As many of you have heard, gap intelligence is hosting a golf tournament appropriately titled, “Drives for Rides”, on Friday, March 15th. Drives for Rides will benefit the Emilio Nares Foundation (ENF). Our founder and CEO, Gary Peterson, wrote about how ENF provides logistical support for families with children battling cancer (see also: gap intelligence Golf Tournament to Benefit ENF October 7, 2012). I would like to take a moment to expand upon how incredible ENF is and how honored we are to be working with them.
Emilio
Richard and Diane Nares were heartbroken when their only son, Emilio, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Though they were devastated, they were hopeful that Emilio would make a full recovery because the success rate for beating ALL with chemotherapy was 75%. When Emilio tragically relapsed he was forced to begin another round of chemotherapy while Richard and Diane desperately searched for a marrow donor for Emilio. Two months into the search for Emilio’s marrow match Richard and Diane found out that their insurance would not cover the expense. Searching for each potential donor would cost the Nares family $800 per person. Touched by this heartbreaking story, the community rallied around to support the Nares family. Tragically, Emilio did not win his fight against cancer. The Nares family decided that they wanted to turn their heart break into something more than a sad story.
The Foundation is Formed
Two years after losing their only son they formed ENF. The number one goal of the foundation is to help families with children that are battling cancer. They offer logistical support such as rides to doctors’ appointments through the Ride with Emilio program. gap’s 3Ts were honored to go on a ride along with Richard in one of their vans. Richard shared many stories with us but what touched me the most was a story about a young mother who had to take her child to and from his chemotherapy sessions via bus before she found ENF. I can’t imagine having a sick child and not having the means to get him to and from doctors’ appointments without relying on public transportation.
ENF also provides a Family Resource Center on site at Rady Children’s Hospital so parents can use the internet to pay bills or work while their child is receiving treatment. As we toured the hospital we had the pleasure of stopping by ENF’s Knitting and Crocheting for Hope program. Parents use this program as an outlet to relax while they are under intense stress. Another program they offer is called Emilio’s Snack Bags. 25 snack bags are delivered each week to the Hematology/Oncology treatment rooms. These snack bags are full of delicious and nutritious snacks that are the perfect alternative to what the vending machines have to offer. Through ENF’s Patient Advocacy Program, they ensure that families understand all available treatment options so their child gets the very best chance at beating cancer. ENF is committed to educating the community about cancer and helping families any way they can.
gap intelligence’s Drives for Rides
As you can imagine the choice was easy for gap intelligence when deciding that there was no better charity to be the beneficiary of our golf tournament. Mark your calendars for Friday, March 15, 2013! It’s going to be a heartwarming day of fun that you won’t want to miss!
We are looking for support on all levels for our upcoming event. We need donations for prizes, swag bags, tournament sponsors, and of course, golfers! Follow this link to sign up for an amazing day of golf or to become a sponsor: http://kennedy-golf.com/gap-intelligence-golf-tournament/
