Tuesday, November 29, 2011

It has been a while...an update!

As Thanksgiving has now passed us and we are all reflecting on what we are thankful for, I realize that that it is my turn...

Since Tina's passing, I have not been able to officially thank those who have supported us over the last few months. Know that words cannot express the thanks to those whom have done so much for our family and in support of 'Pale Skin Is In'. It has truly been amazing. It has obviously been a difficult couple of months without Tina, but Teya and I are finally starting to get into the swing of it being just the two of us. Luckily I have had the full support of my work, JDA Software, so that has helped the transition immensely. I am also very proud of how my little girl has handled all of this. She definitely learned from her mother! I know this may be a bit late, but thank you...

Many people have been asking, so what is going to happen to Pale Skin Is In? It was always Tina's hope to have Pale Skin Is In educate and raise awareness of melanoma, especially for children, so that is just what we are going to continue to try and do. First and foremost, in Tina's memory we are building a sun shade at the school Tina worked as a pre-school teacher, and loved, Paradise For Tots. I thank everyone who donated to the cause! The project is now in production mode, so I will hopefully have more information in a few short weeks! The Phoenix and Michigan chapters of Team Pale Skin Is In will continue to try to keep Tina's work alive - educating and raising awareness of melanoma!

Also, following up on the success of last year’s PF Chang's half marathon and raising money for the Melanoma Foundation, Team Pale Skin Is In will again be running in the PF Chang's half marathon here in Phoenix (Jan 15, 2012). I was able to find the perfect cause to raise money for - a 501(c)3 non-profit The Shade Foundation (www.shadefoundation.org). It was started by a former Phoenician Shonda Shilling, wife of former MLB pitcher Curt Shilling. Shonda started the foundation back in 2001 after her own battle with melanoma. Their mission is to "To eradicate melanoma through the education of children and the community in the prevention and detection of skin cancer and the promotion of sun safety." I can't think of a better organization to raise money for! This year, we will again be running in the Phoenix PF Chang's half marathon, but a few people will also be running in the Las Vegas PF Chang's half marathon Dec 4th! Last year we raised over $4500 for the Melanoma Foundation, this year we hope to raise that much or more for the Shade Foundation...

If you would like to be part of Team Pale Skin Is In, either to run or just be part of the team, let me know - you might get a cool shirt out of it! If you would like to donate and help Team Pale Skin Is In "Run for the Shade", it would be greatly appreciated:

http://www.shadefoundation.org/sunset-run-for-shade.php

Finally, I hope to be a bit better on updating this site with the progress of Team Pale Skin Is In as we continue Tina's mission - education and awareness! Thanks again for all your support...

Todd