Team Rades

Representing Team Rades is Kiersten’s step-mom and team captain, Alyssa Rades.

How many years have you participated in Time to Fly?

2012 marks the fifth year of participating in Time to Fly

Who are you participating in honor of?

We created our team in honor of our daughter Kiersten. 

Kiersten was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma in August, 2003 when she was 8 years old.  At the time of diagnosis, the aggressive tumor was doubling in size every 48 hours and had reached the size of eight grapefruits.  After ten months of chemotherapy and hospital visits, she was considered cancer free in May, 2004.  Then, during a routine check-up in July of that year, she was diagnosed with secondary Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML).  The doctors expected that this cancer was a result of the treatments used to kill the Burkitt’s earlier that year and was given a 10 percent chance of survival with this new cancer. 

She was admitted again at Children’s Hospital to receive chemotherapy treatments then moved to the U of M Amplatz Children’s Hospital for total body radiation and a bone marrow transplant.  She received her bone marrow transplant on October 21, 2005. After one more month in the hospital, she was discharged in late November and has been considered cancer-free ever since.  Kiersten is now 16 years old has been in remission for almost seven years!

In a testament to the love and support we received from our family and friends, Kiersten never once spent a day alone in the hospital.  From the numerous visitors, cards and care packages, to the team of people that cleaned our house top to bottom in preparation for Kiersten’s return home after her bone marrow transplant, we have been truly blessed to be surrounded by so many people who love us.

What words or experiences during your cancer journey have/had the biggest impact on you?

Kiersten’s dad often thinks back to a time when the three of us were playing games in her hospital room during her second cancer.  Watching her laugh and have fun when we knew she was tired and very sick helped us to see the capacity of the human spirit.  It is amazing how much we can endure yet still maintain a positive attitude.  Our family grew in strength during the two years that Kiersten was sick.  When times were tough, we all pitched in and got through with a smile on our face.  Even when there were tears, both from her dad and I and from Kiersten herself, we knew we could count on each other for support.  I sometimes look back now on all the needle pokes, surgeries and chemo sessions when I am facing a difficult time in my life and think “If Kiersten could go through cancer with a smile, I can get through this!”.

What are your participation and fundraising goals?

Our team has been growing consistently throughout the years we have participated. We started with our immediate family and have expanded to include friends and coworkers.  Every year we raise our fundraising goal to reflect the growing team. 

We started a new fundraising incentive last year where the team member that raises the most money wins an iPod Shuffle in a color to match our team shirt. 

What is your favorite Time to Fly memory?

My favorite race memory is from 2010, the first year that our daughter Kiersten ran in the 5K run.  She had trained with us all spring and was able to run the entire distance.  The feeling in my heart when I saw her coming over the hill and into the finishing lane was indescribable.  Just a few years earlier she was given a 10 percent chance of surviving…to see her cross that finish line brought tears to my eyes.

What is your team slogan? Or if you don’t have one, what would be your team slogan?

Our unofficial team slogan celebrates the number of years that Kiersten has been in remission, this year it will read “Seven years and running strong!”.

What is your family’s favorite summer activity?

Our family enjoys being outside, especially fishing on the river. 

Why should others be part of Time to Fly and support Children’s Cancer Research Fund?

Being a part of the Time to Fly race gives us an opportunity to celebrate and spend time with our friends and family.  But most of all it is a great day to remind us all how precious life is and reinforce the bonds that drew us all together when Kiersten was sick. 

If you could FLY your team anywhere in the world, where would you visit and why?

When I asked Kiersten and her dad separately what their answer to this question would be, they both said Australia.  They said that it sounds like a sunny place to be and that they would like to see the coral reefs and kangaroos.

Unit 5 Frolicking Frogs

Representing the team is team captain Briana Johnson, R.N. at University of Minnesota Amplatz Children’s Hospital.

The frog is the mascot on the 5th floor at U of M Amplatz Hospital

How many years have you participated in Time to Fly?

2012 marks the third year of participating in Time to Fly. Several of our team members have been involved for much longer but we have created teams on and off for the last few years.
Who are you participating in honor of?

We are participating in honor of our patients at University of MN Amplatz Children’s Hospital - both present and past patients that have had pediatric cancer and touched us as nurses and or any other members of our health care team.

What is your experience with childhood cancer?

We work with children with pediatric cancer at U of M Amplatz Children’s Hospital. We directly work with children and their families and often see the impact that cancer can have on both the child and family, including siblings and extended family. The children we work with have taught us life lessons that we could never learn elsewhere.

