• Pop's Run is June 29th, 2008.

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  4th Annual
  David Jamieson
  Memorial Golf Tournament
  September 19, 2008
  Hillview Country Club – North Reading MA - details to follow
  
  See photos of '07 event here

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  FUNDRAISER TO BENEFIT Amyloidosis Research

  GRAND PRIZE:
  FREE WEEK VACATION FOR UP TO SIX PEOPLE IN SEDONA, ARIZONA AT THE LUXURIOUS ARROYO ROBLE VILLA RESORT plus spending money (check for $500.00)
  WEEK OF NOVEMBER 16 TO 22, 2008
  

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Pop's Run 2005

The Nassau Wings rode up to Boston this past weekend to present the Boston University School of Medicine a check for the proceeds from this year's Pop's Run. Despite poor turn out, we still managed to raise a record $5,446.00 so the school can continue researching the cause and cures for Amyloidosis.

We were met by Dr. Martha Skinner (the head of the program) outside the building where everyone wasted NO time getting photographed sitting on our bikes, exchanging pleasantries, and taking LOTS of photos (we'll have them up soon on our website).

Once inside, we were served lunch by the entire research staff. A couple of them even PERSONALLY baked a pie and a cake for us (we were truly touched). They explained their "mission" and we were introduced to the staff and volunteers. Nearly ALL of them came in to meet us, though a couple were unfortunately unable to attend (but extended their greetings through their colleagues).

Next up was a tour of the laboratory. I think what impressed us MOST was how YOUNG the men and women in the office were (and how informal). I guess we were all expecting greying old men in spectacles wearing white lab coats with plastic pocket protectors. Instead, young men and women in their early twenties wearing jeans, T-Shirts and flip-flops greeted us and explained the equipment, how they test for the presence of amyloid proteins and how they go about trying to combat the disease.

They were especially happy to show us the PHAST Electrophoresis System, a diagnostic device they were able to purchase with the money raised from the first three Pop's Runs. They proudly told us it is the most requested, reserved and used piece of equipment in the lab and how happy they are to have it. The device is used to break down amyloid proteins to their component parts for analysis.

After the lab tour, we all convened in their conference room to present the check from this year's run. Joanne Hurd (our event chair) made a huge facsimile of the check to present to Dr. Skinner. The number on the check, 0821, reflected the month and day of the event. Dr. Skinner informed us the check facsimile will be put on display in their main hall for everyone to see. They were then given the far more mundance looking "REAL" check.

The wrap up for the day? Three of the volunteers wanted to go for rides on our bikes. We provided them with jackets and helmets and took them for a quick spin around the neighborhood and when we returned all three were positively giddy!

I think this cemented our relationship with the Boston University Medical Center and we hope to continue being able to raise money for these fine, dedicated and delightful people. I also wanted to shout out to all of YOU who made it possible to contribute as much money as we have over the years. Thanks again and we hope to see ALL of you in 2006!

Jaime A. Cruz
Nassau Wings Motorcycle Club
Pop's Run Ride Committee

Debbie's Dash 2005

Steve and I just returned from "Debbie's Dash" in Indianapolis. Dr. Benson was there and over 200 people mostly college sorority and fraternity members of Butler University. We also met some of Debbie's family still living with their variant of the disease. All of the money raised went to research; but we set up an awareness table that caught everyone's eye.

We had ASN posters, brochures, TTR Brochures, pins, magnets, etc. and the D.J. was very cooperative announcing the diseases and the items being sold every 5 or 10 minutes. The weather held up, the people were great and a good time was had by all. They will be doing the 5K walk/run again next year (this was the 3rd), and meeting some of Debbie's family, Pam Day, Stacey Royer, and Dr. Benson was quite an honor. His nephrologist stopped by, and found out Dr. Benson's wife is a Rheumatologist (another Dr. Benson) and they has two sons.

Dr. Benson had the nicest things to say about Drs. Skinner and Gertz. We are truly family.

Muriel Finkel President Amyloidosis Support Groups 232 Orchard Drive Wood Dale IL 60191

Muriel and Steve

Debbie's Dash Photos:

Muriel with Debbie's Sister
Awareness Table
Ready to race
Dr Benson
The Racers
The Racers