"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart." ~Helen Keller

December 2013

~ Special Thanks ~

TRFJ2013 Packet Pick-Up Info. Ackerman Sports Center 800 St. Charles Rd.

~ Thank you ~

"This Run's For Jack"
Elite Sponsors

PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE LIST

~ Sponsors ~

10 years running

Asics

Clune Construction

Drs. Ariano & Gray Dermatology

Glen Ellyn Pk Dist.

HealthTrack Sports and Wellness

ITW Dymon

Orange Crush, LLC

Viator International

Dear Friends:

With the holidays upon us, we want to take a moment to give thanks for our many blessings and wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

We are especially appreciative for the gift of your continued friendship and amazing support.

Together, we raised $110,000 this year toward "fighting melanoma every step of the way," and welcomed 1450 participants to the 10th Annual "This Runs For Jack", including groups from 13 states. Our marathon teams continue to make a difference as well, boasting 43 members from all over the country - just an incredible group!

In this newsletter is a link to our Flickr photo gallery filled with pictures from the Chicago and New York Marathons and the October 5k. As you scroll through all the pictures, notice the amazing gift of healing in the shared smiles, tears and hugs.

We also want to acknowledge the families who lost a loved one in 2013. Please know you remain in our thoughts and prayers.

On behalf of all of us at Jack's Fund, may you have a peaceful holiday wrapped in warmth, touched with wonder and filled with love.

Sharon Marston,

The Jack's Fund Board of Directors,

and TRFJ Committee Chairs

Jack's MARATHON TEAM - New York City

November 3, 2013

A very special group, running to find a cure and raise awareness for melanoma

in honor of a mother, a wife and a friend, raised over $24,000.

One of the many inspirational stories: Hulda, Kyle, Oliver & John Running for Awareness and Mama G: "As you may know, Mama G (aka Carolyn Grin) has Stage Four melanoma. You may also know that she continues to fight her cancer with style and grace. Through various treatments and clinical trials, Mama G is beating the odds! It's no wonder we want to honor her by sharing her story and doing anything we can to contribute to the fight against melanoma. Hulda & Kyle Black, Oliver Grin, and John Atwater are overjoyed to join forces with an organization that allows us to combine fund raising for melanoma awareness and research with one of the most celebrated long-distance running events."

Interested in joining the team in 2014, click here to email us.

Jack's MARATHON TEAM - Chicago
OCTOBER 13, 2013

EACH member brings a special purpose to the team and their connection to the fight against melanoma is often very personal. Whether they themselves are fighting the disease or they are running for a loved one touched by cancer, their strength, passion and focus is what makes Jack's Team so special.

We thank all of our team members for their
commitment to the fight!

In addition to their athletic success, the Chicago team also raised

over $32,000 for melanoma research and awareness.

Interested in joining the 2014 Chicago Team?

click here to email us.

"This Run's for Jack" 5k run/walk
October 20, 2013

"The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it" ~Scott

Perfect weather for a Fall 5k welcomed 1450 runners and walkers and 200 volunteers to Glen Ellyn's beautiful Ackerman Park for the 10th Annual "This Run's For Jack."
Thanks to all who made this years event another huge success -- $54,000.

RANK	NAME	HOMETOWN	PR DIV	AWARD TIME	PACE	BIB
1	*JEFF PURDOM	New Lenox, IL	30-34 m	00:15:51.51	05:07	5
2	CHRISTIAN EVANS	Glen Ellyn, IL	55-59 m	00:18:09.75	05:51	639
3	CHRISTOPHER RANSEL	Glen Ellyn, IL	35-39 m	00:19:06.07	06:09	441

RANK	NAME	HOMETOWN	PR DIV	AWARD TIME	PACE	BIB
1	ELLEN JOHNSON	Saint Charles, IL	25-29 f	00:19:42.33	06:21	73
2	SOPHIA FAUSEY	Wheaton, IL	13-14 f	00:19:58.55	06:26	455
3	*ELIZABETH TUMPACH	Downers Grove, IL	30-34 f	00:20:02.49	06:28	546

*Congratulation to the repeating medalists!

Click here for complete race results.

We value your input - please send us your thoughts and ideas in the attached survey.