What are your team participation and fundraising goals?

We are working on getting most of our unit involved, including multi-disciplinary team members.

What is your favorite Time to Fly memory?

It’s great to be able to get together with co-workers outside of work while still being able to support our passion as well as boost morale for when we are working together.

What is your team slogan? Or if you don’t have one, what would be your team slogan?

One of the best quotes I read recently was “People cry, not because they are weak, but because they have been strong for too long.” We are blessed with being able to work with these kids, who often show more strength and determination than we ever could. 

What is your team’s favorite summer activity?

We can’t always be together with summer activities, but have had huge success putting together fun summer events like attending a Saint’s game, or having a picnic at someone’s house.

Why should others be part of Time to Fly and support Children’s Cancer Research Fund?

Being on the medical professional side of things, we really encourage our family and friends to participate with us to help bring awareness to Children’s Cancer Research Fund, and research funding in general for pediatric cancers. At Time to Fly we are able to do that in a fun, active atmosphere.

If you could FLY your team anywhere in the world, where would you visit and why?

It seems like someone is always able to find a new conference or educational activity to attend but many of our staff have consistently attended the national APHON (Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses) conference with all positive things to say about it. This year the conference will be held in Pittsburgh.

To support or learn more about Unit 5 Frolicking Frogs, visit their team page.

Team James

Representing Team James is team captain & James’s mom, Kelly Stalvig.

How many years has your team participated in Time to Fly?

2012 marks the 3rd year of participating in Time to Fly

Who are you participating in honor of? 

We run and walk in honor of our son, James Stalvig- a two-year retinoblastoma survivor!  At nearly 2-years old, James was diagnosed with retinoblastoma - a very rare form of eye cancer.  He had a large tumor growing in his left eye.  James was treated at the best hospital - University of Minnesota Amplatz Children’s Hospital by the BEST team of doctors you could ever hope for when your child is diagnosed with cancer.  Dr. Neglia and Dr. Anderson are so incredible at what they do.  We are so blessed to be under their care.  We are also so thankful that it is in our backyard- just minutes away!  We also run and walk for ALL the children on the Eye Love Retinoblastoma Survivors team! 

What words or experiences during your cancer journey have/had the biggest impact on you?

When they told us James was CANCER FREE. I will never get sick of hearing those two words.

What are your team participation and fundraising goals? 

We form a big team which allows us the opportunity to raise a lot of money for Children’s Cancer Research Fund.  We have participated in car washes to raise money. We make and sell bracelets that are green (color of James’s birthstone) that say Team James and we sell our team t-shirts to help raise funds toward our team goal of $5,000.

What is your favorite Time to Fly memory?

One of our many favorite memories from Time to Fly is walking together with all of our family, friends, and supporters.  I took a mental snapshot of the very first Team James photo we took on the lawn at Harriet Island. That team photo has only continued to grow over the last two years- which makes for an incredible feeling because it shows that we will not allow cancer to stand a chance in the future! We will NEVER LOSE HOPE in fighting for a cure against childhood cancer. Another favorite was watching James run across the finish line- he beat the race and BEAT cancer! (insert very proud Mom moment!)

What is your team slogan?

We don’t have a team slogan that is set in stone… but if we did it would be “Never Lose Hope.”  We have learned that you need hope when faced with cancer.  You can’t ever let yourself lose it.  You must always keep that HOPE alive. 

What is your family’s favorite summer activity?

Playing outside!  Playing baseball, James loves putting miles on his little tykes truck, going on boat rides, swimming, summer BBQ’s on the deck and participating in Time to Fly! 

Why should others be part of Time to Fly and support Children’s Cancer Research Fund? 

Time to Fly is like no other event.  The HOPE and LOVE you feel during it is incredible.  Every step taken is a step closer to finding a cure for this horrible disease.  Being part of it helps increase awareness and provides funding for research.  Research that is SO critical. 

Research provides answers, and that is what families need when their child is diagnosed with cancer.  Research provides hope for the future.  Every penny and every dollar raised for Children’s Cancer Research Fund is so important because it provides a child the opportunity to live a life to the FULLEST! 

Team James passionately supports Children’s Cancer Research Fund because it has given James a new path to follow that allows him to be an ordinary kid. We wouldn’t be where we are today if it wasn’t for medical research.  Team James and Eye Love Retinoblastoma Survivors are so honored to help in fighting for a cure so that one day we will live in a world that is cancer-free. 

