Fundraising Opportunities

As we head into  a new year I have the chance to reflect on some of the many way to fund raise for my daughter's genetic condition - NF.

One new one I have found out about is the Cupid's Undie Run

This event has been going on for a couple of years now within the Children's Tumor Foundation, however, due to expansion it is for the first time being held in places like Los Angeles.
It's a basic idea really.   You plan on running around in your bedroom best in February and latter celebrate at the host location.
Those that raise a predetermined amount of funds can get access to the open bar.  Because so many people partake of alcoholic beverages and the needed amount of donations is so low this becomes a fairly popular way of being able to get drunk for a good cause.  I would not say this is my first choice in fund raising but, an inventive way for those that are a bit more worldly.
(Writers note:  I do not and have not consumed alcoholic beverages)

The other fund raising avenue is the Racing 4 Research associated to the 24 hours of Daytona endurance race.
Children's Tumor Foundation has been doing this even for about 5 years.  They have raised over 2 million dollars for research.  That is an amazing amount of money especially since the first couple of years their involvement was very small.


What is so great about Racing 4 Research?   It's a great little event that you can focus on.  It has national appeal in the fact is is auto racing.  Almost everyone can get excited about an endurance race.  It meshes in well with the challenges faced by those that have NF.   IN all it is wonderful. 

And you can have associated view parties and get togethers for this even in almost any location.  It not like a typical event that needs to have everyone present for it to work.  One day if w are lucky we will head on out to Florida and see the event live.


So if you'd like to join us for one of the many race parties nationwide please do

Please Join the  CA Chapter for a Racing4Research Race Day Viewing Party
Saturday, January 26, 2013
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Location:
BJ’s Brew House & Restaurant 3525 W. Carson Street, Suite 168
Torrance, CA

For additional information contact: Kelly Mills at kmills@ctf.org or 310-216-9570.
RSVP by Jan. 22  (pizza, salad, and dessert will be donated by BJ’s)
view last years efforts @ the following link
http://youtu.be/Tueuw163Uds


and please don't forget to donate to one of the local NF Heroes in a local near you:  See list of NF-Heroes


Buaidh - NO - Bas

San Diego, CA NF Walk 2012

San Diego, CA NF Walk

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Join us for the San Diego NF Walk to benefit the Children’s Tumor Foundation.

This is a great opportunity for children, family and friends to connect at a community event and draw support from each other while raising awareness and funds for neurofibromatosis (NF) research. NF is a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body. There is no cure nor are there effective treatments for NF.

Step up and support this important cause today:

Register
Support a participant
Donate

For more information about the San Diego NF Walk contact Kelly Mills at kmills@ctf.org or at 310-216-9570. For website support contact Chrissie Connors, at cconnors@ctf.org or at 212-344-6633 x8544.

Thank you for supporting the Children’s Tumor Foundation’s mission to end NF! To learn more about CTF visit www.ctf.org.

We Reward You for Fundraising!

Fundraise $100 and you will receive a Children's Tumor Foundation pedometer.	Each walker who personally raises $500 or more will get an official Children's Tumor Foundation tote bag.

 

