The event all started because we were looking to make a contribution to the community in a way that captured the spirit of RC, something that we could really make our own. We had a great time supporting the MS Society and the local Habitat for Humanity but we thought we could do something bigger. A paintball tournament seemed like a good idea and when one of our players (Kendra) told us about Mason Thomas, a 9 year old boy suffering from a form of cancer that I hadn't even heard of, we knew we had our cause.
Going into the event we really had three goals. 1) Run a top-notch paintball tournament. 2) Generate funds to help out Mason and his family and 3) Bring awareness to a disease that not many people know about.
Did you know...
- Neuroblastoma accounts for 15% of all pediatric cancer deaths.
- Cancer remains the number one disease killer of America's children.
I didn't.
In learning more about Mason and his struggle we also learned about a local organization committed to support children's cancer research, The Ishan Gala Foundation. Ishan was 18 months old when he was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. He died just 6 months later.
Ishan's story is both upsetting and inspiring but it is one that I think needs to be heard.
The Ishan Gala Foundation is working very hard right here in Virginia. Please take a moment to visit the Foundation's website and see what they are doing to combat neuroblastoma. You can also follow them on Facebook, Twitter and on their blog to keep up with their work.
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