If you could FLY your team anywhere in the world, where would you visit and why? 

If I could fly our team anywhere in the world it would be to the place full of magic and imagination - Disneyworld!  The smiles, the oohh’s and ahh’s, the light in a child’s eyes from seeing Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck for the first time is something that can’t ever be paid for, ever taken away, or forgotten.   

To support or learn more about Team James, visit their team page.

Enberg’s Eradicators

Representing Enberg’s Eradicators is team captain and childhood cancer survivor, Danielle Enberg.

How many years have you participated in Time to Fly?

2012 marks the 2nd year of participating in Time to Fly

Who are you participating in honor of?

We are walking in honor of my own cancer battle with Stage 5 Wilm’s Tumor.  I had my kidney transplant and dialysis at the University of Minnesota. 

What words or experiences during your cancer journey have/had the biggest impact on you?

When I was diagnosed I was given a less than a 3 percent chance of survival.  But after I won my battle and received my kidney transplant, my doctor looked at me, and then looked at my parents and said “God has bigger plans for that child, that’s why she is still here.”  I take those words to heart everyday by being a childhood cancer advocate, and in my journey towards running for Miss Minnesota International 2012.

What are your team participation and fundraising goals?

I have a team goal of $1,000.  I plan on reaching this by possibly having a bake sale at my college and having a garage sale at my home.

What is your favorite Time to Fly memory?

My favorite memory of Time to Fly from last year was the weather report.  It said it was going to be sunny and in the low 80’s.  So much for sun, 3/4 through the 5K walk, it started to rain.  So I had to hold my mom’s number up over my head to keep my crown from rusting from the rain.

What is your team slogan? Or if you don’t have one, what would be your team slogan?

My personal slogan is “Taking a golden opportunity to find a cure for childhood cancer.”  I say this for two reasons; the first reason is because gold is the color of an awareness ribbon for childhood cancer.  The second is that God has given me a second chance at life, and I want to use that to help find a cure for other children that are currently battling cancer.

What is your family’s favorite summer activity?

We love going to the Wright County Fair together every year.  It lets us just have fun as a family, and of course get our fill of fat-free fair food. 

Why should others be part of Time to Fly and support Children’s Cancer Research Fund?

People should be a part of Time to Fly, because they are supporting an organization that truly cares and wants a cure to be found.  46 children are diagnosed with cancer every school day, and are also being robbed of their childhood.  By supporting the Children’s Cancer Research Fund, you are showing the children who are battling cancer that their dreams and goals in life count, and that they will have a chance to live out those dreams and goals. 

If you could FLY your team anywhere in the world, where would you visit and why?

My family and I have always wanted to go to Australia.  I am a huge animal lover, and would love to see all of the amazing animals that you can only see in Australia.  Also the landscape and atmosphere is just calling my name.

To support or learn more about Enberg’s Eradicators, visit their team page.

Jackson’s Mighty Lions

Representing Jackson’s Mighty Lions is Laura Lyke, aka, Jackson’s Auntie Laura.

How many years has your team participated in Time to Fly?

2012 marks the 3rd year of participating in Time to Fly

Who are you participating in honor of?

We are participating in honor of my nephew, Jackson.  He was diagnosed with neuroblastoma on February 5, 2009 when he was 19 months old.  Jackson was treated at Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis and is currently NED (no evidence of disease).

What words or experiences during your cancer journey have/had the biggest impact on you?

The support and prayers of family, friends and even strangers has helped us through this difficult journey.

What is your favorite Time to Fly memory?

It’s always so exciting to see the energy and love of all the people coming together to support a wonderful cause.

What is your team slogan?

We are mighty - Jackson’s Mighty Lions!

What is your team’s favorite summer activity?

We’ll tell you about Jackson’s favorite summer activity. He loves going to Marine on St. Croix to get ice cream and look at the cow & pig.

Why should others be part of Time to Fly and support Children’s Cancer Research Fund?

Research for pediatric cancer positively affects thousands of families.  It gives us hope for a cure one day.

If you could FLY your team anywhere in the world, where would you visit and why?

Why, Disneyworld of course!

To support or learn more about Jackson’s Mighty Lions, visit their team page.

Team PUCK

Representing Team PUCK is team captain Lonni Mooreland.

How many years have you participated in Time to Fly?

2012 marks the 3rd year participating in Time to Fly

Who are you participating in honor of?

