1st Annual Be a Hero: Run for Awareness Run/Walk

Today was the day that I have have waited for for the past 2 months. Today the 1st Annual Be a Hero: Run for Awareness 2 Mile Run/Walk took place at Armstrong Park here in Racine. The run/walk was very enjoyable and I can not wait to start planning next year's event.

Thankfully, God blessed us with no rain, and comfortable weather. We had less participants then we would have liked but we raised more more than I had ever drempt of for it being the 1st year. Be a Hero: BDM raised close to $1,000 for the Blood Center of Wisconsin(In the following pictures you will see that the check says $844, however the EMT's at the run/walk and other individuals donated money after that).


It was an honor to have Miss Lakeshore 2006, Melissa Hinshaw and the Caledonia EMT's attend the event. Having support from a community representative, and local heroes was indescribable.

I would like to thank everyone who attended the run/walk, donated their time or money to help me accomplish this dream of mine, and my community for believing in me. A special thank you is given to my family for traveling this amazing new journey with me, and for making blood donation awareness a huge part of your life as well.

Two of the most memorable moments of this journey have been:
1. Walking/running next to people who are helping me to spread
awareness that blood donation IS important.
2. Recieving a text message from my close friend after the run/walk
was over that read, " I hope you had a good time this morning; I know
I did. I am so proud of you for doing this. You have saved so many
lives and I respect you for that"

If you are interested in participating in next year's run/walk please email me for information at madal002@uwp.edu If you are interested in donating money to the Blood Center of Wisconsin through my program Be a Hero:BDM please email me at the address listed above.

One of the simple thank yous given at the run/walk were life savers with a note attached. the note said: Thank you from Be a Hero:BDM, 1st Annual Be a Hero: Run for Awareness, You are a "life saver"


Blood donation is so important...please find the "hero" in yourself.

Blood Center of Wisconsin Recognition Event

Hello Everyone!

On September 9th, I was honored to be asked to attend the 2006 Blood Center of Wisconsin Recognition Event. The event was held at the Milwaukee Brewers stadium, and followed by a Brewer's game againest the Huston Astros. At the event, I had the pleasure of meeting 2 young individuals-Trevon and Kayla-who have sickle cell anemia. They both recieve blood transfusion on a regular basis, but yet were 2 of the happiest people I have ever met. It was wonderful to meet both of them who are living proof that blood donation matters.
I also met Jacki, the CEO of the Blood Center of Wisconsin. I enjoyed every second I was given to tell her about the role blood donation plays in my life, and about my program.

Please look in the near future for pictures of me with the three of them.