Making Goals Together

/in , /by

“I never knew the benefit of running with a group until I joined the Isabella Santos Foundation Dream Team.  I started running 5 years ago when a friend challenged me to run a 5k.  When I realized I could do it, I had the desire to improve.  However, it takes a lot of self-motivation to stay on track.  And it kind of gets boring when you are running by yourself and achieving a goal when no one else is aware of it.  

I “ran” across the Isabella Santos Foundation Dream Team 3 years ago.  I decided to attend a group run one day, and the rest is history.  I was pushed to be healthy.  I was motivated to run and cross train.  I learned how to properly train for a race.  I could not let anyone down so I tried to attend every Saturday morning group run.  I looked forward to the reward at the end of our Saturday runs –  Clean Juice with a new group of friends. But most importantly, it was incredible to see everyone cheer each other on when you are accomplishing your goals.  You celebrated together.  You laughed together.  You smiled together.  There’s no better feeling than to accomplish a personal goal and share it with others. 

I achieved a personal record on a half marathon in Fall 2017, and I never ever thought I could do it.  I owe it all to the ISF Dream Team.  There is no way I could have achieved this goal without everyone’s support, pushing me to improve my performance, and cheering me on.  I am forever grateful that I am a part of the ISF Dream Team.  

It’s not too late to join the Isabella Santos Foundation Dream Team.  I promise, you won’t regret it.” 

– Tammy Lowry

ISF Dream Team

The ISF Dream Team, created in 2014, is a running group that assists you in training to run the race of your dreams.  You can train for a 5k, 10k, half marathon, half marathon relay, full marathon relay, or a full marathon.  You are provided a training schedule, invited to group runs, and inspired by a phenomenal team of people.  Not only will you meet a dynamic group of people, but you will also be inspired through your friends and family as they support you through the training.  The ISF Dream Team has raised over $400,000 to date, with the funds contributing to our local Charlotte community.  If you want to join the ISF Dream Team, we would love to hear from you.  Please email us at info@isabellasantosfoundation.org.

ISF MIBG Ambassador: Creative Fundraising

/in /by

MIBG Ambassador Charity Salon Night

Our fundraisers are getting creative… and we love it! Courtney, a first-time ISF fundraiser committed to become an MIBG Ambassador this year. Last night she hosted a charity salon night at Petals Nails & Brow Boutique who generously offered to extend the hours of their salon and donate 20% of their sales for the evening. Girls night out, pedis, manis, wine, sweets and a few prizes… Courtney raised $550! Thank you Courtney for the creative fundraising idea, thoughtful touches on the evening, and thank you Petals Nail & Brow Boutique for supporting our community.

With the ISF MIBG Therapy Suite currently under construction at Levine Children’s, our MIBG Ambassadors are busy fundraising to ensure that we are preparing for the kids and families who will be entering this program. Learn more about what it means to become an MIBG Ambassador and how you can directly impact a child being treated with cancer.

We Will Train Together. Run Together.

/in /by

Keith & Jackson, Dream Team Week #2

The Isabella Santos Foundation Dream Team, a Charlotte running group, has officially started training for 2018.  Members of our team run with purpose and heart… we always enjoy hearing about why they run, what inspires them and their goals to get them to the finish line.  When it kicked off a few weeks ago, we learned that two of our Dream Team members set a goal together for this year.  Jackson Lowry, at age 13, accomplished his second half marathon last year with a personal record time.  Keith Brent accomplished his third half marathon since training with the ISF Dream Team.  As they both were looking back on their accomplishments, they were trying to decide what was their next dream.  Jackson admires Keith, and he said “one day I want to be able to run a full marathon.”  Keith without hesitation said “I will do it with you.  You pick the race, we will train together.  Run it together.” 

And the bond was created. They have set their 2018 goal – the Rock ‘N Roll Savannah Full Marathon in November.  Training is officially underway.  This past Saturday, they ran 8 miles in step together as they planned out their training schedule for the upcoming week.  Daily texts, running together, and high fives – – they keep each other motivated.  They are already talking about how excited they are going to be when they cross that finish line together on November 3rd.  They have 108 days to finish their training, and they do it all for Isabella and other kids fighting cancer.

These goals and uncommon bonds are what inspires us at the foundation!

A little about Jackson…

Jackson Lowry, at age 12, started running with the ISF Dream Team in Summer of 2016.  When he became diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in November 2015, he understood how it felt to be diagnosed with a disease that had no cure. He was determined to not let his diabetes stop him from following his dreams.  He has trained with the ISF Dream Team, accomplishing several races including 2 half marathons.  This year, he is training for his very first full marathon while raising money for the Isabella Santos Foundation.  Jackson’s mission in life is to inspire more kids to give back.  You can support Jackson and cheer him on by making a donation to his fundraising efforts.

