| Brian's Wish News . . . |
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| Brian's Wish News . . . |
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Brian's Wish News and
Happenings . . .
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May 1 and 2 --
Mini-Marathon - booth to distribute brochures |
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May 21 -- Brians
Wish at Community Day at Indianapolis Motor Speedway |
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May 23 -- Brian's Wish Night at the
Indianapolis Speedrome (Indy 500 Weekend) Friday, May 23, 2003 Racing starts at 7:00pm 802 S. Kitley Ave. 317-353-8206 TBA - 1 or 2 IRl race drivers will be with us for an autograph session. Tickets in advance - $5.00 each for a $10.00 ticket. |
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June 19 -- Lou Gehrig's 100th Birthday
Celebration at AAA baseball parks. Check with your local AAA baseball stadium or www.alsa.org for details. |
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| May thru Oct -- IRL Crew will promote Brian's Wish at each race. | |
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July 26 -- Brian's Wish Benefit
Concert - "Better than Ezra" Presented by A.G. Edwards Murat Theatre/Egyptian Room 502 N. New Jersey Tickets in advance - $50.00 each (Package of 12 available for price of 10) |
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October 5 -- Indianapolis Walk to d'feet
ALS Carmel Civic Square Carmel, IN 46032 Check with www.alsaindiana.org for details. |
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"Brian's Wish Cure
Lou Gehrig's Disease" Shirts, hats, pins, and decals are available. |
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 Indy
Racing LeagueGolf Tournament Raises Funds for Charities Cheever, Casey Present $17,500 Check To Brian's Wish, ALS Association By Paul Kelly - www.indyracing.com
1998 Indianapolis 500 winner Eddie Cheever Jr. and Indy Racing League Senior Technical Director Phil Casey presented a $17,500 contribution to The Brian’s Wish Fund and The ALS Association of Indiana on Jan. 23, part of the record $40,000 raised by the 12th annual Phil Casey Indy Racing Charity Golf Tournament in September 2002. Besides the $17,500 contribution to Brian’s Wish and The ALS Association, another $17,500 was donated to the Pediatric Diabetes Center at Valley Children’s Hospital in Fresno, Calif., in honor of Casey’s granddaughter, Jennifer, who received successful treatment at the hospital. Another $5,000 was donated to the Ronald McDonald House in Fresno. The Brian’s Wish Fund was created in memory of Brian Hall, an avid race fan and courageous ALS patient. Hall was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis – ALS, also commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease – in 1997 and passed away on Indianapolis 500 Carburetion Day, May 23, 2002. The Brian’s Wish Fund and members of Hall's family chose to donate the proceeds to The ALS Association of Indiana. “The Indiana chapter of The ALS Association is deeply touched by the generosity and thoughtfulness of Phil Casey, Eddie Cheever and Brian Hall’s family,” said Joe Bill Wiley, board chairman of The ALS Association of Indiana. “These funds will go a long way in supporting our efforts to help Indiana ALS patients and families in the coming year.Established in 1997, the mission of The ALS Association of Indiana is to increase public awareness of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and to enhance the lives of ALS patients through providing direct services to patients, families and caregivers, while supporting national research efforts to find a cure. All of the funds were raised at the 2002 golf tournament staged by Casey, which took place Sept. 16 at the Tour 18 course in Fort Worth, Texas. Co-sponsors of the tournament included Spot-On Cable, Frank Weiss Machines, Infiniti and William D. Ward Wachovia Securities. Indy Racing League drivers and personalities who participated in the tournament included two-time defending IRL IndyCar Series champion Sam Hornish Jr., 2002 IRL Infiniti Pro Series champion A.J. Foyt IV, Cheever, 2000 IRL IndyCar Series champion and 1996 Indianapolis 500 winner Buddy Lazier, two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Al Unser Jr., IndyCar Series standout Robbie Buhl, IRL President and CEO Tony George, IRL Senior Vice President of Racing Operations Brian Barnhart, four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Rick Mears and three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Johnny Rutherford. The 13th annual tournament is scheduled for Oct. 13, 2003 – the day after the season-ending Chevy 500 at Texas Motor Speedway – at Tour 18.
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MEDIA
ADVISORY EDDIE
CHEEVER TO PRESENT $17,500 CONTRIBUTION
Half
of the proceeds from this annual event are committed to a children’s hospital
in Fresno, CA to fight pediatric diabetes in honor of Casey’s daughter,
Jennifer. Cheever was asked to select a second charity as recipient of the remaining half of the ’02 event proceeds and designated The Brian’s Wish Fund, in memory of avid race fan and courageous ALS patient, Brian Hall. Brian Hall was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, also commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease) in 1997 and passed away on Carburetion Day - May 23, 2002. The
Brian’s Wish Fund and members of Hall’s family chose to donate the proceeds
to The ALS Association of Indiana. “The Indiana chapter of The ALS Association is deeply touched by the generosity and thoughtfulness of Phil Casey, Eddie Cheever and Brian Hall’s family. These funds will go a long way in supporting our efforts to help Indiana ALS patients and families in the coming year,” said Joe Bill Wiley, Board Chairman of The ALS Association of Indiana. Wiley’s
own mother lost her battle with ALS in 1996.
