Dribble for the Cure recap: An Amazing Day at UCLA!
by insomniacslounge on Nov 9, 2010 4:04 AM PST
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PrintBumped. GO BRUINS. -N
The Dribble for the Cure festivities took place on Sunday at UCLA. The men's and women's basketball team, marching band, spirit squad, and many individuals whose lives had been touched by pediatric cancer all took part in the festivities, and it was quite a day of celebration, remembrance, and dedication.
For me, it was mostly a day of giving thanks. I am so thankful that I was able to spend the day with Tyler, friends and my extended Bruin family together; so thankful for all of the researchers who keep searching for answers each day; and so thankful for people like you, who show both incredible compassion and support for people who are going through rough times and incredible generosity in your donations which make further research possible.
Thanks to the incredible response here at Bruins Nation, we had over 150 people donate more than a combined $8500 to Tyler's fundraising page. This total not only made Tyler the top individual fundraiser, but also the top fundraiser overall, outpacing even the corporate teams who were participating in the event! Tyler was presented with an award by coaches Ben Howland and Nikki Caldwell for this achievement and was given a standing ovation at center court of Pauley Pavilion. Everyone here shares that award, and I hope that you can share a piece of the joy that I've been beaming with for days.
After the event, the players made themselves available for autographs and could not have been more gracious. We then spoke at length with former Bruin great John Vallely, who now serves on the board of directors for the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation. The heartache and adversity that cancer has imposed on his life is quite moving, and his focus and dedication towards finding better treatments is inspirational. Finally, we met with coach Nikki Caldwell, and all I can do is echo what others have said about her here. We should feel honored to have someone with such amazing character, energy, and commitment representing our university.
This was the 3rd Dribble For the Cure event. The first year, we weren't able to attend as the event coincided with Tyler's first relapse. The 2nd year, Tyler was in the hospital getting a bone marrow transplant. This year, he finally made it, but needed a wheelchair to make it through the course. Next year, he's going to be walking (if not sprinting) his way around campus- and I'll be counting on your support to get him there.
Here are some photos of Tyler at the event. Thank you to Bruin805 for providing the award photos
DSC00635.jpg (via insomniacslounge)
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Thank you all for making this such an incredible day!
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of BruinsNation's (BN) editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of BN's editors.
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Congrats to you and your family!
We should be the ones thanking you for inspiring us and giving us a dose of reality. I don’t think the other members of this community will mind me saying that you can definitely count on our support next year. Really glad Tyler had a great time. :)
Have to say
I am really floored by how UCLA athletic department, teams have embraced Tyler (how can they now). Still big props to them for going so far beyond in stepping up. Really proud and grateful to the coaches/players from both football and hoops.
Great event
I was there with my kids but we had to leave right after we finished the course at Pauley. I am bummed that we missed Tyler but am glad that he had a great event.
I thought the entire event was very well organized this year and as usual the coaches and players were very accessible and friendly. Kudos to the Vallelys for driving it.
At the Pauley part did they say how much money was raised this year?
by RealisticBruinFan on Nov 8, 2010 2:44 PM PST reply actions
Glad to be there
When they were reading off the amounts of the different teams, I had my fingers crossed that Team Tyler would be #1. Once I heard the total of the 2nd place finisher, I knew that you guys had taken the top prize.
I have to admit that it got a little dusty in my section of Pauley when you guys went out on Nell & John Wooden Court. I was sitting next to Kris Johnson and he was the first person I saw in the building to stand and start clapping. He even gave a loud, “GO DEREK!” as you walked out.
As proud as I was of the football team on Saturday night, seeing all of the Bruin spirit at Pauley on Sunday afternoon made me 100x prouder.
Tyler, Insomniac, and family
Tyler … was given a standing ovation at center court of Pauley Pavilion.
Please know that the standing ovation extends far beyond Pauley Pavilion. We owe you thanks, for showing what can’t be described any other way except as real courage. And, what an inspiration that is.
by Bruinut on Nov 8, 2010 9:47 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
I am so incredibly proud.
Proud of what you and Tyler have faced with style and grace.
Proud of the amount we were able raise through BN.
Proud of the extended Bruin Family.
Proud to call myself a Bruin.
The best thing you can do for your children is to love their mother. John Wooden
by MexiBruin on Nov 9, 2010 7:46 AM PST reply actions 2 recs
Still the best story of the year!
Congratulations Tyler! Thank you insomniac for sharing your story with all of us. Truly inspiring!!!
Thanks everyone. I should also let you know that the impact is still being felt beyond just that day.
Tyler is more motivated than ever to work on regaining strength in his legs so that he can start shooting hoops again. The last two days, Tyler got up and dribbled a ball around the backyard for a lil’ while. That may not seem like a lot on the surface, but it’s the first time he’s felt strong enough to try anything athletic since June. His improvement over the last few weeks has been dramatic, and I can’t help but notice how that has coincided with all of the support and energy he’s received from the entire UCLA family.
by insomniacslounge on Nov 9, 2010 2:42 PM PST reply actions
That is wonderful..
I’ll keep the prayers going that Tyler gets stronger and stronger each day.
I may work with the Waves, but I'm still a Bruin!
(Formerly "HoozierDaddy")
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