Facts & Statistics

·	NF has been classified into three distinct types; NF1, NF2 and schwannomatosis. They are caused by different genes, located on different chromosomes.
·	NF1 is the most common neurological disorder caused by a single gene; occuring in one in every 3,000 children born.
·	NF2 is a rarer type, occurring in 1:25,000 people worldwide.
·	While today there is no consensus, studies indicate that schwannomatosis occurs in 1:40,000 people, similar to NF2.
·	The Neurofibromatoses are genetically-determined disorders which affect more than 2 million people worldwide; this makes NF more prevalent than cystic fibrosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and Huntington's Disease combined.
·	All forms of NF are autosomal dominant genetic disorders which can be inherited from a parent who has NF or may be the result of a new or "spontaneous mutation" (change) in the sperm or egg cell.
·	Each child of an affected parent has a 50% chance of inheriting the gene and developing NF. The type of NF inherited by the child is always the same as that of the affected parent, although the severity of the manifestations may differ from person to person within a family.
·	NF is worldwide in distribution, affects both sexes equally and has no particular racial, geographic or ethnic distribution. Therefore, NF can appear in any family.
·	Although most cases of NF1 are mild to moderate, NF1 can lead to disfigurement; blindness; skeletal abnormalities; dermal, brain, and spinal tumors; loss of limbs; malignancies; and learning disabilities.
·	NF1 also has a connection to developmental problems, especially learning disabilities, which are five times more common in the NF1 population than in the general population.
·	The distinguishing feature of NF2 is tumors that grow on the eighth cranial nerve in both ears, commonly causing deafness and severe balance problems.
·	NF2 brings on increased risk of other types of nervous system tumors as well.
·	NF2 can also cause severe vision problems, including cataracts, retinal abnormalities and orbital tumors.
·	Accordingly, NF research may benefit an additional 100 million Americans (i.e. 65 million with cancer and 35 million with learning disabilities).
·	NF is not the "Elephant Man's Disease," although it was at one time believed to be. Scientists now believe that John Merrick, the so-called "Elephant Man," had Proteus Syndrome, an entirely different disorder.
·	NF research began eighteen years ago by the Children's Tumor Foundation, and has been enormously productive ever since.

 

Buaidh - NO - Bas

Followup - State of Health

Well it appears the sickness at my daughter's elementary school is subsiding.  Keeping the kids home for 48 hours when sick and having disinfected the school helps a lot.  But, boy a few kids sure have been hit hard.  I feel sorry for them since they will have missed a lot of school.

I can remember when during my first year of high school I went on an over night camping trip with my scout troop.  It was to a special location on the marine base in California that the scouts have access to.  On top of bringing a not so good sleeping bag, the temperatures at night got very low.  I came home and had to stay out of school for a week with pneumonia or bronchitis.  Not fun.  I missed a lot of semester finals and it hurt me a bit.

But, what I'd like to talk about is the over lapping insurance coverage and the like. The issues associated with contracted plans and the like.

My daughter due to her genetic condition and associated orthopedic condition has been going to the local Children's hospital for some years now.  Recently due to changes in the insurance she ended up going from a EPO to an HMO and getting dumped in with a new primary care physician who frankly from our one and only visit has no bedside manner.  But, what is causing the most trouble is the fact that the "medical group"  is not contracted with the local Children's hospital and thus we are ending up with some bills we did not expect.  But, due to overlapping coverage there seems to be some confusion as to why these bills are coming up in the first place.

When my daughter broke her leg for the first time we were investigated by social services.  It was a long day to resolve things and be cleared.  They though I guess that we were abusing her or something of that nature.  And at that point she had not even been diagnosed with her Neurofibromatosis (NF), by the way NF is not Elephant Man's disease, just the pseudoarthrosis in her right tibia.  In the end the county placed her on something called CSS or California children's services.  This was helpful when it came to her surgery a little less then one year later.  They covered everything and we really have no idea what it cost.






So since this insurance was provided to deal with her chronic issues with her leg we thought it would cover even her follow-up care and all the resulting further annual, semi-annual and in between visit to the orthopedist and the radiology department for X-rays.
Since we were never really total a whole lot about what this CSS was really covering we are now at a loss to under stand the bills.  And the people at children's hospital simply say - "that 'medical group' is not contracted with us and for that reason they are not covering everything."  So they recommend when making any changes to make sure that the new primary care physician and his 'medical group' are contract with the hospital.  And pay the bill so it will not ruin your credit.