Click here: 5K SURVEY

SAVE THE DATE:

October 19, 2014

11th Annual "This Run's For Jack"

"This Run's For Jack" Welcomes

Participants from 13 STATES

A very special thank you to the friends and families

who joined us from out-of-state!

Represented: Iowa, California, North Carolina, Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Virginia, New York, Kentucky, Wisconsin, and Colorado.

Honorary Race Starter: Jessica Linney and her daughter flew in from Colorado to start the event. Jessica is a melanoma survivor and a 2010 Jack's Marathon Team member. She is determined to raise awareness about this disease, hoping to save lives and change outcomes.

Record Number Sign Up for 5k TEAM CHALLENGE

20 teams totaling 460 participants

Largest Team (light blue shirts): "Remembering Sally's Smile"

In memory of Sally Horvath.

Click here to read:
A heartfelt note received from our dear friends on the GREEN TEAM.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our Team Challenge Friends!

Yes, you can ... Become a TRFJ Virtual Runner !

How can we support the cause even if we can't attend the run?

In 2013, using social media, Jack's Fund launched the

TRFJ VIRTUAL RUNNER.

(Run on your own time and your own route)

Each VR registered on-line, received a long sleeve t-shirt and engraved medal.

Huge Success!

Thank you to all who participated in this inaugural launch.

VR will be offered again in 2014.

Display your medal proudly!

Our AMAZING Volunteers -

Thank you !

Thank you to the 200 awesome volunteers who woke up early on a beautiful Sunday morning to share bright smiles and giving hearts. A special shout of thanks to Parkview Community Church youth group, Glenbard West athletes and TRFJ committee members.

It is your commitment that makes TRFJ a success - 10 years running!

More volunteer pictures in photo gallery.

Raising Awareness and Saving Lives

Dr. Ariano, Dr. Gray and staff

once again provided free skin screenings for 5k participants and volunteers.

Thank you for 10 years support!

The doctors saw 65 people

and saved lives by raising awareness

and encouraging follow-up.

In 2014, free skin checks will also be available during packet pick-up on Friday and Saturday as well as at the event on Sunday.

Family Tent Greets over 600

"Build it and they will come"

In 2005, "This Run's For Jack" committee members planned for the first Family Tent, hosting 25 people. Its original idea was to give melanoma patients and family members, who could not physically run or walk in the event, a place of respite, offering food, coffee and friendship. This year again, over 600 people were welcomed by TRFJ Board members, committee members and physicians. We are humbled by the impact this simple gathering place has on the melanoma community.

Food and beverages were generously donated by Aldi, Ulta Foods, Valli Produce, Einstein Bagels, Village Market, Starbucks, Chef Lisa Westergaard and volunteer bakers.

Let's Re-Define Christmas ... by

Please forward our newsletter to family and friends.

putting more Thanksgiving in it.

No sooner does Thanksgiving end, than the chaotic shopping season begins... a month-long compulsion to buy something. Anything. For everyone. We're pressed. We're stressed. And we waste time and money on gifts that might have little meaning.

Searching for that last minute gift idea? Here's a suggestion ... consider giving people donations to their favorite charities. And request that they give a donation to your favorite charity.

Source: Justgive.org (Guidestar 501c3 charity: The Jack H. Marston II Melanoma Fund EIN#20-1363653)

PHOTO GALLERY

500 new pictures added - click on the flickr button below

~ Thank you for all the photos ~
The Johnsen Family, Tia Simon, Sandy Pigott and Colleen Luczak

Start Line, Finish Line, Team Challenge, Families and Volunteers, Marathoners

Please send us your pictures - we'd love to include them in our Gallery!

Want more ... follow us on Twitter (@jacksfund) and Instagram (#jacksfund) and Facebook too!

Jack's Fund rooftop healing garden looking out from chemo bays at Lutheran General Hospital

Watch for Future

Newsletter Articles

New Jack's Fund Website coming soon!

2nd Annual Run Ugly Event in Colorado 4/27/14

High School Health Fairs

Corporate Wellness Events

Free Skin Checks

Golf Outing

11th Annual "This Run's for Jack" 10/19/2014

"We envision a world where every adult and child is aware of the risks of melanoma and takes preventative measures; where those who suffer from melanoma receive comfort and healing; and ultimately, where every case of melanoma will be completely curable."