Wiley will be in attendance for the presentation, in addition to Jim Hall
and Mary Ann Miller, parents of Brian Hall. Established in 1997, the mission of The ALS Association of Indiana is to increase public awareness of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and to enhance the lives of ALS patients through providing direct services to patients, families and caregivers, while supporting national research efforts to find a cure. At
this time, there is no known cause of - or cure for - ALS.
There are presently about 350 ALS patients in Indiana. -30- For
additional information, contact Lark Stark at The ALS Association of Indiana,
317-573-9888, or visit www.BriansWish.com.
The ALS Association of Indiana is located at 1980 E. 116th
Street, Carmel, Indiana, 46032.
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Year Later - A Note from Brian's Family . . .
Dear Family and Friends: May is ALS Awareness Month, the
Indianapolis 500 Race and the first anniversary when Brian died, on
Carburetion Day, May 23, 2002.
Awareness events for ALS and Brian's Wish:
May 2002:
27 out of 33 cars at Indy 500 had Brian's Wish decals on them
May 21 -- Brians Wish at Community Day at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
May thru Oct -- IRL Crew will promote Brian's Wish
at each race. "Brian's
Wish Cure Lou Gehrig's Disease" Shirts, hats, pins, and decals are
available. |
 FAMILY
STATEMENT REGARDING BRIAN HALLINDIANAPOLIS,
INDIANA – May 25, 2002 Many of you in
the Indy Racing community have become Brian Hall’s and our friends over
the last several months. Sadly, we his family, must announce the passing
of Brian Hall on May 23, 2002. Brian was
afflicted with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease nearly 5 years
ago. Despite a courageous battle, Brian knew and understood the eventual
outcome of his disease, as there is, as yet, no known cure for ALS. Brian’s
battle with his disease was the inspiration behind the establishment of
the Brian's Wish Foundation. Under Brian’s guidance and direction, the
“Brian’s Wish” program was created to promote Brian’s “wish”
to raise public and media awareness of ALS/Lou Gehrig's disease and to
ultimately find a cure for this cruel and vicious, fatal disease. Through her
involvement with TrackForum and her personal connections within the Indy
Racing community, Barb Lyons arranged visits from drivers, owners and
crewmembers, which put smiles on Brian's face we had not seen in many
months. These caring people, as well as many of Brian’s fellow racing
fans from across the country, generously contributed a veritable
“museum” of racing memorabilia that greatly helped raise Brian’s
spirits. These
remarkable gifts gave Brian both a purpose and a peace in his final days.
And that, the family feels, not only extended Brian’s life but also
significantly improved the quality of his remaining time with us. For that
we will be always thankful. During the
month of May the Greatest Spectacle in Racing is held here in
Indianapolis. This was always a high point of Brian’s year. This year the
Bronze badges at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are a tribute to Sid
Collins, formerly the Voice of the Indianapolis 500, who was also
afflicted with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Additionally, the month of May is
National ALS Awareness Month. To us,
Brian’s family, these circumstances plus the fact that many of the cars
in this years Indy 500 will display a Brian's Wish decal to commemorate
Brian, seem both fitting and comforting. Brian told us
recently; “please remind everyone that it is my sincere
"wish", that with the support of all of my many new friends,
Brian's Wish will continue to develop and grow as well as it has begun and
will be successful in helping to find a cure for ALS." And because of
the efforts of so many wonderful people, we know he will once again be
smiling . . . Our sincere
thanks to all of you who have made such an important contribution and
difference in both our, Brian’s, and other ALS patients lives. Brian’s
Family BRIAN HALL MEMORIAL SERVICE INFORMATION: Mortuary:
Aaron-Ruben-Nelson at 86th and Ditch, Indianapolis, Indiana As was suggested at the hospice staff prayer service following Brian's passing, anyone who would like to is invited and encouraged to feel comfortable wearing their Brian's Wish t-shirt at the Memorial Service.
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BRIANS
WISH ALERT:
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Team TrackForum.com Indy 500 Sponsorship Plan benefiting Brian's Wish |
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TELEVISION ALERT:
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A note from Brian's Mother . . . 2/20/02
Click here to go to this TrackForum thread
Dear Friends,
I just wanted each one of you to be aware of how much you are loved for what you have given to my son, Brian.
He is such a special young man... always has been.Brian has fought this disease with such courage that it just amazes me. Oh, he's had his "down" days to be sure but he has never taken the attitude that he was defeated. This ALS is such a horrible disease. It deeply and profoundly affects not only Brian but his entire family and all those who have loved Brian throughout the years.
