Chris (Chico) Fernandez is an active Trailblazer who has helped the club and our trails in many ways, including providing legal expertise with pro bono legal services. Last year Chris was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Even though he continues to struggle with his own recovery, Chris is committed to continue his long support for the 24 Hours of Booty cause. He and his co-workers at Alston & Bird are determined to make a difference to help 24 Hours raise funds.
I know many of you donate to help 24 Hours of Booty. If you have not already made a pledge, or if you can spare just a little bit more, please consider a pledge on behalf of Chris Fernandez. If you can spare a pledge for Chris' efforts use the link at the end of the message below from Alston & Bird, and let him know the Trailblazers sent you. He'll really appreciate it!
Thanks.
Jim Grover
President, Tarheel Trailblazers
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You can read Chris’ story by clicking on this link:
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An avid cyclist, Chris has been a serious supporter of 24 Hours of Booty, a local cycling event raising funds for cancer, for the last five years. Every spring Chris would start recruiting friends, colleagues and family to ride—having a good time and supporting a good cause to boot. This year is different. Last October, after months of feeling dizzy, numb and disoriented, Chris was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He underwent a first surgery in January at Duke University Hospital, and two additional surgeries to stop brain bleeding soon afterward. Although Chris’ tumor is benign, the surgery, treatment and recovery period has been a hardship for Chris and his family.
The 2009 A&B team consists of 13 riders, including Chris, whose rehabilitation goal is to be healthy enough to ride a few loops. He is determined to do this, and we are determined to raise $7500 for 24 Hours of Booty to support him. We have already received pledges for 20% of our goal.
24 Hours of Booty was founded in 2002 by an Alston & Bird attorney, Spencer Lueders. The organization had a modest beginning but has since raised millions for cancer causes, becoming the official 24-hour ride of the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Local recipients of this fundraising include the Blumenthal Center for Cancer Research at Carolinas Medical Center, the Brain Tumor Fund for the Carolinas, and the Keep Pounding Fund, which honors late Carolina Panthers players Sam Mills and Mark Fields.
I hope you will join us in financially supporting Chris, his A&B team and the important work of the Lance Armstrong Foundation.
Very truly yours,
Paul S. Donohue
You can use the following link to donate:
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