Medals4Mettle-Illinois

2012-01-24T06:53:00.000-08:00

M4M Central Illinois received over 50 marathon finisher medals from super runner John Wayne Lui. What's incredible is he ran them all in 2011! That's right 52 marathons in a year and John is fast too (3:15-3:30)! With only 7 states remaining, looks like he will become a 50 State Marathon Finisher in 2012. On behalf of everyone at M4M, thanks John Wayne Lui! See you in Little Rock!

Goofy!!!

2011-12-01T08:52:00.000-08:00

We are really lucky to have awesome donors to our charity. I have 3 Goofy Medals i have been holding onto for just the right people. To get a Goofy Disney race medal, you run a half and full marathon in two days!

So, when i got to know Mya from my son's school and learned her favorite character was goofy, i knew i have found an extremely worthy recipient. Mya is blind along with other disabilities and is a fighter. She has an aid that helps her through public school and is such a sweet spirit. The medal has great grooves and detail which she loved to feel and like the silky ribbon! I was really grateful to be able to present this to her.

*Picture: mya with her school aid.

2011-09-08T04:55:00.000-07:00

Jeff Stauffer, Mid-America Advertising (M4M Central IL major sponsor) helped present 15yr old Aric with a M4M medal last Thursday. Mid-America also gifted seats to the Cardinals vs Brewers home game yesterday and limo ride to/from St. Louis!! Aric was diagnosed with Stage III Non-Hodgkins Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma in June and has demonstrated true mettle in facing this challenge.

Dan Snow Receives First Medal from Japan

2011-08-26T03:45:00.001-07:00

Scott Dahl Medals-Mettle
Dan Snow wants what any young man in his twenties wants: independence. Habitat for Humanity helped him with that wish and M4M recognized the race he's been running with Muscular Dystrophy and his road to home ownership. The medal presented to Dan was from the Tango 100k - one of over 150 + medals received from Japan's running community & Yoshiko Jo.

The 8,958 miles the Tango 100k medal traveled to Dan's new home truly symbolizes his 4-year race to home ownership and living with MD.

Thanks again to our running friends in Japan!

Japan Runners Gift 150+ medals

2011-08-25T06:13:00.000-07:00

Some of the 150 + medals Yoshiko Jo collected from Japan's running community during her summer visit. More details to follow including the first medal from this donation presented yesterday to a young man with MD living his life to the fullest! A big Thanks to our Japanese running friends!!

Mercy Home for Boys

2011-08-10T06:44:00.000-07:00

Chicago Chapter did a 60 medal presentation to the Mercy Home for Boys. The medals were presented to the Director of Special Events who is going to use the medals for special accomplishments such as: completing internships, sports related achievements and academics. These children have gone through many life challenges already. Some of them have both parents incarcerated or gone, were sold into prostitution, had previous gang activity and/or are complete orphans. Mercy Home's goal is to provide these children with a safe haven, have them graduate high school and hopefully on to secondary education. I was really grateful for the opportunity to work with them and to have these medals as a motivation to keep these boys focused on their goals.

8yr old Kloey receives M4M medal!

2011-07-13T04:27:00.000-07:00

Kloey - M4M Central Illinois newest medal recipient! Kloey was born with a heart defect and now at 8yrs old she needs a heart transplant. Good news, she's first on the St. Louis transplant list. Special for me, Kloey and her family live just outside of town where I graduated high school. Proud to say the Alexis community raised $35,000 for Kloey's family to help offset medical and travel expenses. Navin Sadarangani, Montego Bay Jamaica, earned the medal by completing the 2010 Miami Marathon and gifted it to M4M for Kloey. A beautiful medal, Thanks Navin! All the best to Kloey and family.

2011 Osaka 100km

2011-06-01T14:34:00.001-07:00

Japan - Over 300 finisher medals were gifted at the 2011 Osaka Ultra 100km May 21-23. Yoshiko Jo reports 130 + medals were collected the first day including ten medals earned by blind runner Mr. Miyamoto who completes races with his guide.

"What an amazing display of international good will" said Scott Dahl, M4M Central IL coordinator. The medals, weighing over 55lbs total, will make the 8,958 mile journey to central Illinois later this summer/early fall. A Japan M4M presentation day is already being scheduled.

