join our Fresh Air Fund-Racers team for the NYC Half-Marathon this coming March 20th and I was hoping you might be able to post something about it on Merv Sheppard’s Transplant Network to share with your readers. This is a great way to participate in NYC's premier road race while helping Fresh Air Fund children. Please feel free to repost anything from our news site here:

http://freshairmarathon.com

We are also in need of host families for this Summer. Host families are volunteers who open their hearts and home to a child from the city to give them a fresh air experience they never forget. Please let me know if you are able to post or tweet and if you could send me the link that would be wonderful. Together we can help make sure these children have everything they need!

Thank you so much,

Sara
--
Sara Wilson,
The Fresh Air Fund
sara@freshair.org
www.freshair.org

“You Have the Power to Save Lives – Register to be an organ and tissue donor & Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”

Register to be a donor in Ontario at Trillium Gift of Life Network NEW for Ontario: recycleMe.org - Learn The Ins & Outs Of Organ And Tissue Donation. Register Today!
For other Canadian provinces click here

In the United States, be sure to find out how to register in your state at ShareYourLife.org or Download Donor Cards from OrganDonor.Gov

In Great Britain, register at NHS Organ Donor Register

In Australia, register at Australian Organ Donor Register

Your generosity can save or enhance the lives of up to fifty people with heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas and small intestine transplants (see allotransplantation). One tissue donor can help by donating skin, corneas, bone, tendon, ligaments and heart valves

Has your life been saved by an organ transplant? "Pay it forward" and help spread the word about the need for organ donation - In the U.S. another person is added to the national transplant waiting list every 11 minutes and 18 people die each day waiting for an organ or tissue transplant. Organs can save lives, corneas renew vision, and tissue may help to restore someone's ability to walk, run or move freely without pain. Life Begins with You

Run the NYC Half-Marathon with The Fresh Air Fund!

On March 21st, the Fresh Air Fund-Racers will take to the streets at the NYC Half-Marathon! Thank you to the Fresh Air Fund-Racers and their supporters for participating in this world class event. You are making a huge difference in the lives of thousands of Fresh Air children!

One of my favorite charities is the Fresh Air Fund that makes it possible for boys and girls, six to 12 years old, who reside in low-income communities in New York City to enjoy the experience of spending two weeks of life outside the city each summer. Not only is the New York City Half-Marathon a major fundraiser for the Fresh Air Fund, it is also a very popular event that is sold-out every year.

Participants in this year's event were chosen by lottery and the winners were announced Wednesday. But as Sara Wilson, Outreach Coordinator for the Fresh Air Fund notes in her memo, there is still a chance for those who missed out on the lottery. Also, some runners may be eligible for a guaranteed entry into the NYC Half-Marathon based on time standards, charity programs and other criteria. Click here for info.

"Hi Merv

Happy 2010! Hope all is well.

I have updated information on the NYC 1/2 Marathon. The NYC lottery closed last night and winners were announced today. The FAF team still has spots available and think interested runners will start researching teams to join if they didn't win a coveted lottery spot. We would be appreciated if you could mention this in an upcoming post or tweet if there is an interest.

Readers can sign up/research further at the Registration Page.

Please let me know if there is any interest.

Cheers!
Sara"

“You Have the Power to Save Lives – Register to be an organ and tissue donor & Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”

Register to be a donor in Ontario or Download Donor Cards from Trillium Gift of Life Network. NEW for Ontario: recycleMe.org - Learn The Ins & Outs Of Organ And Tissue Donation. Register Today! For other Canadian provinces click here

In the United States, be sure to find out how to register in your state at ShareYourLife.org or Download Donor Cards from OrganDonor.Gov

In Great Britain, register at NHS Organ Donor Register

In Australia, register at Australian Organ Donor Register

Your generosity can save up to eight lives with heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas and small intestine transplants. One tissue donor can help up to 100 other people by donating skin, corneas, bone, tendon, ligaments and heart valves

Has your life been saved by an organ transplant? "Pay it forward" and help spread the word about the need for organ donation - In the U.S. another person is added to the national transplant waiting list every 11 minutes and 18 people die each day waiting for an organ or tissue transplant.

Run the NYC Half-Marathon with The Fresh Air Fund! March 21st

On March 21st, the Fresh Air Fund-Racers will take to the streets at the NYC Half-Marathon! Thank you to the Fresh Air Fund-Racers and their supporters for participating in this world class event. You are making a huge difference in the lives of thousands of Fresh Air children!

One of my favorite charities is the Fresh Air Fund that makes it possible for boys and girls, six to 12 years old, who reside in low-income communities in New York City enjoy the experience of spending two weeks of life outside the city each summer.

(The half-marathon is a major fundraiser but the Fresh Air Fund relies on donations this time of year to keep programs strong for the summer months)

This year's campaign has been a huge success according to the following I just received from Sara Wilson, Outreach Coordinator for the Fresh Air Fund and it warms my heart to see that so many children were able to get away from their tough neighborhoods to enjoy the pleasures of the country.

Hi Merv

I hope you're doing well this holiday season. The Fresh Air Fund is looking for runners and sponsors to join our Fresh Air Fund-Racers team for the NYC Half-Marathon this coming March 21st and I was hoping you might be able to post something about it on Merv Sheppard’s Transplant Network to share with your readers. This is a great way to participate in NYC's premier summer road race while helping Fresh Air Fund children.