We are participating in honor of Sarah Mooreland and Bella Ringgold. Both little girls had Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) a rare genetic disease in which the skin is extremely fragile. Both girls participated in a ground-breaking research study at the University of Minnesota. Unfortunately, Bella and Sarah lost their battles with EB. So, we run/walk in honor of them and all of the other children with EB, and help raise funds for Children’s Cancer Research Fund to help fund the cure that the doctors at the U of M are working on.

Pioneering Unique Cures for Kids (PUCK) is a parent-driven initiative of Children’s Cancer Research Fund. We are committed to supporting the work at the U of M so that ten years from now, there are multiple treatment options for people with EB and no child has to die from this disease again.

Learn more about PUCK, EB and read Sarah and Bella’s stories.

Sarah Mooreland

What words or experiences during your cancer journey have/had the biggest impact on you?

Our journey with EB has so many aspects that have changed our lives forever. In addition to my journey with my daughter Sarah, one of the biggest things I have learned through all of this is that there are doctors who are totally committed and dedicated to helping and finding a cure for this horrible disease. It’s not a desire driven by greed and spotlight, but by compassion. It was very inspiring to see that type of care first- and.

Do you have a team participation and fundraising goals?

This year we’re going big! Our goal is to have 100 participants and to raise $25,000. To reach this goal, we’re recruiting 10 “co-captains” responsible for recruiting at least 9 other participants. If each team member commits to a fundraising goal of at least $250, we feel we can reach this goal fairly easily. We realize that some will raise more, others less. This is a stretch goal but overall though we feel this goal is within our reach.

What is your favorite Time to Fly memory?

Bella Ringgold

My first year at Time to Fly, I ran the 10K. As I ran I felt as if the run was like the battle our family went through during our daughter Sarah’s life. There were times that were hard and I felt like giving up but kept running. So many times in Sarah’s short life, I was so overwhelmed - not only with my responsibilities, but overwhelmed by what she went through on a daily basis.

I didn’t know how she kept going and was cheerful and pleasant despite the pain she endured. Along the running route there were volunteers out cheering us on. During our journey with our daughter I had friends that were there to just cheer me up and help me to keep going. At one point I noticed I was running pretty fast, passing people and doing really well, then there were the moments where I felt like everyone was passing me up.

In our journey with Sarah we felt at times maybe we didn’t have it as bad as others. Then there were the times where we knew things were bad and that we’d be behind for a while. Toward the end of my run I found someone who I felt like I could keep the pace with. As we got closer to the finish line there were more cheers and some excitement. Both me and the other runner picked up our pace and were challenging each other. Toward the end of Sarah’s journey we were all excited about the potential for a new treatment that finally gave us some hope. As I ran across the finish line I felt so incredibly overwhelmed with emotion. I realized I did better than I had thought I could, but the emotion was that I realized it was my run to run. Sarah’s journey turned out to not be what we had thought it was going to be, but it was her journey to go through.

In 2012 I really look forward to being inspired by all those who support each other in their various teams.

What is your team slogan?

Team PUCK: Stepping closer to a cure for EB.

What is your family’s favorite summer activity?

We really love Minnesota summers. We like to hang out at the parks and beaches at the lakes.

Why should others be part of Time to Fly and support Children’s Cancer Research Fund?

The team of researchers at the University of Minnesota have been pioneering unique cures for years. The treatment breakthroughs that have been supported by Children’s Cancer Research Fund are leading to treatment options that benefit children with cancer and genetic disease all over the world.

If you could FLY your team anywhere in the world, where would you visit and why?

Hawaii…why not?!

To support or learn more about Team PUCK, visit their team page.

Jack Attack

Representing Team Jack Attack is team captain, and Jack’s mom, Breanna Serakos.

How many years have you participated in Time to Fly?

2012 marks our 4th year of participating in Time to Fly.

Who are you participating in honor of?

My 3 ½-year-old son, Jack, who’s been battling an optic glioma brain tumor nearly his entire life. He was diagnosed when he was 3 months old.  We are being treated at Children’s Hospital of Minnesota - Minneapolis.

What words or experiences during your cancer journey have/had the biggest impact on you?

It made me realize how quickly your life can change forever.  This journey is a marathon, not a sprint.

What are your team participation and fundraising goals?

We have a big team and many people come forward with their fun ideas to raise more money for Jack Attack. Some ideas include garage sales, “Team Jack Attack” bracelet sales, hair cut-a-thon, beer busts, etc.

What is your favorite Time to Fly memory?