In addition to collecting the medals, Ms. Jo completed the 62 mile race in 12:56:04! Congrats Yoshiko and Thanks to all the our Japanese running friends for donating their finisher medals.

Japanese marathoners to gift medals to M4M Illinois

2011-05-11T08:57:00.000-07:00

Medals4Mettle Illinois (Central & Chicago) will receive approximately 100 medals from Japan later this year. Many of the medals will be gifted by finishers of the Osaka Ultra 100k/70k event on May 23, 2011. Yoshiko Jo, M4M Shonan Yuru Yuru Liason, will be collecting the medals and bringing them back to the States upon her return in August. "Donating medals to Illinois will be a token for international exchange" writes Yoshiko, a University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign graduate.

Although written in Japanese, pictures say a thousand words so take a moment to check-out this Japanese running blog which will encourage marathon finishers to gift their medals to M4M:

http://blog.livedoor.jp/dorara0822/archives/51867628.html

"M4M Illinois is honored to receive these international gifts, especially in the wake of the devastating tsunami and everything our Japanese friends have endured this year" said Scott Dahl, M4M Central Illinois.

Watch for a M4M Illinois/Japan Chapter Day later this year to commemorate the presentation of the Osaka Ultra/Japanese medals.

Illinois Guard Running Team Partnership!

2011-05-10T10:29:00.000-07:00

Exciting news at M4M Central IL! First, members of the IL Guard Running Team will help present M4M medals at our hospital networks every month. The Guard Team is comprised of IL Army/Air National guardsman who also run road races! M4M is very proud and honored to have the IL Guard Team on board - our guardsmen nationwide certainly represent the Mettle in M4M!!!

Second announcement coming tomorrow so stayed tuned!!

M4M Central IL - SJR Article - Red Cross 2011 Heroes

2011-03-27T06:22:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Dean Olsen & Jason Johnson, Springfield Journal Register, for the article/photo on Medals4Mettle Central Illinois.

http://www.behealthyspringfield.com/sections/local-news/runner-coordinates-medal-program-for-the-seriously-ill

M4M Illinois Coordinating LPHM Pace Teams

2011-03-16T07:09:00.000-07:00

Medals4Mettle Illinois is coordinating pace teams for the 47th Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon on April 2, 2011 in Springfield, IL. For the first time in the race's forty-seven year history, pace leaders from 1:30:00 - 2:45:00 will help runners achieve their goals. "Medals4Mettle is very excited to play an active role in this historic race around Springfield & the Lincoln sites" said Scott Dahl, M4M Central IL coordinator. Nicole Kesten, M4M Chicago, will make the trip to run LPHM as well. More race information at www.srrc.net.

Carson Brown & Family receive 200th M4M Medal

2010-10-25T14:40:00.000-07:00

Carson Brown, 7yr old boy battling Pilomyxoid Astrocytoma since he was 16 months, was presented a 2010 Chicago marathon finisher medal on October 23, 2010 in Decatur, Illinois. Kelley Heneghan donated the medal she was awarded for completing her first and very hot Chicago marathon. Kelley told Carson and his family about training and running the marathon before presenting them with the medal. For more information about Carson, go to http://www.helpcarson.com/

This was the 200th medal presented by M4M Central Illinois since it's inception in 2008.

Thanks to all the families for attending, the Decatur Herald Review, Wand17, and Decatur Conference Center and Hotel for hosting the presentation.

Miseracordia - 26 Laps for a Marathon Medal

2010-10-01T12:11:00.000-07:00

Had a wonderful evening with the swimmers at Miseracordia last week. the 15 participants (who are all in wheelchairs), swam 'approximately' 26 laps in honor of the marathon medals they were receiving. they abilities ranged all across the board but all their spirits were high. each swimmer had a swim guide and josh and i enjoyed cheering them on with some other residents.
it was such an awesome day and we were so happy to be able to participate in this event for the second year in a row. last year, we weren't able to stay for the swim and felt lucky to be there to cheer on the swimmers this year!

Roger Pedretti Drawing Winner!

