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| Phillie
Phanatic enjoying prerace warm-up with participants |
The Friends of Erik was formed in 1989 after a collection of friends were introduced to the late Erik Engwall. Erik was a Cystic Fibrosis patient at Children's Hospital in Philadelphia for most of his thirteen years. The indescribable spark that made Erik who he was endeared us all to him and his family, compelling us to reach out and take action.
McNally's Tavern of Chestnut Hill provided the avenue for this action, helping to sponsor the Run for the Hill of It. This event was eventually augmented with a black tie dinner dance in the fall.
Now in its Nineteenth year, the Run for the Hill of It continues to raise needed funds for a family confronted with the severe illness of a child, while at the same time bring the community together. The following people have contributed their time, effort, and ideas to making this a success in the past .. this group invites you to run, walk, dance, volunteer, whatever - just participate. Thank you!
The Friends of Erik
CHAIRPERSONS:
Elizabeth Breault and Mark McMahon |
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| COMMITTEE: | Eric & Judy Engwall* | Heather & Dave Makowicz* |
Kathy Rodriguez |
| Fran Aceta | Len and Lisa Hacking* | Barbara Mattleman |
Bill Shea |
| Ken and Jane Archevella | Jim Hamlet | Charlie McGeever |
Carrie Smith |
| Joan Bradley* | Richard Kukowski* | Anne McNally |
Nancy Twomey |
| Mitch & Maureen Chrest* | Kathy Larrabee | John Morrissey |
Katrina Wise |
| Molly and Jerry Costello* | Lauren Leatherbarrow |
John O’Toole |
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| Frank and Carol Dieter* | Shannon Leber |
Jim Purcell |
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| John & Ellen Dougherty* | Chrissy Levy |
Dave Ragan |
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| Mike Durkin | The MacIntosh Family |
Tony & Mary Resch* |
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*
Indicates a family member of a past beneficiary |
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This Year's
Beneficiary This year's race will benefit Tracey Snyder, a 14 year-old from Pitman, NJ. Tracey is funny, sweet, tells jokes, and laughs with her three older brnthers. Yet, beneath that contagious smile is a young girl who has faced so many obstacles in her short life. Born with four different heart diseases called William's Syndrome, Tracey had to have open heart surgery at a very young age. Being the fighter that she is, Tracey left the hospital in just two weeks! The hallmarks of Williams Syndrome are cardiovascular disease that causes heart issues and developmental delays, specifically anxiety and excessive worrying, some obsessive compulsive behaviors and learning disabilities. In addition, Tracey has severe scoliosis. Frequent visits to the doctor are a way of life for the Snyder family. Yet, despite all of these hardships, Tracey rarely complains.
Tracey attends a special needs school and is an enthusiastic participant on a special needs Little League team. Her father started the Challenger team in response to the fact that Tracey and her peers had no opportunity to participate in team sports, something that was so important to the Snyder's boys. Started just 6 years ago, the Phillies boast a team of wonderful players who each have a buddy to help them with the specifics of the game. Word about this special team has spread throughout the area and now there are over 40 kids ranging in age from 5 to 18 who play every Sunday in the spring and early summer.
This is truly a special and deserving family and the Friends of Erik are delighted to help them and make a difference in their lives!