"Dad's Fresh Air Fund" in Memory of...

When we created this fundraiser, Father's Day was just around the bend so couldn't help but think about the role Dads play in our lives. My father is the reason we created this fund. He was generous and kind; very giving of himself. He was also an outdoorsman, so when he died in December, 2013 it just felt right to create this fund to raise $$ in his memory through outdoor races. This year we run in memory of Frank, the other greatest guy I've ever known.

My father in law Frank D'Apice, like my Dad elevated a room with his smile and kindness. Frank's sense of humor made everything always seem manageable. These are 2 guys everyone liked, or if they got to know them...loved. I mean how could you not...look at those smiles! I've been blessed to have two of the greatest souls to have influenced, taught and inspired me and my kids throughout my life; and now we run, in memory...

My "Dad's Fresh Air Fund" was created in 2014 in memory of my Dad, Pat Grace Sr., after he died from pulmonary fibrosis, and have since had the great privilege, thanks to family and friends like you, of raising more than $25k for American Lung, American Cancer, the Tisch Research Center for MS, Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation and United Hospice. My father-in-law Frank D'Apice (and mother-in-law Maureen) supported this fund annually, and Frank made it clear he wanted to use it to raise funds for charity when he died.

As a lasting tribute to my Dad, and for both my father-in-law and my cousin who courageously continues to fight cancer; our team of family and friends have been running various-length Spartan races (the Spartan Trifecta) throughout the summer, culminating with the "BEAST" THIS SATURDAY, September 10th! The road has been hard (see published updates below) but we will continue to push ourselves, just as my Dad and Frank did; just as my cousin continues to, until we finish.

~ the Spartan Sprint! - Sat., 6/11; Bethel, NY - (3+ miles of obstacle racing, 20+ obstacles).

~ the Spartan Super!! - Sat., 7/9; Palmerton, PA - (6+ miles / 25+ obstacles).

~ the Spartan BEAST!!! - Sat., 9/10; Killington, VT - (12+ miles / 30+ obstacles).

In addition to the Races, we raised additional funds with a Shameless Moves GiG at Bailey's the night before Father's Day, Sat., 6/18! (some info also in updates, below). My Mom was there to help. She's still got it! Thanks again to all who supported!!

So now the Spartan BEAST is the last hurdle, and the one we are using to improve on our original goal and clear the $9,000 benchmark in funds raised for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Sloan Kettering Institute. Follow link for more info.

We used to refer to my father-in-law Frank, as The Man. The Myth. The Legend. He was the kind of person who elevated a room with his smile and charm, intelligence and intellect, kindness and sharp sense of humor. Like my own Dad, he was loved by all.

Frank fought bravely and with great spirit for many months against his mesothelioma diagnosis until the horrific disease took him from us in March. Frank asked for all to please consider donating to this "Fresh Air Fund." Frank personally chose Memorial Sloan Kettering and the Sloan Kettering Institute as the fund's charitable recipient, so we know he is thankful for your support."Harnessing the latest research techniques to conquer cancer and to support scientists as they explore the unknown to fuel progress in cancer treatment."

Frank loved his family; his wife and three daughters, son-in-laws and 9 grandchildren, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews.

He was also an amazing friend to so many.

We miss him and thank you for donating this year to help us keep his, and my Dad's awesome spirit alive!

Since 2014 we have run in memory of those family we have lost, as well as for one, my cousin who continues fighting. We've got a team ready to get muddy and sweaty one more time to finish STRONG; in memory of our Fathers, to support cancer research, prevention and treatment efforts at Memorial Sloan Kettering and Sloan Kettering Institute! 

So...what will the Spartan look like? Click below for a quick video!

Our TEAM: "Mudd Sweat & Beers for Frank"

~Pat Grace (all 3 races)

~Daniel Grace (Sprint, Super)

~Jim Bond (all 3 races)

~Christopher Bond (all 3 races)

~John Bondulich (Sprint)

~John Bondulich Jr. (Sprint)

More information about Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center:

 

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) was founded in 1884 and is the world's oldest and largest private institution devoted to cancer. MSK's clinicians and investigators are committed to providing skilled and compassionate patient care today and conducting breakthrough research to improve outcomes tomorrow.

THANK YOU for taking the time to READ all this and for your generous support, love and friendship!!

-Pat & Kim Grace