And Keith who has been supporting ISF since the beginning…

Keith Brent, and his wife Christine, both personally knew Isabella Santos.  When ISF was formed in 2007, they immediately became involved with the foundation.  Three years ago, Keith joined the ISF Dream Team.  Keith loves the challenge and fitness benefits of running, all while raising money in memory of Isabella.  Keith and Christine Brent have raised over $14,000 through the ISF Dream Team, directly crushing cancer in the Charlotte community.  Keith has accomplished three half marathons while being a part of the ISF Dream Team, and his goal for 2018 is to complete a full marathon.  You can support Keith and high five him on by making a donation on his fundraising efforts.  

ISF Dream Team

The ISF Dream Team, created in 2014, is a running group that assists you in training to run the race of your dreams.  You can train for a 5k, 10k, half marathon, half marathon relay, full marathon relay, or a full marathon.  You are provided a training schedule, invited to group runs, and inspired by a phenomenal team of people.  Not only will you meet a dynamic group of people, but you will also be inspired through your friends and family as they support you through the training.  The ISF Dream Team has raised over $400,000 to date, with the funds contributing to our local Charlotte community.  If you want to join the ISF Dream Team, we would love to hear from you.  Please email us at info@isabellasantosfoundation.org.

Meet ISF: Director of Corporate Philanthropy

/in , /by

We have a lot going on at the foundation and we are so excited when more hands join in the mix.  Meet Kerry Winslow, our new Director of Corporate Philanthropy.  Kerry has been volunteering with ISF for years and wanted to take her involvement to the next level.  And boy has she jumped right in… during her first week with ISF in June, she donated platelets for the first time ever and donated blood the next week in honor of Isabella.  Not only is she helping ISF move to the next level, she is managing the event planning for our upcoming Pumpkin Charity Ball.  Her energy and zest fit right in and we love the new perspective she is bringing.  Earlier this year ISF committed to funding $5 million to establish the Isabella Santos Foundation Rare & Solid Tumor Program at Levine Children’s Hospital. Kerry is dedicated to help us figure out how to get there and says she wanted to make a difference by being part of the impact to kids with cancer and the change to our city.

“I am inspired by hard work and grit.  One of the main reasons I decided to get involved with ISF is because I am inspired by the hard work and grit of this foundation.  The idea of a community coming together and building something that will ultimately change the landscape of pediatric oncology in our city, and our country, is truly amazing.”

A little bit about Kerry…

Do you have kids?  I have been married to my husband, David, for 20 years this August! We have 3 children David (15), Audrey (13), and Nolan (11).

What’s one thing on your bucket list?  One thing on my bucket list is to totally disconnect and spend a couple weeks exploring Greece and Italy!

What’s your favorite thing to do?  I love to travel and am always up for a quick trip to the beach or NYC.

What’s your favorite movie?  It’s a toss up between Father of the Bride and My Best Friend’s Wedding! 

What inspire you?  I am inspired by hard work and grit.  One of the main reasons I decided to get involved with ISF is because I am inspired by the hard work and grit of this foundation.  The idea of a community coming together and building something that will ultimately change the landscape of pediatric oncology in our city, and our country, is truly amazing.

MIBG Construction Update #3, Levine Children’s Hospital

/in , , , /by

Holy cow what a cool morning. Earlier today our team visited the ISF MIBG construction site at Levine Children’s. To set foot into the pediatric cancer therapy site that your dollars support is surreal!

In the pictures you will see a couple of things. The space on the right will be the patient room, the space on the left will be the parent/guardian room… in between you will notice a large steel door frame where the lead lined door will be placed. The huge structural steel beams have been set underneath the floors and on the ceiling… these are required to hold the weight of the lead bricks that are encompassing the room to protect and manage the MIBG Therapy safely for both patients, family and staff. Lead bricks have been installed partially on one wall. (Insider scoop: the construction team may or may not have broken two elevators getting them up to the 11th floor. That’s how heavy the lead bricks are.)

It was impressive to learn that the lead lined doors and windows will be thicker than any other MIBG Therapy room doors/windows in the country which will provide the best radiation protection during this cancer therapy. Looking forward to sharing these pictures.

The LCH team is getting ready prepping. Nurse Dawn, MIBG Therapy Program Director, has been super busy creating program materials, administering the core nursing education, and have learned from support staff such as radiation safety, child life specialists and bone marrow transplant coordinators. The MIBG nursing team has had a conference call with Nationwide Children’s Hospital where they were given the opportunity to ask experienced MIBG nurses what they have learned, what they would change, their fears, ect. That’s pretty cool.

We are looking for individuals who want to be part of providing comfortable care for the kids/families that go through MIBG Treatment. Our new MIBG Ambassador Program gives you the flexibility of raising $5,000 the way you want to raise it… 100% of funds raised through this program will be distributed very specifically through our LCH partnership with this very targeted MIBG purpose. {You do not have to be located in Charlotte to participate, contact Tia for details}

Learn more about MIBG Therapy and what’s coming to Levine Children’s Hospital.