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Contact: Kristen Gillette FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Phone: (732) 222-1491
Cell: (732) 859-3629
Email: kortneyroseorg@aol.com
Kortney Rose Gillette was a vivacious nine-year old girl with a winning smile and unparalleled zest for life. She loved playing with friends and animals (stuffed or real) and enjoyed school at Wolf Hill Elementary in Oceanport, NJ. This didn’t change even after her diagnosis of a terminal brainstem glioma. On April 27, 2006, four months after her diagnosis, Kortney lost her brave battle with this pediatric brain tumor.
To celebrate Kortney’s love of life, last September Caring for Kortney initiated the inaugural “Kortney’s Challenge.” Over 500 people participated and helped to raise $16,000: the amount needed to build “Kortney’s Playground,” an addition to the playground at Wolf Hill Elementary School. Since last year’s walk, the Kortney Rose Foundation (KRF) was incorporated to raise money for pediatric brain tumor research and awareness and is now a 501(c)(3).
Once again the Walk/Run Challenge will be held at Blackberry Bay Park in Oceanport on Saturday, September 8, 2007 (rain date: September 9). Pre-registration check-in and same day registration starts at 2pm. Race begins at 3pm. T-shirts are guaranteed to pre-registrants and for same day registrants while supplies last.
In addition to raising money for the foundation’s mission, all of the miles walked by participants in Kortney’s Challenge will be donated to The International Brain Tumor Alliance’s (IBTA) Walk Around the World for Brain Tumors, a London-based alliance supporting brain tumor advocacy groups.
Kortney’s Challenge will kick off the Oceanport Summer’s End Festival which runs from 4:00pm-9:30pm. The festival features family entertainment, food, vendors and fireworks. “This year’s event is going to be more exciting than the previous,” said Kristen Gillette, Kortney’s mom and the KRF president. “Super Mike Minervini has arranged for the ReMax hot balloon to be on-hand to give approximately 100 people the opportunity to take a tether ride for a $25 donation per rider - all proceeds will benefit The Kortney Rose Foundation. Balloon rides will run from 6:00pm – 8:00pm.”
“It has been a very difficult couple of years for our family,” said Gillette, “but knowing that we are raising money to help doctors find a cure for brain cancer and hopefully keeping other children and families from going through the same nightmare, has kept us going.”
All KRF 2007 fundraising events, including “Tony Provolone and Carmella Mozzarella’s Engagement Party” a June dinner dance, a Lakewood Blue Claws game day, and Kortney’s Challenge, have been generously supported by KRF Pink Rose Sponsor: World Subaru of Tinton Falls. Proceeds from the events total over 50K and benefit the pediatric brain tumor program at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).
Pediatric brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children 18 and under. Children are now being diagnosed with a brain tumor as often as leukemia.
If you would like more information about The Kortney Rose Foundation or to schedule an interview please call Kristen Gillette at (732) 222-1491, or email kortneyroseorg@aol.com. Visit our website: www.KortneyRoseFoundation.org