First off it is hard as heck to find a good doctor, one you can trust and feel comfortable with and then you find out they are not fully covered etc.  But since we have this overlapping insurance thing it make it even harder.  Did they not bill the right people?  Are we mistaken about the coverage?   These and many more questions we do not have answers for.  And when my wife calls to get answers it is always so muddied.  For the longest time they could not provide and accurate up to date list of doctors we could choose from as primary care physicians.   When things changed from EPO to HMO it all went to pot.  And the worse part was that some thought the change had already gone through while others saw that it had not so it made matters even worse.  No one seemed to have the most current up to date information and for the longest time in the transition period my daughter really had not doctor to go to.  The old very wonderful pediatrician was out and the new doctor had not been identified as of yet.  What a mess.    And much of this due to the fact that the state was not paying the bills in a timely manner.  Many good doctors quit dealing with them as it was such a hassle.


So as I've heard one - medical bills and the such are one the biggest causes of middle class families going bankrupt.

So as the various parts of Obama care go into effect let's see if it help.  The interesting part is that they need the young healthy people that rarely see a doctor in the program to balance out those that are over 65 and seeing the doctor 2-3 a week in some cases and needing heavy amounts of medications or multiple surgeries.




So hopefully some of these changes will make things easier to understand and less confusing and provide in the long term better care..... we need choices that will not break the bank.  Unfortunately, I don't see any just around the corner.

And then maybe we will end up with a system similar to what they have in Brazil.  Everyone pays into the system kind of like medicare taxes and then they all have access to the government run system of health care.  At times you might have to wait in a mile long line to get treated and having a surgery is another issues all together but, everyone is covered.  You want better care, quicker care you usually go to a private clinic and use insurance you paid yourself.  So it does not help for the guys in the middle.   The ones that are currently being squeezed in our system.



We may never win since every system has it downfalls.  Pray we just end up with one that that is better then what we have and has less problems or draw backs.  But, then again the life choices of some people can have a big effect on how healthy we are.

Buaidh - NO - Bas

24 hours of Daytona Updates

Well we pulled it off.  The car completed the course but, not in the way you might think.

At some time in the evening/night it was discovered that the engine had some type of crack or other damage.  Normally this would put any car out of commission.  In the end they decided to park the car and hold it till the last 1/2 hours or so of the race.  This would at least give all the kids and Heroes something to cheer on at the end of the race.  A very smart move on the part of the drivers and crew.

So in the end they only completed 310 laps.  In years past they have been able to do over 600 laps.  They still did over 1100 miles in the car even with all the trouble.  The other car racing for Magnus racing that had graciously donate their car for use by Children's Tumor Foundation did come in first for the GT class.


Our party at BJ's Brewery and Restaurant in Torrance was great. Tons of pizza and their huge cookie dessert.  Plenty of drinks as well.  Sure was a satisfying event.

Now due to the reservations about the state of the economy the donations that year are more in the $500,000 - $600,000 mark.  Off from the $700,000 of last year and not nearly as good as the 1 Million mark they wanted to achieve.  However, even this lower amount will help to provide much needed research.  Research that will help find answers about tumors, learning disabilities, bone deformities and much much more.  All world class research.

So if you have a few bucks to spare please make a donation.

http://ctf.kintera.org/r4rp/brendamccool2012

The over 100,000 people living with Neurofibromatosis (NF) in the USA will thank you, and who know it might just help some other person due to related research.  So much is interconnected when it comes to research.

If you want you can also bid on some of the stuff used at the race like a helmet, seat belt, and even a car.  Check it out

http://ebay.com/ctfauction

Already planning for next year.  It shall be bigger and better.

Buaidh - NO - Bas

Attention all Cars - Daytona here we come

As I like to do on this blog here and there I'd like to highlight a very worth while event and fund raising opportunity.

Recently, in just the past several year the Children's Tumor Foundation (http://www.ctf.org) began to use the 24 Hours of Daytona endurance event as a fundraising vehicle.

Here is how Racing4research works.

A race team donates their vehicle, driver time, and crew  to be run at the 24 hours of Daytona endurance event.  The car competes in the 24 hours of non-stop driving with the goal of raising funds to end  Neurofibromatosis (NF).  Persons pledge per lap or give a flat amount as a donation.  In the past the car has been able to complete over 600 laps.  That is quite the feat as each lap is about 3.52 miles.  So that means they ran the car for over 2100 miles in 24 hours.  Some professional teams can't even finish the event due to a break down or other trouble with the car.

