Tuesday, May 19, 2009

We are the Champions, my friends...


"It's easy to make a buck. It's a lot harder to make a difference" Tom Brokaw

What a great success Saturday turned out to be. I had semi-low expectations going in to this years race because Charlie first of all isn't critical and not much has changed and the newness of his injury has worn off. "Been there, done that, got the Charlie steps t-shirt to prove it". But much to my surprise the team kept growing and growing and GROWING. Up to the very last minute we had people registering to join our quest. Can I tell you my heart was about to burst as I heard how many were there for this adorable 2 year old. (He is cute isn't he?) Char was in such a great mood all day. I could not believe what a wonderful sight it was to see each of you- yes I mean YOU- loyal friends, lost-now-re-acquainted friends, hospital buddies, family, cousins (1st, 2nd, newly adopted or once removed), nurses, co-workers, therapists, neighbors, blog-stalkers, doctors. We love you all! You came out in force to support an organization that needs us and it feels ohhhhhh so good. WE did our part and WE made a difference. That feeling somehow makes you feel good to the core for a long time afterwards. Those of you that stayed for the raffle, i hope you won some great prizes and if you won the airline tickets- I'm your new best friend. The BIAU raised 10 times on the raffle then last year!

Our good friend Troy was "volun-told" to make another video for this year's race. I have collected some awesome pics from family and "the very nice person" (thanks a ton Ginny) but if you have any that you would be willing to contribute please cough them up. Also, if you have any suggestions for a background song, leave it in the comments and he will take it into consideration.
*Angel*

Thank you, thank you, thank you. All of you for supporting the Brain Injury run this year. I had a great time seeing all of you, which is somewhat of a surprise considering I really don’t like people. Even more so I don’t like large crowds of people. I don’t mean this to be rude but as a point of illustration many folks consider Disney Land the "Happiest Place on Earth." For me it’s more like hell on earth, too many humans in too small a place. Which is why the 5K the past two years has been marginally peculiar for me. I enjoyed myself, immensly, in a crowd, with lots of people. The big difference as best as I can fig’ur is that you all are really cool. A far cry from the booger eating mouth breathers you have to rub elbows with while waiting in line for "It’s a small world." You all are REALLY COOL. You all came out selflessly to support something that is very important to our family. That says a lot about what kind of people you are. My only regret I have is the same regret I had last year, I feel like I didn’t get the time to visit with you all. So, if Charlie and I didn’t get a chance to say hi and thanks come find us next year. I think part of it is my fault. Case in point: A totally nice gal and her kids came up to Charlie and me and asked if they could get a picture with Charlie, I said you bet. As I got talking with her she told me they had been at the race last year and didn’t dare talk to us because she was worried I’d make fun of her on the blog. I felt like a jerk. Let me assure you all the only people I’d make fun of on the blog are hippie looking male nurses with nappy beards and sunglasses from the 70’s, metallic knee’d cousin/uncles wearing construction vests trying to run so they could catch up with hot women, and diarrhea mouthed boyfriends of my nephew. As long as you don’t meet those qualifications you’re safe.
We had a great time and we hope you did too. Many sib’s and friends put in a bunch of work to make sure this years race was a success and to them I say thank you. Thank you to all those who sponsored the race and donated raffle prizes. All the money raised will go to a great cause. Some will go to helping those who have brain injuries and much of it will go to educating people so they won’t become brain injured. Brain injuries suck and while Charlie’s little noggin has been devistated we are glad that there are things like this race that help put a silver lining on his condition and make it a little easier to handle. We are very grateful and humbled by you all and you are all really cool people. I’d go to Disney World with you anytime.

16 comments:

Marilee said...

So impressed with everyones efforts and glad you had a great turnout. I know that sometimes when it's not new or critical interest fades. Looks like that didn't happen. Happy happy, joy joy.
Awaiting Troy's video and my only suggestion for music is something that doesn't make me cry.
BTW, Charlie is beautiful!

dave said...

