HEADstrong Announces 1st Annual Relentless Challenge on March 16th at Wells Fargo Center

By Steve | Published: February 4, 2014

HEADstrong_Foundation-LogoPhiladelphia, PA – HEADstrong Foundation™ (HF) is proud to announce the 1st Annual Relentless Challenge; a new family-friendly fitness challenge in collaboration with the Philadelphia Wings of the National Lacrosse League (NLL). On Sunday, March 16, 2014, for the first time in Philadelphia sports history, the floors of the Wells Fargo Center will be transformed into a course.  Participants will climb the stairs, jog through the levels of the sports arena, partake in exercises led by Endeavor Performance’s strength and conditioning team, and sprint across the finish line located just outside of the complex.

There is no need to brave the elements as this event will take place inside the Wells Fargo Center.  Run as an individual or as a family.  10,000 feet, 250 stairs, 6 fitness challenges, 5 floors, 1 cause.

Click here to register you, your family or team.

The Relentless Challenge will take place in the morning, with registration beginning at 10:00AM.  Each participant will receive (1) general admission ticket for the Philadelphia Wings vs. Rochester Knighthawks, 3/16/2014 at 4:00PM, event t-shirt, HF/Wings rally towel, HF/Wings sac pack and a pair of HF shoelaces.        

“On behalf of the HEADstrong Foundation and those affected by blood cancers, we encourage people of all ages and athletic abilities to be part of this new special event supporting our cause.  This is an incredible opportunity to be part of Philadelphia sports history, support those affected by blood cancers while having fun and taking an interactive tour of the Wells Fargo Center.  We wish to extend our sincere appreciation to the Philadelphia Wings organization for their continued support of our mission.  At HEADstrong, we are families helping families and we hope that you and your family will consider being part of the Relentless Challenge and join our organization to watch the Philadelphia Wings take on the Rochester Knighthawks.“ Cheryl Colleluori, HEADstrong President and Nick’s Mom.

Proceeds from the Relentless Challenge will benefit the HEADstrong Foundation™ and its services to improve quality of life for patients and families affected by blood cancers.

Go to www.wingslax.com/HEADstrong for more information on the Relentless Challenge. _________________________________________________________________________________

About HEADstrong Foundation™

HEADstrong™ is a non-profit organization that serves the cancer community by granting direct financial assistance to those financially impacted as a result of the disease, by providing complimentary long-term housing and amenities for those traveling to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for cancer related treatments through Nick’s House™, by funding innovative blood cancer research through the Nicholas E. Colleluori Lymphoma research fund, by serving family meals and offering outlets of entertainment for those receiving care at hospitals, by delivering comfort kits to newly hospitalized patients preparing for treatment or transplant and by lending an arm of support through their peer to peer advocacy group.       

The blueprints for the Foundation were conceptualized by Nicholas “HEAD” Colleluori in 2006, while he underwent treatment for non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, which ultimately claimed his life.  Today, Nick’s vision is being fulfilled through the relentless efforts of his family, athletes and supporters across the country uniting in the fight against blood cancers. 

For more information on the HEADstrong Foundation™ and how they are Getting aHEAD of Cancer™ go to www.HEADstrong.org.

Posted in cancer, health & fitness, racing | Tagged | Comments closed

Competitor Returns as Presenting Sponsor of the 2014 Endurance Sports Expo

By Steve | Published: January 31, 2014

The 2014 Endurance Sport Expo presented by Competitor runs February 22-23 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center

WAYNE, PA – January 31, 2014 – Organizers of the fifth annual Endurance Sports Expo — the largest cycling, running and triathlon consumer show in the country – announced today that Competitor, the world’s leading voice of endurance athletes, will return as presenting sponsor.

“Working with Competitor once again is such a natural fit as both of our brands share the goal of inspiring a healthy lifestyle through endurance sports,” said Matt Reece, co-producer of the Endurance Sports Expo presented by Competitor. “The partnership allows us to reach a wider audience and reinforces our reputation as the premier preseason expo for endurance brands and events to connect directly with active lifestyle consumers.”

“At Competitor we take great pride in partnering with great events, and the Endurance Sport Expo is a fantastic opportunity for athletes of all abilities to check out the latest gear, products and services in the endurance sports world,” said Doug Kaplan, SVP of Competitor. ” After a great event in 2013, we are very proud to have the opportunity to return as partners with an event that showcases every aspect of living an active lifestyle.”