What makes this event special is the fact that almost every year they include the Names of NF Heroes on the vehicle.

It's is becoming so big that I wonder where they will be able to put all the names.  And they still find some room for those that want to advertise on the vehicle as sponsors with all the proceeds going into the fundraising pool.

So what exactly will this money raised be used for?  Well it all goes toward funding the Drug Discovery Initiative (DDI).    This program provides grants to take currently available drugs and see if they can be applied to helping solve some of the symptoms of NF.  In the past they provided funding to a researcher in Germany that found out that Lovastatin promotes bone growth.  Potential useful for all those that suffer from bone deformities as a result of NF.  This lead to further research in places like Australia, and Vanderbilt University.  And the good part is results have to be received in within 6 months so there is a quick turn around on the seed money.  As potential benefits are seen further larger grants can be obtained.

What gets me excited is that a condition like Pseudoarthrosis (improper healing of bone fractures) that afflicts such a small portion of people with NF has been able to get so many advances because of DDI and the money raised by Racing4research.

Those many of the other effect of NF like Learning Disabilities and Tumors are also being researched.

As you read the stories of the many NF Heroes you will see so many challenges to over come - Bone Deformities, Tumors, Hearing Loss, vision issues due to brain tumors and the list goes on.

I'd like to highlight just one of these heroes that daily is dealing with the effects of NF.  Her name is Brenda and she was first diagnosed with Tibial Dysplasia (Psuedoarthrosis) at 9 months of age.  Since then she has been wearing a brace literally daily and has had to have surgery to insert a rod into her leg after breaking it repeatedly.  She is still not out of the woods and constantly faces the risk of a hair line crack or fracture.

So please join with me and donating to find an end to NF.

Here is her personal page - and it needs more donations from good hearted people like you -
http://ctf.kintera.org/r4rp/brendamccool2012




Here are a few of the local race events you can participate in by state.  Most have a raffle or silent auction and plenty of good food.

Arizona - Tuscon
California - LA Area
Nevada - Las Vegas
Utah - Salt Lake

http://ctf.kintera.org/r4rp/brendamccool2012

Together we can get through this and find a cure.

Buaidh - NO - Bas

Catapult Competition Time Again

Once again my local Cub Scout Pack is coming upon our annual catapult competition.

Originally this was developed to help us eventual build a bigger fully functioning catapult to be used at our local Orange County Council's Scout-O-Rama.

PVC Teamwork Trebuchet

It was also a way for me to wear my Kilt.  I have few opportunities that seem appropriate to use my kilt and especially my semi-formal Argyll Jacket.  So this annual competition was developed.

In the beginning it was decided to also use this event as a possible recruiting vehicle.  All the teams had to have one current cub scout and someone else (usually ended up being a parent or sibling).

This year there are no restrictions on how many if any have to be on the team.  I've also had some size restrictions to make sure we don't have someone with an over sized catapult and win the distance portion hands down.  However, when I put :

"wLauncher(s)  MUST  be 1 ½ cubic feet max"   I got an interesting result.  One

astute father got me on the cubic feet term.  He got me on the no more

then 1 1/2 foot in the height/width/length (the original idea).  In reality he

was a little longer in one area then I expected.  But he was 1 1/2 foot

cubic since the others were shortened accordingly.   So this year it is

very clear the only restriction is the length of 1 foot minimum.

I also decided to have them include a certain part supplied by me.  I
gave no specification on how to use the part and even that it has to be an intricate part of the catapult.  For all I care it can be just tied or glued to the side.


It shall be fun how the "rules" are interpreted.  I'm always thrown for a curve but, it is not all that bad.   