2010-09-14T11:06:00.000-07:00

Over 50 medals were collected in the August medal
drive. Everyone who dontated this
year and during the drive was eligible for the
paid marathon registration drawing but we
could only have one lucky winner. Congrats
to Roger Pedretti!! Roger donated the medal
(belt buckle) he earned at the 2010 Leadville
Open Pack Burro Race - an arduous 21 mile
race with 10 miles of steep climb and 13,160
feet! And yes, towing a burro! Thanks to everyone for donating and Congrats again Roger!

M4M Illinois - Drawing for Marathon Registration Fee!

2010-07-28T08:01:00.000-07:00

Medals4Mettle Illinois announces a drawing on September 1, 2010 for a marathon registration of the winner's choice (up to $150). Chicago? Boston? New York? St. Louis?...the winner will decide! To enter, donate a marathon finisher medal to M4M Illinois and receive one drawing entry per medal donated from July 28-Aug 31, 2010. Previous 2010 medal donations will also receive an entry per finisher medal donated. Must be a finisher or earned medal. Contact Scott or Nicole for mailing information and/or questions. Good luck!

130 Medals Presented at Camp COCO!

2010-07-22T10:36:00.000-07:00

M4M Central IL & Chicago presented 130 medals at the closing ceremony of Camp Coco on July 16, 2010. The 25th annual Camp COCO hosted campers with cancer and other blood disorders from July 11-16th. A project of Southern Illinois School of Medicine in Springfield, the camp was held at Timber Pointe Outdoor Conference Center on Lake Bloomington. The campers from central Illinois received special attention from a number of SIU's pediatric staff members, who spend the week providing medical care and spending time with their patients and some of their patient's siblings.

Thanks to Greg & Dale Rossell for bring their M4M sponsored modified-lite dirt track racer for the kids to explore. Also, Judy Donelly for taking pictures and the entire Camp COCO staff for giving us a nice welcome.

Scott & Nicole, M4M

Party at Miseracordia

2010-06-30T20:45:00.000-07:00

Tonight was a Medal presentation at Miseracorida. The recipients were residents that were unable to participate in the special olympics.... many of them look forward to this opportunity the entire year and to not be able to compete or receive a medal was really disappointing for them....

i was really excited that M4M could participate in rewarding them with medals after they did their own olympics. we went down for their banquet and had a blast dancing and celebrating!

2010-06-10T06:44:00.000-07:00

M4m Central Illinois is sponsoring dirt track racer Greg Rossell this year. Check-out his new race suit and watch for more photos of Rossell's car in the near future. Thanks to Tim Hurley for making this sponsorship possible.

M4M Central Illinois presenting 130 Medals Camp COCO

2010-05-23T05:40:00.000-07:00

M4M Central Illinois & Chicago will present 130 medals to the little campes at Camp COCO at the camp's closing ceremony on July 16th. A project of Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield, the camp will be held at Timber Pointe Outdoor Conference Center on Lake Bloomington.

The campers from central Illinois receive special attention from a number of SIU's pediatric staff members, who spend the week providing medical care and spending time with their patients and some of their patient's siblings. Others who provide care and assistance are health professionals who treat some of the campers at St. Jude's Affiliate in Peoria and community volunteers from Springfield.

"The campers get a second chance at the childhood they have lost during the camp's week of activities, giving them a time to just have fun" said Dr. Gregory P. Brandt, SIU asscociate professor of pediatrics and camp medical director.

Largest Single M4M Central IL Medal Donation

2010-04-21T05:29:00.000-07:00

Rick Karampatsos, author Heading Towards the Final Finish Line, recently dontated 54 medals to M4M Central Illinois - our largest single donation to date. Rick's medals will finish in the hands of of little campers (children with cancer and/or blood disorders) of Camp COCO in July.