Hippy looking nurses with nappy beards and 70's sunglasses??? Musta missed that guy...hope you got the disc I gave to Heidi....Charlie, Britt and Angel looked great on Saturday! You, Rob, on the other hand...

Kristine said...

Good job on the running. It's nice to hear that Charlie had a great day as well.

I wish we lived closer and could participate.

Kristine

Suz said...

It was a great day with great people working together for a great cause because of the purest amongst us! I was preoccupied so I am really looking forward to the video.
Priceless cape Jes. Awesome post Ang! Adequate post Rob. Thank you Coop.

Anonymous said...

My daughter and I had a wonderful time at the race. It was good for her to meet Charlie and some of the family. She hears me talk about you all of the time. thank you to all of your family for the great organization and fun. I even got to walk a lop with Aunt Jolene! We were neighborhood friends for a long time and here we are just growing a little older! Charlie looked great! He is such a darling child who just simply emanates a sweet spirit. I think you are all amazing!

Connie

The Chiltons said...

I'm calling BS on the large amount of people/Disneyland hate comments! I'm pretty sure Rob pays money to nestle himself into a stadium that holds 65k at least 6 times a year? And I'm still waiting on photos to be delivered...

-Troy-

Marianne said...

Thanks for a great race! My husband and I ran last year (from UVSC- we handed Charlie the white wristband after the race...) and this year we couldn't pass up a chance to do it again- and yes- we're totally blog-stalkers! Glad to see that things are going well!

Angel said...

Charlie still has the white wristband hanging on a picture in his room. Thanks again Marianne and hope to see you next year or before!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the rundown on the race for those of us who are not in Utah. I loved to hear from Angel and spit all over the computer screen laughing about who Rob makes fun of. So glad the turn out was great. You are amazing people, Christensens!

Leane said...

I only hope I can make it out from LA one year to run with you guys and support your little man. And while I'm there I might hang out with my hippie nurse friend with the nappy beard....

:-)

Charlie is so gorgeous....his eyes simply are stunning. He has many fans....I for one.

So thrilled the walk/race went well....

Leane and family from LA,CA

The Chiltons said...

Thought those who like myself frequent this blog at still a daily rate might take interest at this article in the tribune....

http://www.sltrib.com/utah/ci_12513314

Eleyna Julia said...

Hey, just wanted to let you guys know that I started a blog just for Hunter, http://hunterbbennett.blogspot.com/. I'm only letting a few families know about it because it's mostly meant for other parents with disabled kiddos. Check it out. :)

Anonymous said...

Just to let you know Missouri is still praying and checking on Charlie everyday. He is such a handsome little guy. Haven't left a comment in a long time, so just wanted you to know we're still here. God Bless you all!

Anonymous said...

Dear Charlie and family,

I am a blogstalker. At least, I check yours on a regular basis. So many people, so much love has headed in Charlie's direction since his illness. I look forward to your updates, and keep Charlie and your family in my thoughts daily. Hoping your summer is a happy and peaceful one.

Lisa from California

Anonymous said...

This is my first post I'd love to thank you for such a terrific quality forum!
Was thinking this is a perfect way to introduce myself!

Sincerely,
Monte Phil
if you're ever bored check out my site!
[url=http://www.partyopedia.com/articles/valentines-day-party-supplies.html]valentines day Party Supplies[/url].

Anonymous said...

[url=http://kfarbair.com][img]http://www.kfarbair.com/_images/_photos/photo_big8.jpg[/img][/url]

מלון [url=http://www.kfarbair.com]כפר בעיר[/url] - אינטימיות, [url=http://kfarbair.com/services.html]שקט[/url] . אנו מספקים שירותי אירוח מיוחדים כמו כן יש במקום שירות חדרים המכיל [url=http://www.kfarbair.com/eng/index.html]סעודות רומנטיות[/url] במחירים מפתיעים אשר יוגשו ישירות לחדרכם.

לפרטים נא לפנות לאתרנו - [url=http://kfarbair.com]כפר בעיר[/url] [url=http://www.kfarbair.com/contact.html][img]http://www.kfarbair.com/_images/apixel.gif[/img][/url]