Wednesday, June 29, 2005

Couple of things to update

The Holyoke High School library has a new reading area, complete with a comfortable chair, a reading lamp and a picture of Casey. Bill Kane, Casey's dad, thought it would be an appropriate way to remember her and her love of reading. The picture is part of a plaque. In it Casey is wearing her "Sam Malone Red Sox jacket" (her words not mine) and smiling inside Fenway Park's Green Monster.

I was at a workshop Monday for Business writing in sports, where Red Sox president Larry Lucchino was a guest speaker. As many of you are aware Lucchino, who is a cancer survivor himself, took a liking to Casey. They met through Sarah McKenna, Casey cousin, who works in Community relations for the Red Sox.

Last April, Lucchino put Casey in his private box to watch a Saturday game between the Red Sox and the Yankees. She wasn't healthy enough to be out in the crowd, so she was let into the park early to go into his box.

Chris Keaney, Casey's aunt wrote about that day below under the heading "A Dream Fulfilled."

I got a chance afterward to talk to him. Anyway, I relayed to him how appreciative we all were to him, Sarah and the Red Sox for how special they made her feel at a tough time.

He smiled and looked sad at the same time. "She was special. She had so much enthusiasm, the whole family does," he said.

Wednesday, June 01, 2005

Something to get behind

Julie
Julie Fialkow sent me(and presumably some of you) this email. If you've got some extra money and feel like supporting a good cause...

I'm planning on running a half-marathon in September for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Am I a runner? Am I fit? No, but I'm jumping in with my eyes closed and hoping I don't trip over my shoelaces!

I'm really excited to be a part of this cool organization and event. I've even started to like running which is a triumph in itself. The purpose of this race is to eradicate these cancers so they stop taking the lives of our friends and loved ones.

I am running in memory of my friend Casey and for those who are currently battling these diseases. I am asking for your support, in any amount, to help find a cure. Please check out my website and email me if you have any questions. Feel free to forward this to anyone you can!

Thanks and much love,

Julie

http://www.active.com/donate/tntsonj/tntsonjJFialko