My brain cells are doing their best to help me type this post even after the abuse I put them through at the Crawl for Cancer!
I'll begin with last Thursday's movie premiere. It went wonderfully. Thank you so much to those that attended. Several months of hard work resulted in a memorable night. Shawndra Turner and her husband Doug, graciously accepted the first grant provided by our young foundation. As I mentioned that evening, there are so many out there that we would love to help -- and in time we hope to touch many lives -- but the Turner family just holds a special place in our hearts. There are so many similarities between their family and ours. Much like Jen, Shawndra is a very strong woman and she is handling this cancer experience with such grace. She is truly an inspiration.
The Wind That Shakes the Barley ended up living up to the great reviews and many awards. It was an honor to be able to enjoy the movie with one of its stars amongst us. Thank you so much to Mairtin de Cogain for everything that he has done for my family and the Jennifer Ireland Foundation. Mairtin and the Kansas City Irish community have help us lay the groundwork for a successful future and we hope they will all continue to be involved for many years to come.
As many of you saw, we entered 16 teams (over 150 people) into Saturday's Crawl for Cancer event. The organizers of the Crawl were unbelievably accomodating and allowed us to pick up our shirts early so that we could have some additional screening done on them. Our intentions were to put something on them to honor Jen. To my surprise, EVERY shirt worn on Saturday said "In Memory of Jennifer Ireland." It was a gift from the Crawl for Cancer committee that brought tears to my eyes. It was so cool to see almost 5000 people all over mid-town Kansas City wearing those shirts. In addition, our 16 teams wore an exclusive light blue t-shirt. It matched our Jennifer Ireland bracelets perfectly. The day was beautiful, the beer was cold, and the cause was very worthy. We'll do it all over again in October!
Overall, the last four days were very humbling. It is hard to put into words how special it feels to have so many people want to help carry on Jen's legacy. Jan and I, along with all of our friends and family, are forever grateful.
Here are the Ireland boys at the KC premiere of Ireland's highest grossing movie - ever! Later in the week, I'll be sure to post some of the great pictures from the premiere and the pub crawl. Also stay tuned for the opportunity to order KC's official "Crawl for Cancer X" t-shirts.
Chris and Jan,
I was so happy to be apart of the Pub Crawl with you two and the other 150 people out there for Jen!! That's amazing. We were all amazed to see over 5000 people wear and support Jen's name across their T-shirts. I couldn't tell you how many people stopped our group to ask questions about her. It was a pleasure to be apart of this and to share her story with others. I would love to share my pictures with you two but need an e-mail address...let's just say... I have some GOOD ones!! :)
-Tatum
Posted by: Tatum Twyman | May 15, 2007 at 12:22 AM
That's so amazing, and really wonderful. you have done a fantastic job honoring her memory. I am almost through with my cancer treatment and I am going to LIVE! But I tell people all the time about how Jennifer (even though I never met her) inspires me. And you inspire me. I know she has to be so proud of you and the girls.
Posted by: Kari Moroz | May 15, 2007 at 06:37 AM
I had a great and wonderful time. I am glad that my husband and I could be apart of it. It was a lot of fun hanging out with you and Racheal after the Crawl (and everyone else-who I can't think of their names at the moment). Thanks for the beer! We'll keep in touch-I can promise you that! =0)
Posted by: Rachel Moore | May 15, 2007 at 12:56 PM
Wow! 5000 people wearing T-Shirts honoring Jen, how amazing. It hopefully shows you the impact you all have made on so many people, even the organizers. I hear you all had a heck of a good time at the crawl and the movie premier. Next time I will try to be there (3 weekends in October are already planned). I can't wait to see pictures of both events! Also it was a wonderful choice of the foundation to make Shawndra Turner your first receipiant, her story and strength is amazing also.I hope sweet Emma and Peighton are doing wonderful! You all have a great week!
Marcie
Posted by: Marcie | May 15, 2007 at 02:27 PM
Oh my goodness, I just read my comment above and the spelling was really off, should say recipient (I had to correct myself)!
Posted by: Marcie | May 15, 2007 at 02:35 PM
Sounds like the week was a very eventful one. I'm so happy that it turned out so well. Jennifer must be so proud of you all. You have done such a tremendous job doing what you said you will when you started the foundation. I'm sure it may be overwhelming to you, but you make it sound so easy. Keep doing what you're doing!
Can't wait to see the pictures of everything!
Posted by: Alaina | May 15, 2007 at 03:08 PM
Chris, thanks again for choosing our family to receive the grant. It is a very generous sum of money that will be put to good use helping Shawndra with her therapies.
I know a lot of supporters and donators to the foundation read these comments, and I'd like to take the opportunity to thank you too!
We'd love to get our families together sometime soon. Take care. - Doug
Posted by: Doug | May 15, 2007 at 03:44 PM
Dear Chris & Jan,
It sounds like the crawl was fun and a success; 5,000 people is sooooo great. I wish I could of been a part of it but one of my sons got married that same day. I'm looking forward to seeing some pictures of the big day of the crawl. I'm still so inspired by all your posts and everything you are doing in Jen's name; how awesome is that? We are still thinking and praying for you and your family everyday. I hope you all have a great week. Peggy
Posted by: Peggy Patrick | May 15, 2007 at 10:39 PM
Wow! 5,000 people, that is awesome! Jen would be honored. I really wanted to be a part of it but my oldest daughter was suppose to be in a dance competition that, which was canceled at last minute. Now we have it this weekend instead. My husband and I would love to be a part of the next one so keep is posted. Hope you're having a great week!
PS I didn't make my goal of $500 for Relay for Life but my team has raised over $1000! If you need something to do on June 1st, you should come out the luminaria ceremony. It's at Fort Osage High School...I'll know the exact time on Friday. I've never been so not sure what to expect but I hear it's moving. Thanks again for your generous donation.
Posted by: Crystal | May 16, 2007 at 09:10 AM
Looks like the Crawl was tons and tons of fun! I was sorry to miss out on it. But next time I want to definitely be involed! I saw some great pictures on Shawndra Turner's blog....looks like everyone had a blast! What a great family to make a donation to! I was happy to see quite a few pictures of Jan Velander too....she had a blast! I hope you are recovering from the crazy weekend Chris. Hope the girls are doing well and you enjoy this nice weather! Have a great rest of the week! God bless and you are always in my prayers and thoughts!
Posted by: Becky | May 16, 2007 at 09:36 AM
Chris,
I am so amazed everyday I read this blog the continuing strength a courage you have not only to carry on Jen's name and honor, but to be raising what appears to be two adorable children:).
I was not a part of the crawl but told a friend of mine that was to look out for a large group honoring Jennifer Ireland, she called me on Sunday and was AMAZED at the support surrounding this cause and your foundation.
I know that I was brought to this blog by a higher power, I find daily strength and wisdom from you and the others that take the time to allow others in their lives.
Please know that there are people around the world praying for you and your family for strength and peace.
With love,
Heather
Posted by: Heather | May 16, 2007 at 01:27 PM
You are amazing Chris ! 5,000 people is absolutly amazing. Your strength and courage inspires me everyday just as Jen's beautiful smiling face does. I wish I was closer so I could take part in some of these amazing events, but if I am ever out that way, I'll make sure to be a part of the honor. I try and do my part by continuing to advertise Jennifer's legacy to those who inquire. How wonderful that she's touched so many people all over the US !
Take Care,
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa Thomas | May 17, 2007 at 09:04 AM