With all of the top brands in the industry, an indoor skills clinic, and Endurance University seminars, ESE is once again the one-stop show for athletes to learn, experience and buy the latest endurance products. ESE will host dozens of Endurance University educational seminars featuring nationally recognized athletes, coaches and industry insiders. The full Endurance U schedule and additional event weekend details will be announced in the coming weeks.

ESE vending opportunities are expected to sell out. For detailed sponsor and vendor information or to purchase tickets, go to www.endurancesportsexpo.com. Join ESE on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Endurance.Sports.Expo or Twitter at www.Twitter.com/EnduranceSE.

Posted in health & fitness, racing | Tagged , | Comments closed

Philadelphia’s a Ride to Conquer Cancer

By Steve | Published: January 31, 2014

(PHILADELPHIA, PA – January 28, 2014) – Philadelphia’s first annual Ride to Conquer Cancer launched on Tuesday to raise vital funds for the cancer programs at Penn Medicine.  Funds raised will be used immediately to support breakthrough cancer research, education and patient care programs at Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center.


“We are absolutely thrilled to announce our first annual Ride to Conquer Cancer benefiting Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center,” said Chi Van Dang, MD, PhD, director of the Abramson Cancer Center.


“This year there will be nearly 80,000 cancer diagnoses in Pennsylvania and it’s estimated that one in four deaths in the United States will be caused by cancer.  At the Abramson Cancer Center, we are dedicated to reducing cancer incidence, mortality and morbidity in the community while training future cancer researchers and improving our ability to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.  The funds raised through The Ride will be put to use immediately to power our breakthrough cancer research, and world-class education and patient care programs right here in Philadelphia,” said Dr. Dang.


The Ride to Conquer Cancer will be a two-day, 150 mile cycling event through Pennsylvania’s picturesque countryside with an overnight camp midway where participants will enjoy pre-set tents, hot meals, showers, live entertainment, massages and other festive activities.  The Ride start and finish will be held on October 11th and 12th of this year, and pit stops with fresh food, beverages and public cheer stations will be set up along the route to support Riders as they pass through local communities.


“I was recently diagnosed with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor that is so rare, there is not yet a cure,” said Susan Ranck of Springfield, who registered and plans to ride in October.


“I am beyond grateful that funding from research enabled scientists to discover a drug that enables me to at least control my cancer.  Not so long ago, GIST cancer was a practical death sentence, and now there are drug options to offset this terrible disease.  I am here today thanks to research and breakthrough discoveries, so when I learned The Ride is coming to Pennsylvania, I registered immediately. I am excited to ride and it’s my hope that with more time and money, the researchers at the Abramson Cancer Center will find a cure for my disease and all forms of cancer,” Ranck added.


Dr. Dang said The Ride is a cycling event for everyone and urged people in the Philadelphia region to register, donate or request information by calling (844) 777-7433 or by visitingwww.ridetovictory.org.


“This event will be remarkable and will bring together communities of cancer survivors, cyclists and their supporters with a common goal to conquer this disease,” said Dr. Dang.  We invite everyone to join us in October by registering today at www.ridetovictory.org or by calling (844) 777-7433,” Dr. Dang added.

To register, donate or request information about The Ride to Conquer Cancer, visitwww.ridetovictory.org or call (844) 777-7433.

Posted in cancer, cycling | Tagged , | Comments closed

6th Annual Brad Schoener Memorial 5K

By Steve | Published: January 17, 2014

Registration opens tomorrow, January 18th at 8 AM for the 6th Annual Brad Schoener Memorial 5K Walk & Run. Race day is Saturday, May 17th.

Participation in this event has grown steadily over the last several years. We encourage everyone to register EARLY  to guarantee your slot as we may sell out by race day.

This is a two loop run course, (or one loop walk) in beautiful Arlington Cemetery, the resting place of Upper Darby’s beloved band director, Brad Schoener.

Along the course, runners and walkers will be treated to live music by some of Brad’s students and friends. After the race enjoy more live music right across the street at the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center at the Music Marathon to benefit the Brad Schoener Fund.

Race day number pickup and registration will be held from 8:00 – 9:30 AM at the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center, (601 Lansdowne Avenue, Drexel Hill, PA 19026).

Registration and race number pick up will also be available at Arlington Cemetery, (Toppitzer’s Funeral Home building; 2900 State Road, Drexel Hill PA 19026) on Friday May 16, 2013 from 4-7 PM.