Every year we are reminded of just how many people care about our Jack and our cause.

What is your team slogan? Or if you don’t have one, what would be your team slogan?

Enthusiasm is contagious! Jack is the most enthusiastic boy I’ve known, he greets each day with oodles of energy and is ready for anything.

What is your family’s favorite summer activity?

We love heading ‘up north’ to the cabin.

Why should others be part of Time to Fly and support Children’s Cancer Research Fund?

These families and especially the children diagnosed with cancer are changed forever.  The kids are so resilient to treatment yet they have to life an entire life with the side effects.  Most of these kids would humble any adult with the amount they endure with minimal complaining. Kids have a special zest for life that should never be taken away.

If you could FLY your team anywhere in the world, where would you visit and why?

To the ocean for fun and R&R!!  Everyone has their own struggles and can always use a trip to paradise to ease their souls.

To support or learn more about Jack Attack, visit their team page.

Team LIZards

Representing Team LIZards is team captain and Liz’s dad, Greg Kaiser.

How many years has your team been participating?

2012 marks the 5th year.

Who are you participating in honor of?

We are participating in honor of Liz Kaiser. She was diagnosed and treated for osteosarcoma (bone cancer) in 2004-2005 at the University of Minnesota. She is now six years cancer free!

What words or experiences during your cancer journey have/had the biggest impact on you?

Watching Liz and all the other kids struggle and overcome incredible challenges, and also watching other children and families less fortunate and losing their battles.

What are your team participation and fundraising goals?

We try to raise about $1,000. We do this by asking friends and family to support our team, mainly through e-mails.

What is your favorite Time to Fly memory?

We love the chance to spend time with our team members.

What is your team slogan?

Hmmm…we’ve never really had one. Any suggestions?

What is your family’s favorite summer activity?

Our family loves to spend time enjoying the outdoors.

Why should others be part of Time to Fly and support Children’s Cancer Research Fund?

We need research!!!! It is through research - and research only - that we will be able to put an end to this disease.

If you could FLY your team anywhere in the world, where would you visit and why?

I would fly our team to all of the children’s hospitals throughout the U.S. and the world to experience the courage of all the children experiencing cancer.  U of M is just one such hospital. After a journey like that, there would be no question as to why we need to continue to raise funds for research.

To support or learn more about Team LIZards, visit their team page.

UMN Pediatric Cancer EPI Researchers

Representing the UMN Pediatric Cancer EPI (Epidemiology) Researchers Team is team captain and Children’s Cancer Research Fund co-chief medical advisor, Julie A. Ross, Ph.D.

How many years has your team been participating?

It’s our first year as a “team”, however, many have participated before through other teams or solo runners/walkers/volunteers.

Who are you participating in honor of?

We are participating in honor of all the families that have been touched by childhood cancer and the donors who support the cause.

What is your experience with childhood cancer?

Members of our team have been touched by childhood cancer in many ways. Some work directly with the families of children affected through interviews, others partner with physicians who treat pediatric cancer patients to formulate the best questions that science can help answer, while others process biological samples from children and their families to learn why cancer happens.

What are your team participation and fundraising goals?

Our initial team goal was $1,000, but we have already surpassed that mark. Word of mouth works wonders.

What are you most looking forward to at Time to Fly?

Interacting with families and staff.

What is your team slogan? Or if you don’t have one, what would be your team slogan?

Our team is focused on the ‘whys’ of childhood cancer. Why do some kids get cancer and others do not? Why do some kids do better with treatment and others do not? Why, why, why.

What is your team’s favorite summer activity?

We each have our favorite summer activity, but the team has two bowling outings at Goldy Gophers; one is in the summer. It is a competitive group; some practice to try and beat the high scoring bowlers!

Why should others be part of Time to Fly and support Children’s Cancer Research Fund?

The physicians, researchers, and staff at the University of Minnesota are dedicated to preventing and curing cancer in children. We love what we do and we appreciate immensely the support of Children’s Cancer Research Fund for the work.

If you could FLY your team anywhere in the world, where would you visit and why?

Scripps Institute, La Jolla, California. Some of us are attending a workshop there on translational medicine, which includes a lecture by Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee, author of Emperor of All Maladies: A biography of cancer.  The book as well as the conference focuses on many research aspects of pediatric cancer.  Unfortunately, we can’t bring the entire group, but I am sure they would all appreciate the science being presented. We will take good notes!

To support or learn more about UMN Pediatric Cancer EPI Researchers, visit their team page.

