RUN FOR LEO! JUNE-AUGUST 2011!

Hi Everyone! My name is Julie Johnson and I have been a member of Team Leo since the day Leo was born. The Team gives Leo and his parents a huge amount of moral support, and many of you have given generously in ways that have directly impacted Leo’s life.

Thanks to your support, Leo’s parents have been able to pay for some costly and essential things which most parents never have to think about: the iPad which is Leo’s key to communication, three trips to St Louis to see a top doc who treats and researches about cerebral palsy, Feldenkrais sessions, mounting devices, and music therapy.

The good news is that Leo’s cognitive skills continue developing and he is bright, happy and social. Leo’s future looks increasingly promising and hopeful – especially if he continues getting the right equipment and therapy. I am writing now to tell you about a new way you can be involved with Team Leo. Earlier this year, Leo began learning to use a new wheelchair. Increased mobility will translate into greater independence during moments that so many of us take for granted: an afternoon in the park, going to school, or simply moving around the house. His wheelchair will also make it much easier for Leo’s parents to transport Leo to and from his frequent visits to doctors and therapists (he had more than 170 last year.) Watch this video of Leo trying out the new wheelchair: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EE9KcqpC210

The challenge we face is that the wheelchair weighs 250 lbs. His family desperately needs a van with a wheelchair lift. If they succeed in raising enough money, they hope to buy the Toyota Sienna van with a Braun side entry lift. Together they cost about $57,000 and they are not covered by insurance.

Many of you have made generous donations in the past, but with this letter we are inviting you to become a fundraiser. Join the fun and get some exercise, as we Run for Leo!
Join Leo’s team of runners, walkers and cheerleaders! Share Leo’s story! Engage the support of your friends and family– and have fun and get fit, too.

Participate:
As a participant in the Run for Leo!, you will
• Find sponsors to support you as you Run/Walk/ Or Cheer (including from afar!) in one of two events (I'll be running both races):
o the Sun., July 31 San Francisco Half-Marathon
o the Sat., Aug. 6 Fresh Pond Saturday Series in Boston (Pick your distance – either 2.5 miles or 5 miles)
o Use a letter to help secure sponsors (available at: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wIUELIP_0ycY9hgl1-ymucvjcvWoAtQsoLMPsyVMaBk/edit?hl=en_US)
* Use a worksheet to help find sponsors (available at: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GUb0nzgS5HTzlercPEr3byD1H-cqNR2gxcOE5auVi6U/edit?hl=en_US)
• Enjoy the benefits of training for an endurance event (e.g., a hot body, lots of endorphins).
• Party hearty at après-race celebration.
• Enlist the help of your team--your community, your friends, your family— to raise money for the van and adaptive equipment Leo needs. And enjoy knowing that you’re directly responsible for helping Leo realize the same thing we all want for our children: an enjoyable and meaningful life.

Donate:
If you are unable to run or raise funds, but you still want to help make Leo’s adapted van a reality: sponsor somebody who is running, (write to me if you want to be paired with a runner to support,) or make a direct donation using PayPal here at Leo’s Blogspot (see upper left-hand corner)

Spread the word:
If you are not in a position to run or to send a gift— no worries! Please know that your love and support are gift enough. Also, please feel free to forward this letter to anyone with whom you have shared Leo's wonderful story.

As of Saturday, June 11, we have eight members of Run For Leo! with a goal of 42 more! The first person I invited to join Run for Leo!, is Dana Callahan, a childhood friend of mine who lives in Richmond, Virginia. She only met Leo once, but she was moved by Leo’s story. She identifies personally, as a parent of young children and with the shared responsibility to nurture all children. She has joined and spearheaded much of this effort, volunteering to entertain members with updates and bulletins. She has a great sense of humor and makes all things fun.

We hope you too can join us! Tap into the power of your community. You can personalize the attached letter and our worksheet below. Then share it with family and friends. Or Copy the worksheet and distribute it to friends who know Leo’s story. Anyone can be a Leo Hero and Leo can’t have too many. If we can find 50 people to complete the worksheet, together we will make a difference.

Let us know by June 21 if you can join us (see my email address below)!

Thank you for your consideration and all of the wonderful support you give Leo!

Julie Johnson
617-308-8046
julietess@gmail.com