Amanda's 5K

Wow. What an event.

It was a perfect morning here in Columbia. The breeze, the sunshine...the hundreds of runners and walkers that filled Bethel Park. We were so thankful, so overwhelmed at the incredible support that was shown on behalf of our family and Amanda.

Many local businesses and families offered their support through sponsorships. Thank you. Nestle's provided wonderful baskets filled with chocolate goodies for the winners. Yum. People from out of town collected support and sent it in. (Hugs to you in Iowa.) Coach Vandover brought over the Rock Bridge Girl's Soccer team - cool. Nurses from University Hospital formed a team. (We love you guys.) A special little boy who uses Cardinal red crutches (and his family) joined in on behalf of our child. What a moment when he came over to tell Amanda "good luck." And of course, the dear friends and family who have steadfastly stayed with us and supported throughout this long journey...to all of you and everyone else who played a role, thank you. We are so very grateful.

A highlight of the day was the opportunity to meet and thank Tessa (the young lady who "created" this event) and Pascale (for whom the organization Pascale's Pals was founded) and their families. Their friendship and support has come to mean so very much to us throughout this journey.


Following is a message from Tessa's father, Mark Vellek.

First off, a huge thanks to all the donors, participants, and volunteers. We had almost 300 runners/walkers for the event and raised approximately $15,000!!!

Secondly, I'd like to thank Tessa Vellek for her caring nature, her giving spirit, and her methodical drive in raising awareness of good causes. I guess Ann and I must have done something right, so far!

Thirdly, with respect for the results - this was our first attempt at this, so count us in as rank amateurs. I apologize in advance for any mistakes or misspellings, but we did the best we could. We had the best volunteers on the course, taking pictures, at registration, passing out t-shirts, handing out food and drinks, setting up and tearing down, and at the start/finish line.

Fourthly, lets all give thanks to Amanda! What a kind spirit. She has the determination some of us could only dream about.

Lastly, there were several items left behind - if you would please contact me I'll return them:
1 blue shirt, St. John's Bay, size petite
1 pair of sunglasses, brown in a somewhat battered Pearle case
1 pair of ankle weights, Danskin, 2.5 lbs

Thank you to everyone who helped make this possible.

Mark

PS. Look at the front page of the Tribune today.
PPS. If you want to see the pictures, I'm publishing them right now: gallery.me.com/mvellek