February 7th, 2010

Many thanks to all who made the 7th Annual Super Bowl Benefit a great success! The enthusiasm, generosity and support displayed by RAI supporters was OUTSTANDING — a true example of how our community can come together and make a difference in the fight.

Over 250 partied with a cause, celebrating America’s number #1 sporting event and enjoying the traditional of raffles, amazing door prizes, great food, and fabulous guest bartenders... As a result, RAI was able to raise $11,000 in total proceeds – 100% of which will be used to benefit adolescents and young adults affected by cancer.

Thank you again – we look forward to seeing everyone again next year!

Door Prizes donated by:

• The Cleveland Cavaliers
• Spring Valley Golf Club
• Fat Heads Brewery and Saloon
• Hot Dog Heaven
• Henry's at the Barn
• Bricco
• The Reagle Beagle
• The Croyle Family

Additional thanks to:

• Event Coordinator Brian Burger and the 2010 Event Committee
• Guest Bartenders: Tyler Smith, Dawn Pickering, Sue Carroll, Tom Murphy, Valerie Phillips, Katrina Hollo, Jay Casey Eammon Dooley, and Amir Kettani
• MillerLITE
• Gina Kost for generously gifting $250 of $500 Grand Prize
• Many others for generously gifting Super Bowl Squares winnings, and
• Midview Wrestling team for their generous team donation

On October 16th, Rise Above It (RAI) demonstrated its continued growth while hosting the 2009 Black Dress Yellow Tie event.

Nearly 200 friends and supporters gathered at the Downtown Cleveland Marriott for a silent auction, gourmet dinner and live entertainment. A host of speakers inspired attendees by sharing their personal experiences and their commitment to RAI in the fight against cancer.

Beneficiary, Meghan (Baurer) Yee, spoke of the inspiring role RAI played in her own cancer journey. RAI President, Ryan O'Donoghue, presented Meghan with a $1,000 grant in support on her continuing fight.

Mike Sherwin, LIVESTRONG™ Board Member and Chairman of the Lance Armstrong Foundation Endowment, introduced his long time friend and esteemed colleague, Heidi Adams, as the event Keynote Speaker. His parting words, appropriately displayed on a coffee mug previously given to him by Heidi – "Fuck Cancer!"

Heidi Adams shared a heroic journey, covering her own cancer diagnosis and the eventual establishment of Planet Cancer - the world's premier social networking website for young adults battling cancer. Heidi emphasized the uniqueness and importance of RAI's services, sighting a specific example where RAI and its supporters allowed one particular individual to live out his dreams as an independent young artist in New York City.

The LIVESTRONG™ Young Adult Alliance (LSYAA) meets annually, creating an opportunity for information and resource sharing, and to develop collaborative relationships within the young adult cancer community. On November 13th and 14th, the LSYAA met to ensure that LIVESTRONG™ is offering the appropriate resources necessary for our grassroots organizations to grow with collective strength.

Day 1
Ryan O’Donoghue (Founder/President) attended the New Media and Clinical Trials & Follow-Up Care breakout sessions while Jackie McNamara (Chair, Fundraising & Sponsorships) attended the New Media and Resource Sharing and breakouts. Each session featured experts who shared their experience and provided direction on how to collaborate and use new tools tackle the issues limiting progress against cancer in young adults.

Day 2
Ryan met with the Awareness Task Force. Ryan and other nonprofit leaders worked to continue implementing the recommendations of the Progress Review Group report related to awareness, advocacy and communications both within the alliance and to patients and their families. Click here for more information about the AYOA Progress Review Group.

Jackie attended and joined the Membership Task Force. Jackie and other members evaluated current member support and worked to ensure the stability of the LSYAA. The Membership Task Force will continue to evaluate new member applications, nominate steering committee members, and make recommendations for changes to membership guidelines. This group is also working to improve communication and resource sharing, develop Newsletters and recognize members’ events and community impact.

Clevelanders Take on Chicago!

The second annual Clevelandfest was held on the streets of Wrigleyville Saturday, April 25th in honor of cancer warrior Kevin Healey, with all proceeds benefiting Rise Above It (RAI). Over 50 Cleveland natives, currently living in Chicago, joined full force for a bar crawl in the spirit of Kevin and in support of RAI’s fight against adolescent and young adult cancer. The Clevelandfest crew visited six bars throughout the day and great times were had by all! The event was an excellent opportunity for fellow Clevelanders to gather for a great cause and also helped solidify RAI's footprint in Chicago.

For further information about Kevin Healey and his story, please visit http://www.kevinhealey.com/.

Special thanks to...

• Clevelandfest Organizers - Bobby Krueger, Lauren Rini, and Tewey McNamee
• Kevin and the Healey family, for their courage and great inspiration

Host Bars:

• Blarney Stone
• Central
• Merkle's
• Sluggers
• Moe's Cantina
• John Barleycorn

On April 18th, Rise Above It (RAI) was the Chicago area beneficiary of Village Green Companies 18th Annual Splash Day. Each year Village Green apartment communities across the Midwest collect pledges from residents and local businesses, daring company employees to take a plunge into the frigid pool waters at their properties.

This year the Chicago event took place on the 42nd floor of Eugenie Terrace and featured not only the official "Splash", but also food donated by local restaurants, a silent auction, open bar, a live reggae band and panoramic views of the city's world renowned skyline.

RAI is humbled by the generosity of Village Green Companies and its residents. It is the heartfelt generosity of companies like Village Green that make our efforts possible, and help us make a meaningful impact in the lives of young adults battling cancer.

In total, Village Green’s Chicago Splash Day event raised over $14,000 for RAI and the fight against adolescent and young adult cancer.