Pressroom: “In the News”

Saturday, September 4, 2010
In The Neighborhood
MEGAN SAVAGE MEMORIAL RUN PLANNED SEPT. 25 IN UPLAND
Megan’s struggle is over, but the fight continues everyday with other families having to face the same challenges. And Megan’s Wings is there to help...
Megans Wings 5K Race 2010



May 9th, 2009 – “Megan’s Wings Raises over $15,000 for Leukemia Research”

At the Fourth Annual “Dinner Auction & Texas Hold’Em Tournament” on May 9th, 2009 Megan’s Wings raised over $15,000 for a Leukemia Research Portfolio for children with cancer through The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Over 130 people attended the “Evening of Fun” at the Gibson Senior Center in Upland, CA, which featured live entertainment during cocktail hour by local musicians, Garrrett Prater & Ismael Loya. A BBQ-inspired dinner, fabulous live & silent auction, and friendly “Texas Hold’ Em” made the evening meaningful and memorable. Almost $10,000 was raised during the Live Auction led by downtown Upland Auctioneer, Ray which included “A Private Suite” at Angel’s Stadium for 12 guests, a dinner for six at Spaggi’s Italian Restaurant prepared by Chef Henry Gonzalez, several Romantic Weekend Getaways and a “HOME PORTRAIT” by well known artist and teacher, Patrick Dooley.

The dinner menu included: Tri-tip and Barbequed Chicken, Baked Beans, Red Coleslaw Salad and Garlic Bread specially prepared by friends from Glendora Elk’s Lodge. Carrot Cake, Chocolate Chip Cookies donated by The Double Tree of Claremont and a Beautiful Fruit Bouquet donated by Edible Arrangements rounded out Dessert. Kim and Dave Savage, Co-Founders of Megan’s Wings, gave welcoming remarks and emceed throughout the evening. Special guest speakers included Lymphoma Survivor, Virginia Garner, and Leukemia Survivor, Anissa Ayala with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Following the Auction, tables were cleared and set up for a friendly and fun tournament of Texas Hold ‘Em. The 1st place winner took home $200 cash. 2nd – 6th place won prizes donated by local merchants. The evening was a great success raising awareness and vital funds for Childhood Cancer Research.

 

Sept. 26, 2009  The Megan Savage Memorial Run at McCarthy Park in Upland

Annual Upland Run Helps Fight Cancer It’s been five years of hard work and determination, all for the love of a little girl named Megan. Megan Savage was just out of kindergarten when she was diagnosed with leukemia. Her life changed. Her family’s life changed. And the other people who loved her had their lives changed, too. The Upland girl fought valiantly for almost three years, but the debilitating disease won. She died at age 9.

In order to find some sense and purpose, the Savage family set up the Megan’s Wings Foundation; the logo a butterfly. The foundation has flourished and helps families of children battling disease. It also adopts families at Christmas and sponsors a child with Make A Wish Foundation, as well as contributing to leukemia research.

Those good works are done through donations and fundraisers. The largest of which is set for Sept. 26 at McCarthy Park in Upland. The Megan Savage Memorial Run started off slowly and has gotten stronger. “This has always been more than a run. It is a celebration of Megan’s life and of the lives of people who have suffered. It’s a beautiful celebration of life and the journey,” said Kim Savage, Megan’s mom.

“That first year, we knew everyone who participated. It was people who knew her, who knew our family. It’s become a community run where those who participate feel they are doing something that makes a difference in a person’s life.”

Yet, Megan remains at the center of the event. Her family will be there. Marissa Maynor, Megan’s friend in kindergarten and the Girl Scout Daisies, is putting the finishing touches on a butterfly garden at McCarthy Park. She’s doing it to remember Megan and to earn her Girl Scout Gold Award, Lauren Dumler, another former member of Megan’s Daisy troop, is designing the T-shirts participants will get. And her friend Madison Shearer, accompanied by Garrett Prater, will be singing an original song in her memory. “When She Smiles.”

Savage described the crowds each year as a “sea of people” who come to remember Megan and remember those in their lives who have dealt with cancer. That “sea” contained 700 people in 2008. Supporters are hoping for the same if not more this year so children’s cancer research and patient support can be improved.

“We’re already having a good response through early registration, and we’re very grateful. This has become more than we had hoped. It is a fun event for families and one that raises more to help other,” she said.

The band King Heat will perform, and Bert and Rocky’s Ice Cream Co. will be there scooping Megan’s Marvelous Mix, a concoction of three things Megan loved to eat – ice cream, chocolate and strawberries.

Participants in the fifth annual 5K Megan’s run and an accompanying 1K walk/run can register at the foundations WEBSITE, www.meganswings.org. The cost before Sept. 19th for the 5K and the 1K is $25 for adults; $15 for children 12 yrs old and younger.

As part of the festivities, 250 butterflies will be released in memory of Megan and others who have lost their lives to cancer. Those who would like to sponsor a butterfly for the release can pay $5. Participants also can collect financial pledges.

And everyone is encouraged to participate in yet another event tradition – the making of the butterfly banners of hope which are taken to hospital cancer wards to bring smiles and hope to children undergoing treatment. For more information, call (909) 532-8135.