Thanks again Rrrrick! scott dahl

Corgan Lantau Medal Presentation

2010-04-10T05:54:00.000-07:00

Here's a link to Corgan's medal presentation - covered by the Daily Review Atlas:

www.reviewatlas.com/Featured/x1060309085/Boy-honored-for-mettle-in-face-of-cancer

We had a very large attendance including many city officials and an awesome police & fire escort to/from the presentation. Thank you everyone!

scott

Corgan to recieve M4M medal on April 9, 2010

2010-03-27T05:15:00.000-07:00

4 yr old Corgan was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on July 29, 2009. After spending time at St. Jude in Memphis, Corgan is in remission, however; still receiving weekly treatment at Children's Hosptial in Peoria, IL.

Corgan will be presented with a M4M medal on April 9th, 2010 at the AmericInn in Monmouth, IL (11am). The presentation is open to the public and so is "Fans of Corgan Lantau" on Facebook.

Stay tuned, more to follow.

Children's Hospital of Illinois Launch!

2010-02-23T13:29:00.000-08:00

Thank you to the Child Life Specialists and everyone at Children's Hospital of Illinois for your hospitality at the M4M launch! Also, thanks to Running Central (Peoria), News 25, Julie Locke and little Juan. A very inspirational and emotional morning.

Medals4Mettle to launch at Children's Hospital of Illinois

2010-02-10T14:47:00.000-08:00

Medals4Mettle Central Illinois just received notice the M4M program will kick-off at Children's Hospital of Illinois on February 22, 2010. Stay tuned, more to follow!

Athletes share medals with children who show mettle

2010-01-07T20:49:00.000-08:00

By Tom Held of the Journal Sentinel

Oct. 21, 2009

Basheer Anthony may very well wonder someday how he could have won a gold medal in World Cup speedskating, in Japan, in the women’s 1,000 meters, 10 years before he was born.

His mother will happily explain he earned that medal by being a real champ - tough and brave - after he burned 20% of his body in an accident in the kitchen, when he was 5; and how he had giggled and beamed that day in October, when Olympic skating champion Bonnie Blair put that shiny medal around his neck, during a visit to the burn unit in Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.

The gesture - an athlete sharing the reward for her hard work to inspire a young boy in his own struggle – will be repeated dozens of times in different variations through the fledgling Medals4Mettle program in Milwaukee.

Since it opened in November, the local chapter has collected more than 200 medals from athletes who earned them in marathons, triathlons and other contests. The medals will be awarded to children and adults who are showing their mettle in fights with illnesses.

Physician Steven Isenberg of Indianapolis, Ind., created Medals4Mettle in 2005, drawing on the parallels between the training and persistence required of athletes and the courage and perseverance of his patients.

At Children’s Hospital, a half-dozen athletes shared their treasures with children in the burn clinic on Wednesday. The group included professional triathletes Heather Haviland and Lauren Jensen, local racer Roy Smalley and cross-country champion Gabby Levac.

The senior from Hartland-Arrowhead actually got an early start on the program by donating her winner’s medal from the 2008 state championship to a runner friend battling liver disease. It was the work that went into the medal that made the gift meaningful, Levac said.

Blair, who won five Olympic goal medals, offered a similar, thoughtful, perspective.

“We did something very challenging and something that was difficult that was laid out in front of us,” she said. “It wasn’t a life or death situation, but something where we worked very hard to gain the success.

“The success they’re looking for is a cure, another day, another year. Their challenge is far greater than ours, but maybe the medal is that token that lets them know somebody’s thinking about them, somebody cares. We want them to reach for their goals and dreams and for life.”

The donors recognize that a medal from the Lakefront Marathon won’t cure a child with cancer. The recognition, though, will have a greater impact than some would imagine, according to Thomas Sato, a pediatric surgeon at Children’s Hospital.

The medals are examples of success, what can be attained through hard work, even after failures, Sato said. They help make sick children feel like winners.

“A positive psychological outlook has an incredible impact on the speed of recovery, and it significantly lessens the need for pain medication,” Sato said.

Anthony’s smile seemed to prove Sato’s point, and his mother, Mary Neals, predicted the gold medal would give him confidence and self-esteem.

Pam Kassner is the coordinator of the Milwaukee Medals4Mettle chapter. Athletes can contribute medals from marathons, half-marathons and triathlons by mailing them to: M4M Milwaukee, N27 W26458 Christian Court West, Suite B, Pewaukee, Wis., 53072.
She can be contacted at pam.kassner@medals4mettle.org.

