TEAM KIM
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Hello Friends:
I want to begin by saying ‘Thank You!’ for all the cards and well wishes, heartwarming e-mails and phone calls. Your genuine love and concern continue to lift and carry us through this difficult time. Sincerest thanks to all who have participated in the recent bone marrow drives whether by swabbing to be a donor, volunteering or just being there to support Be The Match. Your response has been overwhelming and unbelievably humbling. Without all of you my story could not be told…
Our journey began 2 years ago with the life-changing diagnosis of breast cancer. While the news was devastating, we decided to keep it private and face the battle head-on, our family by our side. After months of treatments and several surgeries, we rose to victory and I began to feel normal once again. 15 months after my last chemo treatment, I was finally getting back on my feet, my hair was starting to look cute again, I was really looking forward to forever.
Then, the crushing news--leukemia. The word pierced deep. I could hardly breathe. Still exhausted from all I had been through, I was done being brave, done being strong. I just wanted to BE. I wanted to be a good mom. I wanted to be a good wife and friend. I just wanted to be like everyone else. And now once again I’m not. Being bald twice isn’t fair—not for me, not for anyone.
Hearts shattered but always a fighter, I went into survival mode once again. I believe everyone should fight for what they want, what they want to keep, and what they believe in. So here I am in the hospital again, fighting for everything that’s waiting at home for me. Much like being in prison for a crime I didn’t commit, the isolation here is tedious and lonely. The chemo is grueling and feels like the worst hangover ever, without all the fun. Through it all, thoughts of the simplest things have become my treasures: a breath of fresh air, a walk in the sunshine, going home to precious time with Jeremy and our girls, holding hands on the beach. Simple joys… rewards that warm me and keep me focused.
It didn’t take long for us to realize that this time our battle was BIGGER than us. We knew we could not do it alone. I know many of you admire Jeremy because he’s a champion, has done great things for the sport he loves, is a hero and role model. But, beyond all that, I want you to know what an incredible father and husband he is. No husband should have to see his wife the way he’s seen me. Yet, through it all he has been right by my side. We share an amazing love story. He is even more remarkable on the inside than you have ever seen on the outside.
So, we come to the part where Jeremy McGrath had to reach out and reveal his heart to all who would listen--his friends, fans, fellow riders, sponsors past and present. His passionate plea is for donors, bone marrow awareness, all the love and support we can find. You listened, you cared, you did not disappoint. Your response has been unbelievable and lifesaving.
Sometimes I think, “Why me, God? Why me again?” Then I hear about the record-breaking days we have set getting donors, raising funds and critical awareness for our cause, and I clearly get it--God’s answer to me. Somewhere there is another mom in a hospital bed missing her babies just like me. There are dads, daughters, sons, sisters, brothers, more importantly, kids out there waiting for a match just like me. If Jeremy and I can help one person, 10 people, or maybe even 100 people, THAT’S why I’m here, THAT’S why I’m doing my time.
I think about all the amazing blessings I have in my life, each one worth fighting for! Everyone has their thing, right? Well, I guess this is mine. I’m gonna fight because that’s the only thing I know how to do.
Thanks all so much for being there when we need you most.
Love,
Kim McGrath
We are hoping to raise $100,000 to help pay for the tissue typing of all new registry members signing up for the Be The Match Registry on behalf of Kim. In addition to Kim, thousands of leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancer patients rely on this registry to find an unrelated marrow donor to save their lives. It costs approximately $100 for each donor to be tested and added to the registry.
Your contribution, in any amount, will help us realize our goal. 100% of the money donated, will stay in our local area to add donors to the registry.
By supporting us, your "tax-deductible" contribution will help to add new donors to this lifesaving registry. Once a donor is added to the registry they remain searchable by patients until the donor turns age 61. Your financial contribution today can mean numerous lives saved today and for years to come.
Together, we have the potential to truly make a difference in Kim's life and the lives of thousands of men, women and children in need of a life-saving transplant.
Here's How You Can Help TODAY!
Contribute!
Our Fundraising Goal is $100,000.00!
Click on "Make a Gift" and make your tax-deductible contribution now
-or-
mail donations to:
Be The Match Foundation
c/o Paige Morrison
1231 East Dyer Rd, Suite 236
Santa Ana, CA 92705
**Checks should be made payable to Be The Match Foundation and be sure to include Kim McGrath on the memo line.
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Join the Marrow Registry
Find BE THE MATCH at all upcoming
Outdoor Nationals presented by Lucas Oil:
SOUTHWICK- Southwick, MA
August 11th, 2012
UNADILLA- New Berlin, NY
August 18th, 2012
STEEL CITY - Delmont, PA
September 1st, 2012
LAKE ELSINORE - Lake Elsinore, CA
September 8th, 2012
--- or JOIN ONLINE ---
TOTAL Registered: 2,500+
We would like to personally thank:
Rebecca Alminiana, S. Antunez, Rachel Arteaga, Baja 500, Kristy Baker, Tyrome Baker, Megan Barnhart, Lisa Basso, Timothy Brown, Anita Button, Liliana Cardenas, Renne Catalano, Chaparral Motorsports, Shelley Coleman, D&G Schroeder, Jeremy Conrad, Surratt Trucking Corp, Lori Crockett, Desert Pacific Development, Kandee Doetsch, Laura Dooley, Lance Drown, Michele Drown, Tom Ecker, Don Emde, Lori Esler, Julieta Esteban, Rich Every, Kaitlin Foley, Quiksilver Foundation, Road 2 Recovery, Rebecca Fuentes, Juan Garcia, David Gomez, John Harelson, Michael Hibner, R. Holland, Culver Insurance Services, Pro Circuit Products, C. Jacobs, Cheryl James, Wanda Johansen, Sharon Johnson, Diana Kalaitzian, Jennifer Katke, Ali Keilbach, Bart Kellogg, John Kennelly, Susan Kim, David Kliber, Christina Kraus, Rene Kuenning, Jennifer Lane, Larry Lawrence, Catherine Long, Daniel Longhorn, Mike Lysik, John Marlin, Bill Maxley, Zachary McKay, Cheryl Meeks, Cynthia Mendoza, Anthony Meyers, Jennifer Mlouk, James Monteverde, AV Motoplex, 359 Motorsports, Andrew Mueller, Jeanette Murphy, Patty Nedrow, Nina Niu-Ok, Erin O'Farrell-Wagner, Jill Petrucci-Jackson, Ashley Pumphrey, Jonathan Reyes, Melissa Rodriguez, Natasha Romero, Dana Ross, Terri Sacks, Leslie Scanlon, Melissa Shubert, Donna Schumacher, Toyota of Escondido,Thuy Seafort, Gretchen Sheckler, Michael Smith, SPY Optic, Traci Stewart, Amy Stiles, Kevin Strikwerda, Patrick Terrazas, Alastair Tremewan, Tom Van Tassel, Noemi Vergara, B. Wilford, Rochelle Williams, Joelinda Wilscam, Linda Zeiders
...and EVERYONE else who has been involved with Kim McGrath’s fight. We cannot thank you enough.
*Any questions or to learn how to get involved, please contact Paige Morrison at pmorriso@nmdp.org
Why you should help
Be The Match relies on our support to collect contributions from people like us so that it can further its mission. Proceeds will help add more potential donors to the Be The Match Registry. I hope you'll consider making a contribution today. Together we can help save lives!
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