Published: November 18, 2009
Melody Kinser .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Randy and Kristin Mudd and Lacey Hampton were eager to present the checks to the parents of two Hanover County girls who are been undergoing treatment for brain tumors.
They had spearheaded a run/walk on Saturday, Oct. 24, that brought in $12,600 for Reese Klauer, 6, of Mechanicsville and Charlotte Reynolds, 4, of Ashland.
Much to the surprise of Walter and Sherry Klauer and Roger and Rachel Reynolds, each couple received a check in the amount of $6,300 on Wednesday, Nov. 4.
They gathered at Roger and Rachel’s business, Romp n’ Roll in Glen Allen. While Roger was supervising a baby yoga class, Reese chatted with friends and joined with Margie, who works the front desk at Romp n’ Roll, in mimicking various animal sounds. Charlotte was nearby, hanging close to her mom.
Randy and Kristin are the Klauers’ neighbors and Lacey is Reese’s teacher at Washington-Henry Elementary School. It just so happened Reese had returned to her first-grade classroom for half-days on Monday, Nov. 2. She had not been able to attend school since the spring.
The Royal Glen and Crown Colony subdivisions in Mechanicsville joined in hosting the first annual ReeseStrong 5K, Family Walk, and Lollipop Kids Run for Charlotte.
“Even though the weather forecast called for heavy rain,” Kristin said, “it didn’t stop 292 participants from racing against cancer that has interrupted the lives of two beautiful little girls in our community.”
Both girls received the diagnoses earlier this year. They have undergone intensive rounds of chemotherapy and radiation. The treatments, while partially covered by insurance, can enter into the experimental and costs skyrocket from there.
“The race was organized by friends and family members to bring awareness to their fight, educate about pediatric cancer, and help ease the financial burden on these two families raising their children in and out of hospitals,” Kristin added.
The ReeseStrong Foundation was established in July. It mission is to financially support families who have children with cancer. “The foundation is inspired by its namesake, Julia ‘Reese’ Klauer, who has demonstrated an amazing amount of strength, courage, determination and perseverance throughout her treatment,” Kristin said.
She described the Oct. 24 event as “a huge success. We got rained on, poured on actually, but people still ran. Running in the rain and finishing the race was the ultimate example of how the participants not only live strong, but live ReeseStrong.”
Kristin extended congratulations to Jim Whitehead and Rachel Nance, the first place male and female finishers in the ReeseStrong 5K.
“The day required a lot of help and friends happily pitched in,” Kristin said. “They saw what needed to be done and they did it without hesitation, even with the dreaded cleanup.
Without all the contributed assistance, the event could have never taken place.”
Kristin attributed part of the success to the businesses and residents who donated cash or in-kind gifts to the cause. “I am so happy to announce that these offerings enabled the ReeseStrong Foundation to present both the Klauer and Reynolds families with a check for $6,300 each.
“To all those who volunteered, donated, participated and sponsored us, thank you for caring about our cause; thank you for being a part of our event.”
She also said the community “is grateful to you for teaching others to take action and reach out from the heart.”
On behalf of the ReeseStrong Foundation, Kristin acknowledged those who raised at least $1,000 in donations: Robert Scott, Leigh League and Cate Bach. She also thanked the top sponsors for supporting the ReeseStrong 5K, Family Walk and Lollipop Kids Run for Charlotte: TK Hughes Auto Sales, Hanover Tavern, Advanced Network Systems, Owens and Minor, Virginia Oral and Facial Surgery, Bruce’s Catering, Hershey’s, Giovanni’s, Romp n’ Roll, Dr. Nelson Gregory Chiropractic Initiative Inc., Hanover Animal Hospital, Silpada Jewelry, EVB bank, Townsend Pack and Ship, Cateraide, Riverbound Café, 360 Graphics, West Point Skydiving Adventures, Dr. Mike Murphy, and Red Robin.
Reader Comments
Charlotte and Reese and their families I am sure appreciate greatly all those who helped prepare, and those who took part in the October fundraiser. 280 plus participants to walk and run, plus a host of others—perhaps one hundred additional supporters—showed up, despite the rain. There were cheerleaders along the run/walk route, even during the rain. Others cheered at the start line. The cheerleaders along the route were soaked, but they kept on cheering. Somehow, we were all cheering for Reese and for Charlotte. So were the people at the start line. And those at the finish line. Rain doesn’t stop things like this! The heart-felt efforts, the weeks of planning, the prayers for the girls, the volunteers who set up the support tables and games, the neighbors who supported all this, and the runners /walkers—in all, this was an example of the best of America, and an event I will never forget ...
Mark Murray of Reston, Virginia USA
Nov. 18, 2009 at 08:14 PM
This is great. This is a heartwarming story of love in action. It reminds me of what Mother Theresa often said, “It is not neccesary to do great things, but to do small things with great love.” Seems like this is a mix of both. Very inspiring. Charlotte Reynolds and Reese Klauer will be in my prayers.
Dr. Matt Lyon
Matthew Lyon of Charlotte, NC, USA
Dec. 15, 2009 at 05:57 PM