To make things fair in some respects we end up doing two parts to our competition.  One is for distance.  The highly powerful engines are great at this part.  Our first year we had one that was flinging to the far side of the hall (well over 30 feet) and hitting the wall.  He was way ahead of everyone by points since most people were not even getting close to his throwing distance.   However, as we no if you have an overly powerful engine how in the heck are you going to actually hit the castle wall you need to demolish?


So that is why we also put in as our second part a piece on accuracy.  What this means is the way you get more points is by hitting a target, landing a certain distance, or making  your shot do something specific.  The first year due to some high point targets that had randomly been place on the tables we had a near upset.  One of the weaker but, more controlled engines hit on high point target.  It may have been a near fluke, coincidence or some good planning but, with that point addition they sat within 50 points of the leader.  Now the leader was the wall hitting high powered uncontrollable engine.  But, it helped to prove a point.   You need more then just power to be successful.  However, due to the over powering of the distance point system the power guy still won.

Last I felt like I had time and decide to get out some of my old Playmobil toys and build a Tower House and included some of the figures.  I made this for the accuracy portion of the event.  I even included some invading viking like my ancestors would have had to deal with.  You lost points if you hit them instead of the building.  You also got more points if you hit the defenders or the high tower.
This proved to be very challenging as few if any hit the tower house.  One team lost points due to hitting their attacking squad.




So what benefits has this competition provided to our Pack.

1. Chance for Webelos to complete a requirement for the Engineer Activity Badge
2. Chance for boys to work with their adult partner (even had a surrogate father get involved)
3. Helps to teach the principles of planning and strategies
4. Helps to show how one can be a winner at one thing and no another (IE. accuracy not distance; visa versa)
5. Helps to have a goal to strive for.
6. Helps learning to follow the rules.
7. Winners and losers (To many school don't want to have any losers.  Life is not that way!  We all have set backs)
8. What boy would not want to build his own catapult?

 And one last note - Stay tuned for updates about the Racing4research event associated with 24 Hours of Daytona coming up at the end of the month.

Buaidh - NO - Bas

Racing for Research - 24 Hours of Daytona

I'd like to talk a little bit about this fundraising vehicle.

Racing4research is made up of a handful of volunteer drivers, and the support crew that are needed to get a car through the 24 Hours of Daytona racing event that occurs every January of the year.  It is now in it's 4th or 5th year and has done amazing things in raising funds for the Children's Tumor Foundation's Drug Discovery Initiative.

Last year the total was around $700,000.  Each year it grows as more people find out about the program and more race day parties are setup.


it's so amazing that some doctors that deal with NF patients as well as some professional race car drivers are willing to donate their time, money and resources to do their best at completing the 24 hours of Daytona endurance event.  In the past they have been able to complete over 600 laps.  Many cars with the best of mechanics and crews are not even able to complete the event.

This event is also wonderfully motivational for those that are dealing with NF.    For some the symptoms are highly demoralizing.
Imagine going through your school day without the ability to go on the swings, monkey bars or play the usual games kids do since you don't want to risk breaking your leg and having surgery again.  Or how about those that have lost their hearing because of a tumor in their auditory canal.  And the ones that just can't stop itching their head even though it starts to bleed.

If the drivers, sleep deprived at times, can make it through the course then they too can make it through life.  Both the heroes and the crews motivate one another.

And the money raised will ultimately help more then just those with NF.  Since 50% of those with NF have learning disabilities, and research for many of the other issues like bone deformities, tumors, and the like can help those in the general population.


So please join me in finding a way to make a donation no matter how small it may be.  Because when 100s of people donate just $10 it starts to add up.

Please check out a very special Hero named Brenda.
She has been dealing with a Bone deformity since 9 month of age which eventually required surgery.  Thankfully no other major symptoms have manifest themselves.  Read her whole story.


You can also check out some of the other NF Heroes around the country by checking here!

Thanks for stopping by.  Hope you get inspired to help someone have a better day!