Joggers for Julian

Representing Joggers for Julian is team captain, John Golden.

How many years has your team been participating?

2012 marks the 2nd year of participating in Time to Fly

Who are you participating in honor of?

We are participating to honor my son Julian Golden who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on 2/16/11. He died on March 3, from septic shock due to a massive infection that developed in his body. This was just nine days before his 4th birthday. You can read his story at juliangolden.com.

What words or experiences during your cancer journey have/had the biggest impact on you?

To prevail no matter the outcome. This is what Julian taught me during this horrible ordeal. His strength, courage and ability to prevail is an attribute I will live by for the rest of my life. Julian’s story has touched thousands of people around the world. He has inspired enemies to make amends, people to rally behind a cause and many to understand how fragile and brief life can be.

What are your team participation and fundraising goals?

We were leaders in fundraising last year. It is my intention to break the $10,000 mark again this year. We were the best rookie team last year.  I am giving away a free and stylish technical running shirt with the Jogger’s for Julian Logo on it to anyone who joins our team.

What is your favorite Time to Fly memory?

Walking out of that place with the best rookie team trophy made me feel proud that I was doing my best to help Children’s Cancer Research Fund win the battle against childhood cancer.

What is your team slogan?

Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened. This was the quote we all kept in our heads when Julian passed. It is from Dr. Seuss.

What is your family’s favorite summer activity?

Going to our cabin in western Wisconsin.

Why should others be part of Time to Fly and support Children’s Cancer Research Fund?

Their mission is to eradicate childhood cancer. If I could spare even one family the pain we went through losing Julian, I’d run a marathon for Children’s Cancer Research Fund. Time to Fly is a fun, inspiring event for the whole family. It brings people together and brings greater awareness to the cause.

If you could FLY your team anywhere in the world, where would you visit and why?

Nowhere…I’d take the money allocated to the trip and give it to Children’s Cancer Research Fund instead.

To support or learn more about Joggers for Julian, visit their team page.

Alli’s Angels

Representing Alli’s Angels is team captain and Alli’s mom, Karen Feldkamp.

How many years has your team been participating?

2012 marks the 5th year of participating in Time to Fly

Who are you participating in honor of?

My daughter, Allison Feldkamp, had just turned 3-years-old when diagnosed with Medulloblastoma, a brain tumor.

She was treated at Children’s Hospital, St. Paul by Dr. Christopher Moertel.  We are pleased and thrilled to announce that Allison is in remission after two surgeries to remove the tumor, 30 radiation therapies, and 1½ years of weekly chemotherapy treatments.

What words or experiences during your cancer journey have/had the biggest impact on you?

I can only fully appreciate the strong unwavering support system that allowed us to continue forward with Allison’s treatment in a positive way.  We celebrated every milestone and continue to do so as we congratulate Allison on her 8-year survivorship.

What are your team participation and fundraising goals?

We just want people to come out and be a part of our experience and running the Time to Fly 5K for Allison.  Once you feel the energy in this group, you just want to be a part of it.  We really make it a special day to celebrate Allison and all the children who suffer the debilitating effects of cancer.

What is your favorite Time to Fly memory?

Each year we run has its own special memories.  When Allison was 9-years-old running her first 5K and wearing the Survivor sign on her back, so many people encouraged her as she struggled to run the race.  It was very emotional having people recognize her bravery and hard work beating cancer.  I kept telling her, this run is no problem for you, since you have already done the hardest job yet - beating cancer.  We crossed the finish line together to loud cheers and congratulations.  Allison was beaming and so happy.

Allison’s sisters run also.  Lauren was interviewed by Twin Cities Live after completing the race in record time for her age group and when asked why she ran, she stated:  “I run for my sister Allison because I love her.”

What is your team slogan?

Our team name is Alli’s Angels.  It gives you a sense that we are all warriors fighting for Allison in her battle against cancer, in addition to fiercely protecting her.

What is your family’s favorite summer activity?

During the summer we like to relax and be outdoors and just enjoy each other’s company.

Why should others be part of Time to Fly and support Children’s Cancer Research Fund?

Cancer is such an awful disease, especially in children.  We can make a difference in the lives of children who are diagnosed by participating in Time to Fly.  Research and medicines are available and we are going to be a part of finding a cure.

If you could FLY your team anywhere in the world, where would you visit and why?

Why, Disney World, of course. Where else can you feel the magic and joy of being truly free from cancer?

To support or learn more about Alli’s Angels, visit their team page.