We did not want him to have to go to St. Vincent Hospice. We desperately wanted to be able to care for him at home until the end but it eventually became painfully apparent to us that we just could not provide for him the level of care he required.
When he first was admitted to the hospice in-patent unit it took a while for all of us to adjust to the new environment and new routine. Brian was very quiet, resistant to the staff but we understood. He just wasn't interested in ANYTHING anymore. It was shortly before Christmas and it seemed as if there was just nothing anyone could do for him, or no gift we could get him, that would make him happy and bring a smile to his face.
But then he was given the best gift anyone could have given to him.What was that gift?
It was YOU!
Each and every one of you!
Of course he loved having the opportunity to talk racing with the many drivers, crew members and owners who gave so generously of their time to come visit him. He loved all the race memorabilia that was given to him. His room truly does look like a race museum! But what really touched his heart and brought back his beautiful smile was YOU... the average race fan.
He just cannot get over the fact that so many "strangers" really care about him. That you have given to him a part of your hearts is a gift for which none of us will ever be able to adequately express. You consider him "family" but we all want each one of you to know that YOU are now part of OUR family.
Since you have been involved in his life he is once again smiling, is interested in something and feels that he is making some positive contribution. He knows there is nothing anyone can do for him but it is his deepest desire that someday they find a cure for this terrible disease. For some reason ALS has always had trouble getting much attention from the general public or the media and does not seem to generate much passion that leads to research money... at least not until it affects someone YOU know.
This is why the gift you have given to him is so precious... and priceless... to both Brian and his family.
After visiting with Brian a couple of weeks ago I commented that the one word I would use to describe him now is contented... and that, my dear friends, is all we could possibly hope for at this stage of his journey.
So, from a Mother's heart, I say thank you for what you have given to our son and for what you have given to his family. We will have many happy moments to remember thanks to our Track Forum and Indy Racing Family.
You are loved,Mary Ann
Star studded
BRIAN'S WISH Runoff's
at RACERS Karting Center raises $2,000 . . .
2/19/2002
Tuesday night's Brian's Wish Fundraiser at RACERS Karting Center in Indianapolis' Union Station was a resounding success with $2,000 raised for Brian's Wish . . .
Tony Stewart and some of Brian's Family at the Racers Fundraiser
Some of those attending included PDM driver Tyce Carlson along with former IRL driver Scott Harrington, RACERS hot shoe Mandi Elliott and a handful of others.
Surprise attendee's included Smoke Johnson (aka Tony Stewart) and Danny "The Dude" Lasoski who took time away from Stewart's busy NASCAR schedule and flew in from Charlotte to participate.
Thanks to donations from those attending and a significant contribution of 50% of the proceeds by Racers, $1,000 was raised for Brian's Wish.
Tony Stewart generously matched the funds raised for a total presented to Brian's Wish of $2,000.
The night is one that Brian's family will never forget. After the presentations Tony took pictures with Brian's family and spent extra time with them with a number of laughs coming from their corner table.
Local media, including WIBC, FOX 59, Channel 13 and Channel 6, promoted and covered the event with Channel 6 in Indianapolis doing an interview about Brian's Wish with Tony Stewart that was aired during 11 p.m. news.WHEN
Tuesday February 19th 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
WHERE
RACERS European-Style Go-Kart Racing at Union Station, 302 S. Meridian St., Downtown Indianapolis
For More Information:
www.brianswish.com
www.tracksidelive.net
www.trackforum.com
www.racerskarting.com
Thank you from Brian's Family . . . 1/27/02
Click here to go to this TrackForum thread Dear Friends of Brian's Wish, To coin a phrase, there are angels among us - all of you involved with
Brian’s care and Brian’s Wish.
Until recently Brian’s family had been responsible for a lot of Brian’s care.
Even though we didn’t want to give it up, it became evident that we could not
continue. We felt we were letting Brian down somehow. However since he has
been at a hospice facility, we are seeing smiles that we have not seen for a
long time. He is receiving excellent care, warmth and commitment on a daily
basis.
Barb found out that Brian has always been a great race fan and has involved
the racing community to help cheer him up, and boy, have you done that! What
all of you have achieved we would not have been able to do — putting a smile
back on Brian’s face, helping Brian accomplish his dream of a cure for ALS.
Until all of you came into our lives, we saw and felt only devastation and an
intense sadness. For the first time we now have a reason to feel that
something good could come out of Brian having ALS.
We have always known that
our Brian is a very special person. We now know that he has attracted
incredibly special people who have chosen to help fight this battle.
We, Brian’s
family, are deeply moved and most grateful to all of you ---- our angels.
Thank You!
Brian's Wish
CONTACT
US
Brian's Wish is powered by 220mph.com
612-677-3325
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The
$17,500 contribution represents half the proceeds from the 2002 Phil Casey Indy
Racing Charity Golf Tournament held last September in Forth Worth, Texas.
The
next day Eddie Cheever met with both Brian and Barb. And as they
say, "the rest is history".