Buaidh - NO - Bas

Racing4research on Today Show

Hey Racing4Research friends! TUNE IN to the TODAY Show this Thursday, July 28st during the 8:00 am hour. They will feature a story about the Children's Tumor Foundation, our Racing4Research program and Blake - an incredible kid and one of our NF Heroes.

 

The racing4research  program is fabulous.  It couples the thrill of racing and fundraising.

Local NF Heroes (My Daughter included) have the ability to fund raise using the car as a draw.  Locally in January many areas have race day parties.  The last couple we have been to in Torrance CA at the BJ's Brewery and Restaurant have been just amazing.  

The best part is each Hero is able to have their name on the car.  This makes it their car and they then get more excited as it runs ~3 mile laps in Daytona.  The last couple of years it has been pushing 600+ laps in 24 hours.   That's amazing as some cars can't even complete the event due to technical issues with the vehicle or crashes.

SO go and find out about a few of the extraordinary people living with Neurofibromatosis.

To make a donation - http://ctf.kintera.org/r4rp/brendamccool2012

http://www.ctf.org/Racing-4-Research/2011-nf-heroes.html  you be amazed at their stories of hardship, and struggle.  This is not something that will simply go away.  It's a life long condition..... only through your support do we have a hope of finding effective treatments and ultimately a cure.

Facts & Statistics

	NF has been classified into three distinct types; NF1, NF2 and Schwannomatosis. They are caused by different genes, located on different chromosomes.
	NF1 is the most common neurological disorder caused by a single gene; occuring in one in every 3,000 children born.
	NF2 is a rarer type, occurring in 1:25,000 people worldwide.
	While today there is no consensus, studies indicate that schwannomatosis occurs in 1:40,000 people, similar to NF2.
	The Neurofibromatoses are genetically-determined disorders which affect more than 100,000 Americans; this makes NF more prevalent than cystic fibrosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and Huntington's Disease combined.
	All forms of NF are autosomal dominant genetic disorders which can be inherited from a parent who has NF or may be the result of a new or "spontaneous mutation" (change) in the sperm or egg cell.
	Each child of an affected parent has a 50% chance of inheriting the gene and developing NF. The type of NF inherited by the child is always the same as that of the affected parent, although the severity of the manifestations may differ from person to person within a family.
	NF is worldwide in distribution and affects both sexes equally and has no particular racial, geographic or ethnic distribution. Therefore, NF can appear in any family.
	Although most cases of NF1 are mild to moderate, NF1 can lead to disfigurement; blindness; skeletal abnormalities; dermal, brain and spinal tumors; loss of limbs; malignancies; and learning disabilities.
	NF1 also has a connection to developmental problems, especially learning disabilities, which are five times more common in the NF1 population than in the general population.
	The distinguishing feature of NF2 is tumors that grow on the eighth cranial nerve in both ears, commonly causing deafness and severe balance problems.
	NF2 brings on increased risk of other types of nervous system tumors as well.
	NF2 can also cause severe vision problems, including cataracts, retinal abnormalities and orbital tumors.
	Accordingly, NF research may benefit an additional 100 million Americans (i.e. 65 million with cancer and 35 million with learning disabilities).
	NF is not the "Elephant Man's Disease," although it was at one time believed to be. Scientists now believe that John Merrick, the so-called "Elephant Man," had Proteus Syndrome, an entirely different disorder.
	NF research began eighteen years ago by the Children's Tumor Foundation, has been enormously productive ever since.

 http://www.ctf.org/Living-with-NF/facts-a-statistics.html

 

Buaidh - NO - Bas

NOT so Musical Tour of New York with Josh Groban

Well my wife thought the idea a bit out there and lame.   I would not say it is so but, it sure can use a change.

Forcing a musician to perform predefined songs in a public place for someone that is paying (with donations going to a special charity) is just well plain a pain.
Think about it.  It would be wonderful to have Josh just break out and sing Starry Starry Night  on the step in front of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  However, how do  you control the crowd that would form would be another thing.  For a noted musician like Josh would not cause an instant stir though the  Grobanites would sure twit the things to death once they found out what was going on.
Then it would become a mad dash to get to places ahead of the crowd.... at least the charity would still get donation and you' d better hope you already had lunch or dinner before being found out.