Beyond the Finish Line

2010-01-04T20:46:00.000-08:00

The Register-Mail's John Pulliam wrote an excellent article on M4M Central Illinois (published Dec 26, 2009). Link:

http://www.galesburg.com/lifestyles/features/x1671986517/Beyond-the-finish-line

Happy New Year!!

Sara's Marathon Medal

2009-12-06T15:08:00.000-08:00

Sara is my cousin. She was born with a severe case Tuberous Sclerosis. It is a genetic disease that disables here for walking, talking and she has seizures on a regular basis. I have watched from afar their lives and what they have done to provide Sara with the most comfortable and 'regular' life as possible. They have displayed so much courage, patience and love with Sara. Sara, too, is strong. She attended public high school as she can communicate some through eye contact and a few years ago, her brother took her to prom.

When i first started running and considered doing a marathon, i was so excited of the thought of earning a marathon medal. I even considered framing it of some sort as i have seen so many other casual runners to to immortalize their run. After joining M4M, i was quite conflicted with what i would do with my marathon medal.... i thought about "just keeping the first one for myself" and then start donating... I will admit i held onto it for a few months and then decided that I could not be a part of M4M if i wasn't willing to participate myself. So, i choose the most honorable recipient i knew, Sara.

I am so happy i gave Sara my medal, she deserved it more than i... i would like to share a few comments my aunt wrote upon receiving the medal.

Now that you're a mom, you know how proud you are of your child, and you want everyone else to notice as well. I have never stopped feeling that way for ALL THREE of our kids. The guys are always appreciated, but so often, Sara goes unnoticed, and I hurt for her. She's so uniquely gifted with multiple talents all her own; I just "glow" inside when someone else recognizes her for who she is. You have always had a special place for Sara. THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

For Bethany

2009-10-29T12:23:00.000-07:00

M4M Central Illinois presented a finisher's medal to 11-year old Bethany Beeson of Pana, IL on October 19, 2009. Bethany was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) on April 9, 2009. It began as a small lump in her thigh and grew much larger within 4 weeks. Bethany has faced many hard times the past seven months. The chemo has made her sick, her hair has fallen out and her appetite reduced which has led to weight loss. Still, Bethany has been very positive and upbeat. The St. John's nurses and doctors all say she is a wonderfull patient. She never complains, even when the nurses wake her to check vitals in the middle of the night. Bethany decided she would cut her hair prior to starting chemotherapy and donate it (20") to 'Locks of Love.' Vannessa Tinkous, St. John's Child Life Specialist, said " she was havng a rough day, found out she needed a blood transfussion and was just feeling down. She was very excited and thankful for the medal and grandma said it was the first time she had smiled all day."

Impromptu Opportunity!

2009-09-27T16:56:00.000-07:00

I have been "cold-calling" local organizations that i though M4M would be a great fit for. This past week, i called Misericoridia. "Misericordia is proud to support 550 children and adults with mild to profound developmental disabilities from all racial, religious and socio-economic backgrounds. Misericordia has a wide range of programs on our campus and in the community at-large to meet the diverse needs of persons with developmental disabilities."

They called me the following day and said they were hosting a swim meet and didn't really have any recognition items to give out after the race. Last year, they went to the dollar store (due to budget) and got little paper medals. I was so excited and went down the following day and delivered medals to them. The director informed me that all of the participates in the swim meet were wheelchair bound. Even the paper medals they got last year, they wore for weeks as trophies are too hard to transport with. She was so excited and thought they would be wearing our M4M medals for months.

I felt like this was a great organization to team up with b/c individuals with mental health issues are so many times overlooked and made fun of without people realizing it. The "R" word is used too easily in our society and that word hurts. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with Misericorida and look forward to teaming up with them during the Special Olympics.

Medal for Logan

2009-09-27T16:06:00.000-07:00

Logan's mother heard about Medals4Mettle and contacted me about Logan receiving one. He is battling Leukemia while still trying to remain as active as possible (baseball, soccer) while balancing that between treatments. Although he had an up and down summer, he is doing great now and calls the medal he received from M4M " his super hero medal!!" Stay Strong Logan!!