***Runners start time is 10:00, walkers start at 10:30 am!!

For more information email Steve Brown – stephensbrown@verizon.net  or 267-496-7866 .

Visit www.runtheday.com or www.udmusicmarathon.org for more.

Posted in racing, running | Tagged , , , | Comments closed

And I’m Out

By Steve | Published: January 7, 2014
imageAnd I’m Out
I am happy to report that today I finished the last of my chemo treatments, hopefully for a while. If you have been following along, you’ll recall I had a few chronic lymphocytic leukemia symptoms reappear after having been in remission for quite some time.
The answer was to zap it with between 4-6 monthly treatments of the monoclonal antibody rituxan, a.k.a. My smart bomb. Today was the 4th session and in my appointment today it was determined this will be enough. My blood work has been consistently normal for a couple of months now. A follow up ct scan will confirm what we already know.
Rituxan is a very effective IV drug but sometimes tricky to administer. One of the offsetting cocktails that I take with it is a powerful steroid called decadron. Dec has the potential to keep me up for days. And this is why I am sitting here with my dogs, in the dark, at 1:30 am and telling you all about it. But the good news is that I AM sitting here with my dogs, in the dark, at 1:30 am and telling you that I am DONE.
This is a chronic form of leukemia that I live with. There may be times that symptoms may reappear, when they do, we zap them off the radar. I respond well to the treatments. And all things  considered, this poses very little inconvenience to me or my lifestyle. So far. And I’m confident that with drug advancements the way they are, my magic vitamin is right around the corner which will radically change current treatment protocols.
Now I can fully focus on moving full steam ahead with life without thinking about or planning for another treatment.
Today is a good day. They’re all good days. I have lots of life to live. And lots to live and love

I am happy to report that today I finished the last of my chemo treatments, hopefully for a while. If you have been following along, you’ll recall I had a few chronic lymphocytic leukemia symptoms reappear after having been in remission for quite some time.

The answer was to zap it with between 4-6 monthly treatments of the monoclonal antibody rituxan, a.k.a. My smart bomb. Today was the 4th session and in my appointment today it was determined this will be enough. My blood work has been consistently normal for a couple of months now. A follow up ct scan will confirm what we already know. Rituxan is a very effective IV drug but sometimes tricky to administer. One of the offsetting cocktails that I take with it is a powerful steroid called decadron. Dec has the potential to keep me up for days. And this is why I am sitting here with my dogs, in the dark, at 1:30 am and telling you all about it. But the good news is that I AM sitting here with my dogs, in the dark, at 1:30 am and telling you that I am DONE.

imageThis is a chronic form of leukemia that I live with. There may be times that symptoms may reappear, when they do, we zap them off the radar. I respond well to the treatments. And all things  considered, this doesn’t pose too much of an inconvenience to me or my lifestyle. So far. And I’m confident that with drug advancements the way they are, my magic vitamin is right around the corner which will radically change current treatment protocols.

Now I can fully focus on moving full steam ahead with life without thinking about or planning for another treatment. Today is a good day. They’re all good days. I have lots of life to live. And lots to live and love for. And at the end of the day, our sanity and happiness comes down to three things. 1). Understanding that much of what we go through in this life will be cyclical but we should work really hard to remain where our feet are. 2) Understanding that we have control over our choices. and 3). Being able to accept and effectively manage the “Plan B”.

Remission ROCKS.

Posted in cancer, health & fitness | Tagged , , | Comments closed

Mentors, Teachers, Coaches, Legends

By Steve | Published: January 5, 2014

A word of thanks to Ted and Steve

I know I am big on giving thanks and recognition for those people who have made an impact on my life. I have often sung the praises and the importance of the family support that I have always received; whether it was in my athletic endeavors, my leukemia diagnosis, or just living life, I have always had a strong support system.

There are two individuals however who have also played a very important role in who I have become. I initially wanted to talk about their impact on my athletic life, but looking back, these men also played a key role in helping mold and shape the total person that became Steve Brown. Both were coaches and teachers of mine at Haverford High School in Havertown Pennsylvania. Education and fitness have always been my hot buttons it’s pretty logical that I feel ties to these three people so many years later.