In reality it would be more interesting to actually go to the site and hang with the person then just have them perform in front of the venue. Another logistical nightmare.  Imagine the number of autographs that would be asked for.  So when would you ever get his opinion on say a piece of art, or what the Statue of Liberty means to them?

It still would be cool to have the meet up be some type of mystery serenade at say Central Park near a predetermined location.    You'd also have to have the late night serenade to end things.
Being sung Lullaby as you get in the elevator at the hotel to go your room well..... it would make  my daughter she'd simply swoon.

So do you stick to the singing at each location and causing a frenzy or make it more like a celebrity date for Charity?

Now a good twist would be to get the Horse and Carriage ride around Central Park after lunch at the plaza and then a chance to have a personal and private concert or time for a musical exploration in some more intimate location. That could eventually lead to a live album with proceeds going to the selected Charity.

So if your in need of a charity to support take the time to consider the Children's Tumor Foundation http://www.ctf.org
It's Money well spent and indirectly research sponsored by the foundation is helping over 5 million people dealing with Pain, Cancer, and Learning Disabilities on top of all the other complications associated with Neurofibromatosis.

Buaidh - NO - Bas

Racing4Research Car at the Short Hills Mall

For those on the east coast and especially in the tri-state region that are into Auto Racing of any sort you'll want to check this car out.

The car in question will be competing in the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona competition in January.
This endurance race is the ultimate.  Last year they were able to complete 610 laps.  That is 610 3.5 mile laps in 24 hours with various issue with the car.  I believe the radiator on one side blew and issue with a bump/fender, tires etc, etc.

http://www.ctf.org/Living-with-NF/racing4research-car-at-the-short-hills-mall.html

It sure is one amazing car and one amazing fund raising project.
Read more about some of the amazing people afflicted with Neurofibromatosis they will truely inspire you. 2011 NF Heroes.

Norse in America

I now have the actual verbiage used in the book mentioned in the last post.

In the epilogue section by Helge Ingstad he writes:
"One question is often asked: Why did the Norsemen not colonize those parts of North America which they discovered, as Columbus did in South America?  The answer is simple enough: Columbus had fire arms, he was absolutely superior to the natives in battle.  Moreover, he was in constant contact with Europe.  The Norsemen on the other hand had, the same kind of weapons as the natives, little more that bows and arrows and spears, and they were greatly outnumbered by the Indians and the Eskimos.  Their contact with Greenland was very slight indeed.  Leif Eirikson discovered America about five hundred years before Columbus and this was too early."
pg 180 The Viking discovery of America Helge Ingstad & Anne Stine Ingstad.


I'll leave the section alone since I already commented on it in detail previously.  It is so well worded and deep it needs no more.


Stay tuned for more interesting fact, and items.

I'm also working on an ultimate charity idea.  A Musical Tour of New York with Josh Groban.
I'm sure some Grobanite would fork over $10,000 for charity to be able to be serenaded at 5-10 key landmarks in NYC with a dinner or lunch to follow.   Stay tuned oh stay tuned.
If needing to consider a charity Please take a moment to check out the Children's Tumor Foundation.  They help fund research among other things for those afflicted with Neurofibromatosis.  It is "NF1 is not a rare disorder, it is the most common neurological disorder caused by a single gene."  "The Neurofibromatoses are genetically-determined disorders which affect more than 100,000 Americans; this makes NF more prevalent than Cystic Fibrosis, hereditary Muscular Dystrophy, Huntington's Disease and Tay Sachs combined."

Also check out their Racing4research page for all your drivingphiles.  Each year for the past several years they have been able to participate in one of the most prestigious racing events in the world.  The 24 Hours of Daytona.

Buaidh - NO - Bas