Adam Carter is first Medals4Mettle Central Illinois Recipient

2009-09-21T12:01:00.000-07:00

On September 14, 2009 Adam Carter was presented with the first medal from the newly formed Medals4Mettle (M4M) Central Illinios chapter. Adam is an 11 year old boy from Decatur, IL battling cancer. His story is chronicled online at http://www.helpadamfightcancer.com/.

The entire Carter family, Springfield Running Center, several media outlets and St. John's Children's Hosptial staff attended the presentation.

Thanks to everyone involved including the State Journal Register and WAND 17 for covering the presentation. M4M Central Illinois is off and running! Thanks Again!! scott

Joining Forces

2009-09-03T19:26:00.000-07:00

This will now be the blog for both Illinois Chapters (Chicago and Central Illinois). I am excited for more people to post on the site... and hopefully have some more traffic in the process!

Welcome Scott and Central Illinois

Some Feedback from our Legacy Cards

2009-09-03T19:12:00.000-07:00

Question:
Why did you decide to donate medals to M4M?

- I think the program is amazing and what these people go through is far more challenging thank anything I have gone through. They inspire me to be a better person!

-Although i worked hard to earn them, those who will ultimately receive them through M4M deserve them much more for their hard work through their challenges.

- The article in Runners World inspired me. As much as I like these medals, they will happily be even more appreciated by someone else whose earned them in a different way... and who deserve them more than i

Medals for Mettle in Chicago... in the news

2009-08-04T17:55:00.000-07:00

so, i was google-ing my name and M4M as i had a moment of being too lazy to log into my blog... and found this article!

http://www.examiner.com/x-560-Running-Examiner~y2009m6d25-Donate-those-unwanted-running-medals

Medal to Gavin

2009-08-03T12:59:00.000-07:00

Gavin is the sweetest boy. He is the middle of 5 children and has such a sweet spirit. Early in his development, he was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (Non-Specified) (PDD) and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). PDD has similar features of autism and SPD is when the "sensory signals do not get organized with the appropriate responses." This can lead with difficulty with speech and social isolation. Sadly, sometimes these conditions can go un-acknowledged.

Gavin is a fighter... along with his parents. Balancing 5 children along with assuring Gavin and the other's specific needs are met... is amazing and a feat within itself! I wanted Gavin to have one of my medals b/c i wanted him to know to NEVER give up.

I was watching The Spirit of The Marathon the other day and one of the people said... "some people run marathons to compete in them and other run them to COMPLETE them"....

i think that is true for life too. Here's to Gavin! Go Get 'Em!!!!

"Let freedom never perish in your hands." ~Joseph Addison

2009-08-03T12:51:00.001-07:00

We had another medal drop for Medals4Mettle at the Chicago VA Hospital July 4th weekend. It was an amazing experience as i was able to work with a wonderful family whose boys collected the medals for their Mitzvah Project. The VA identified four in-patients (all women veterans) whom they wanted to receive a medal. It really was touching and the boys did great! I am so thankful for all the men and women who have served and are serving our country. Their sacrifice is greatly appreciated and i hope they felt that today with their medals.

M4M in Action

2009-05-15T18:03:00.000-07:00

This week, i feel like i officially began with Medals4Mettle. Although I have been collecting medals and corresponding, i have not yet been able to get out into the 'action' till this week.

Children's Memorial Hospital is the 'only freestanding hospital exclusively for kids and is ranked #1 in almost every major pediatric specialty.' M4M has donated medals to them in the past and I will able to reconnect with them to donate some more medals to deserving children.

The hospital's radiology department has really enjoyed the medals and gives them to children who require sedation for tests or need long MRI's. Terri told me that knowing their is a medal when they done is an amazing source of motivation to be brave and proceed with the test.

Well, we are on our way!!! Next Stop: North Chicago VA

**** if you are interested in assisting, please email me

Welcome

2009-03-26T20:47:00.000-07:00

This blog has been created to let you know of local events going on for Medals4Mettle in the Chicago Area. Please read our mission statement to the right and contact us if you are interested in getting involved and giving back!!