Over the last year, support from friends like you helped us give nearly 10,000 inner-city children country experiences that they're still talking about! We rely on donations this time of year to keep our programs strong for the summer months, and helping children is a cause that I'm sure your readers would be interested in. Please feel free to repost anything from our news site here:

http://freshairholiday.org

Note: from the above link you can register for the NYC half-marathon, make a donation or get more information. Merv.

Please let me know if you are able to post or tweet and if you could send me the link that would be wonderful. Together we can help make sure these children have everything they need!

Thank you so much and have a happy holiday,

Sara
--
Sara Wilson,
The Fresh Air Fund
sara@freshair.org
http://www.freshair.org

*********

The story of Brandon Mendoza and the McKnight family

Brandon Mendoza was just a young child when he first visited the McKnight family in Cape Cod, Massachusetts through The Fresh Air Fund's Friendly Town program. Little did anyone know that the relationship formed that first summer would blossom into a lifelong friendship. To this day, the McKnights remain a constant source of support and love for Brandon and feel that he is now just another member of the family.

Check out Brandon's story below!

Nearly 8,000 NYC children enjoyed summer in the country

Click image to Donate to The Fresh Air Fund and change a child's life forever

All year long I've been promoting the Fresh Air Fund to help boys and girls, six to 12 years old, who reside in low-income communities in New York City, to enjoy the experience of spending two weeks of life outside the city this summer. This year's campaign has been a huge success according to the following I just received from Sara Wilson, Outreach Coordinator for the Fresh Air Fund and it warms my heart to see that so many children were able to get away from their tough neighborhoods to enjoy the pleasures of the country.

Hi Merv

I wanted to thank you for all of your help this past year spreading the word about The Fresh Air Fund. We had nearly 8,000 children enjoying their best summers yet. All of the wonderful folks who blogged, posted banners, tweeted, and joined our Facebook Page and Cause have just been amazing. We put together a video montage of images from the summer and some other fun stuff here to thank you:

http://freshairfund-news.com

If you'd like to share this wonderful news with your readers or followers that would be fantastic. If you haven't become a fan or our Facebook Page, please do - http://facebook.com/freshairfund and our twitter handle is @freshairfund.

Again, thank you so very much

Sara

Visit the Fresh Air Fund home for information on making a donation, becoming a guest host or volunteer and participating in the 2010 NYC half-marathon which raised $80,000 for the children in the 2009 event.

***********

“You Have the Power to Save Lives – Sign Your Donor Card & Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”

Register to be a donor in Ontario or Download Donor Cards from Trillium Gift of Life Network. NEW for Ontario: recycleMe.org - Learn The Ins & Outs Of Organ And Tissue Donation. Register Today! For other Canadian provinces click here

In the United States, be sure to find out how to register in your state at ShareYourLife.org or Download Donor Cards from OrganDonor.Gov

In Great Britain, register at NHS Organ Donor Register

In Australia, register at Australian Organ Donor Register

Your generosity can save up to eight lives with heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas and small intestine transplants. One tissue donor can help up to 100 other people by donating skin, corneas, bone, tendon, ligaments and heart valves

Has your life been saved by an organ transplant? "Pay it forward" and help spread the word about the need for organ donation - In the U.S. another person is added to the national transplant waiting list every 11 minutes and 18 people die each day waiting for an organ transplant.

Help inner-city children enjoy summer in the country

I received a special request from Sara Wilson of The Fresh Air Fund in New York City asking me to help by promoting it on my blog, which I'm very pleased to do.

Sara notes that "The Fresh Air Fund is looking for runners and sponsors to join our Fresh Air Fund-Racers team for the NYC Half-Marathon on August 16th. Last summer's NYC Half-Marathon was a huge success and the Fresh Air Fund-Racers raised more than $125,000. We are also still in need of Friendly Town hosts for next month. Host families open their hearts and home to a NYC child who would not otherwise have the opportunity to escape the hot, crowded city streets."

In our transplant community we often talk about the "Gift of Life" that transforms us and presents us with a lifetime of opportunities. To my way of thinking, that 'transformation' can also take place when children are given the "Gift of Fun" that has the potential to open the door to a lifetime of opportunities for them.

How to help Fresh Air Fund children have some fun this summer

• Run in this year's New York City Half-Marathon August 16th (Maybe you would have liked to have gone to Australia for the World Transplant Games this year but couldn't due to financial and time constraints - Here's a chance to take part in something worthwhile closer to home.)


• Host a Child - thanks to host families who open up their homes for a few weeks each summer, children growing up in New York City’s toughest neighborhoods have experienced the joys of Fresh Air experiences.


• Donate to The Fresh Air Fund - Every year, The Fresh Air Fund gives thousands of inner-city children the priceless gift of fun – and opens the door to a lifetime of opportunities.

Any help you can give to make it possible for a child to escape the hot, crowded city streets this summer will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Merv.

“You Have the Power to Save Lives – Sign Your Donor Card & Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”

Register to be a donor in Ontario or Download Donor Cards from Trillium Gift of Life Network. NEW for Ontario: recycleMe.org - Learn The Ins & Outs Of Organ And Tissue Donation. Register Today! For other Canadian provinces click here

In the United States, be sure to find out how to register in your state at ShareYourLife.org or Download Donor Cards from OrganDonor.Gov

In Great Britain, register at NHS Organ Donor Register

In Australia, register at Australian Organ Donor Register

Your generosity can save up to eight lives with heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas and small intestine transplants. One tissue donor can help up to 100 other people by donating skin, corneas, bone, tendon, ligaments and heart valves

Has your life been saved by an organ transplant? "Pay it forward" and help spread the word about the need for organ donation