Letter from Bridgid:

Dear Friends and Family,

In preparing for this introduction to the 3rd Annual Ed Condon Arms Up Against Childhood Cancer event, I gave significant thought to how rare Ed’s cancer (2 in a million) was, how rare Ewing Sarcoma (1 in a million) is, and how UNrare (i.e., COMMON) having a rare disease sure seems to be.

When a person receives a rare diagnosis, the challenges increase. They are up against a disease like cancer, and they are also up against underfunded research and outdated treatment protocols. Those challenges are especially true for Ewing Sarcoma. In previous years, we have exceeded our goals and raised $25,000 in memory of Ed each year. Let’s REPEAT!

Even if you don’t read another word, PLEASE DONATE and upload a photo of you running, walking, or with your ARMS UP.

One synonym for rare is like gold dust. When I think about Ed, the 23 years of responding to an unrelenting disease, and his equally unrelenting attitude, I see incredible strength and a remarkable spirit. Ed was a force of nature and brought tenacity and unparalleled energy to all he did. See these photos for a bit of tenderness and fun. Note: Ed didn’t focus on how hard the battle was. So, neither shall I. The pics on the beach are when we scattered Ed's ashes while Maureen took him in to swim with the dolphins. (Dewey Beach, DE --his sister, Sheila's beach house -- a place very special to us, this summer especially ). ARMS UP everybody!

Another synonym for rare is UNTHINKABLE. This rings very true. Childhood cancer is tragic. Fighting childhood cancer and specifically Ewing Sarcoma with antiquated ammunition is UNTHINKABLE. Like we read on the Little Warrior website, “When it comes to cancer, there are no ‘other people’s kids.’ Their battle is our battle. We ask that you join in the fight by giving what you can. 100% of the funds we raise
go to high-potential therapies, research, and trials.” I IMPLORE YOU to watch this short video to further understand their mission.

There have been famous and mythical warriors throughout the ages. They are represented in every corner of the world, spanning the ages and our imaginations. Characteristics are common including their ability to inspire us to change ourselves and history. Their legacies endure; they serve as a testament to living life to the last drop.

While Ed and the (too many) little warriors may never be famous, they are every bit as inspirational as Alexander the Great or Joan of Arc. I’d argue more so. Let’s all chip in to radically change (or even eradicate) their fight!

Thank you in advance for your generous donation.

Days before Ed died, he gave me very clear instructions on how to go forward. One of them was “Say YES”. I may have said YES to a few too many things in 2024. (It’s exhausting—but critically good—to be like Ed, to say YES 😉).

We are taking a break this year from the in-person run/walk, but l plan in 2025 to be back at Lapham Peak State Park!

Please give what you can, and don't forget to upload a photo of you running, walking, or with ARMS UP!

Love,
Bridgid

To donate, click on the button in the upper right corner (Please upload a photo with your donation).

For more information on Ewing Sarcoma please see: https://www.littlewarrior.org/

If you prefer to donate by check, please put Arms Up in the memo and you can send to:

Little Warrior Foundation Inc

PO Box 2124

Brookfield WI 53008-2124

Ed Condon Arms Up Against Childhood Cancer

This year, Arms Up is virtual! Donate online, and we’ll see you at Lapham in 2025!