Ted Keyser coached me in soccer and volleyball at Haverford. Ted, or “TK” as he was known by all, did not look particularly  intimidating. He was (is) very slight in stature with a military buzz hair cut. I knew of Ted before I actually met him. Student athletes either respected the hell out of the man, or detested and rejected everything that he was trying to do. Ted had a brilliant and successful coaching career at Haverford. Haverford boys volleyball became synonymous with “State Champions”. And his soccer teams were a powerhouse year after year. TK got these results by turning boys into men and forced them to take ownership for their actions. He ruled with a hard disciplinarian approach. There were some soccer practices that didn’t even involve the use of a ball and consisted of nothing but conditioning. But as tough as he was, he was and I’m sure still is, a good and respectful man. I always wanted to do right by TK. If you kept your nose clean, and gave 110% on and off the field, TK liked you. And TK liking you was a always good thing. The funny thing is, to this day I think of him often when I am racing and training. I think of the principles and the work ethic that he instilled in us. I think about two words that he used to use all the time – “intestinal fortitude” when things get a little tough. Soccer went on to play a key role for me in college and beyond; thanks to Ted Keyser.

Steve Juenger was my high school basketball coach. Although he was just as successful as Ted Keyser, his approach was from the opposite end of the spectrum. Mr. Juenger was the gentleman coach and really didn’t believe in pushing his athletes too far. Instead he was a purest and a perfectionist who believed that shooting 100 foul shots everyday served you much better than doing conditioning drills. It was always a tough transition for those of us who played soccer and basketball. Since basketball followed soccer in the year, we were all so amped up from so much physical conditioning with TK that it was hard to slow the pace down and shift gears for Steve Juenger. I even remember asking Mr. Juenger if it would be Ok if we ran some suicide sprints after practice. (Yes, I was a little “off” back then as well). But the thing that I took away from Mr. Juenger was how to be a good person. Sportsmanship and conduct always came first in his book. And that is something else that I practice and preach every day. Steve Juenger was one of the first true ambassadors of good karma in my athletic career. Sadly we lost Mr. Juenger a few years back but his legacy lives large and Haverford has since named their gym after him.

So there you have it..just a few words of thanks and recognition to two men who made a lasting and meaningful impact on my life.

Posted in motivation | Tagged , , | Comments closed

Looking Ahead to 2014

By Steve | Published: December 27, 2013

I wanted to take a minute and update folks on a few things that I am excited about as we get ready to usher in the New Year.  For starters, keep an eye on Endurance Racing Magazine as I will be writing a standing column called “Racing Against Cancer” where I will talk about all things racing and cancer related. Obviously I have many personal experiences to draw from and my journey has connected me with some very inspirational athletes along the way.

I am also excited to have been asked to remain on as a Philanthropic Ambassador for Newton Running for a second year. I have developed a great relationship with these guys and I LOVE THEIR SHOES. So, this is a win-win for both of us.

Don’t forget the upcoming Endurance Sports Expo in Oaks PA on February 22nd and 23rd. I will be running around there most of the weekend wearing multiple hats and will again facilitate one of the discussion panels.

I will again be attending the HEADstrong Lime Light Gala in memory of Nicholas Colleluori. If you recall, in 2012, I was honored as the recipient of the Nicholas Colleluori Award for my contributions to the blood cancer community. More on this later, but this year I will be there as not only a supporter but also as a presenter of one of the awards being given.

There are also a couple of very cool video projects brewing that are much too early to talk about. These are in the infancy stage of discussion, but they have the potential to be big – and awesome. Stay tuned.

And of course I am looking at the calendar and trying to determine what the rest of my racing calendar will look like. So far I am racing the Yuma Arizona marathon in late January, Challenge AC in Atlantic City New Jersey in June, as well as my fall staples of ChesapeakeMan, and the NYC and Philly Marathons. I need to fill in some of the smaller local races and I will be set. And all of this needs to revolve around an additional couple of leukemia treatments that are still needed. All is Ok in that department and I really just feel like I am finishing up my prescription medication after now feeling great.

Stay tuned and thanks for reading. Train safe, race smart, and thank the volunteers.

Posted in health & fitness, survivor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments closed

Dawn Stensland Show

By Steve | Published: December 27, 2013

If you missed my appearance on the Dawn Stensland Show, it will air again on January 2nd at 10:30 AM on WMCN. And should you not be able to catch that, here are the links to the three segments that we did on December 23rd. We had a great time and were most impressed by Dawn and the crew. Thanks for making us all feel at home.

Segment 1 http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=R3WJFFEik6M

Segment 2 http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NrF-9×7EXNE

Segment 3 http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KQwGUcN0N6k

image

image

IMG_5845

Posted in health & fitness, leukemia & lymphoma society, motivation | Tagged , | Comments closed

Dawn Stensland Show Apprearance Monday 12/23 at 10:30 AM

By Steve | Published: December 20, 2013

Just a quick heads up. On Monday 12/23 at 10:30 AM I will be a guest on the Dawn Stensland show on WMCN talking about health, life, cancer, family, triathlon, and how t all fits together in my world. This is a 30 minute live talk show, with viewer call in capabilities.

 WMCN can be found on Comcast HD channel 794 or SD 21 or 19 as well as Verizon HD channel 519 and SD 19. WMCN can be seen on Directtv on HD channel 44 and Dish channel 8165.

Posted in cancer, health & fitness, motivation, survivor, triathlon | Tagged , , | Comments closed

Another Treatment Down

By Steve | Published: December 10, 2013

Yesterday I sat through treatment number three in this current series of Rituxan sessions to treat a few of my leukemia symptoms that reappeared a few months ago. We made the decision to treat it once a month for anywhere between 4-6 months. So, 3 down and 1-3 to go. I feel great and I am looking at this as pretty academic at this point. But a little academia is a good thing.

If you have been following along, I have been having a little trouble in this series of treatments with reactions to the Rituxan. This has caused us to call a few audibles, and make a few redirects along the way to modify some of the offsetting drugs but all in all, it’s been fine. I have been trying to cut the Decadron a little short because I stay awake for days on that steroid. So for this series, we tried to cut the Decadron in half in hopes of being able to sleep after treatment and return to “normal”. Well that plan has kind of worked. I have been able to sleep but we’ve learned that I need the full dose of Decadron to offset the Rituxan. Lesson learned. Next time we will go back to the full dose.

So, yesterday started off like any other chemo day. MG and I had breakfast in the hospital cafeteria then made our way up to Dr. Shore’s office before the chemo suite. (He’s on the 5th floor but the elevator is NEVER an option). After a short wait I was seen and we went through the normal doc visit and pre chemo shtuff. The good news is that my blood work was again spot on perfect with no issues to report at all. So after we reiterated “the plan” and talked about dosing and timing, etc. we made our way down to the chemo suite where my favorite nurse, Mary Lou, ushered us in. But first came the traditional “my blood work is normal” happy dance that MG and I do in the hallway.

After settling in and getting all set up, I started out pretty smoothly. My musical taste was scattered and I jumped around between an old 1973 Lindsay Buckingham and Stevie Nicks album, to Peter Gabriel’s Secret World Tour, to Yes Fragile, to Of Monsters and Men, to The Postal Service, to DMB, to Lorde.

I drifted off and on in the recliner for minutes at a time. My attention tends to dart around the room and from TV to iPad to phone like a repeating loop. Usually interrupted by regular vital sign checks and by the fact that I have to constantly pee with all of the fluids being pumped into me. So my pole and I have to get up and take frequent walks to the rest room for excitement. Of course MG brought me my lunch and sat with me while getting caught up on some work of her own.

The issue I had this time was a hive-like allergic reaction to the Rituxan. So we needed to stop for a few minutes, push a little extra Benadryl through my IV and wait for me to settle down. I did settle down and the added Benadryl must have knocked me out a little because the remainder of that IV bag seemed to empty pretty fast. I was surprised that after four and a half hours I was done “already”. As Mary Lou was unhooking me and bandaging me up, I tried to look out the window to see what the weather was doing. It looked clear and that gave me the brilliant idea of wanting to run home. I knew I felt good enough to do it. MG was a little hesitant for all of the right reasons but we both knew it would be good for me. MG thought that Mary Lou would not approve. But I knew that Mary Lou wouldn’t have a care in the world, because I sure as hell wasn’t going to tell her.

We made our way to MG’s car; I dropped off my stuff, gave her a kiss, and made my way out of the garage and began my run. (I think it was easier running than navigating the after school traffic in a vehicle). MG asked which way I would be going just in case she needed to loop back and look for me. I chose the longer of the two routes home for a few reasons. None of them are that important. About 5 minutes later I heard the familiar honk of our Chevy Equinox and I just smiled and threw both arms triumphantly in the air. As she drove past and waved, I smiled and said to myself…

“yep”.

Posted in cancer, motivation | Tagged , , , | Comments closed
"Be the change you wish to see in the world " - Gandhi
string(18) "/home/jw3x14i9m7i0"