A Hero!

3 years ago at Caribou Coffee in Rochester a man named Brian Dalton walked in, ordered a coffee and happened to see a Girl Power 2 Cure flower.  My mom had gone to several coffee shops earlier that month and set up Garden's of Hope.  We had hoped to raise a decent amount of money with this quick and easy fundraiser but we were about to be pleasantly surprised.  

Brian was intrigued when he read about Rett Syndrome and the Girl Power 2 Cure organization, it was good timing considering his 8th grade class was looking for an organization to benefit from a fundraiser they were doing at our local Barnes and Nobel Book Store.  

Brian emailed Ingrid Harding (founder of Girl Power 2 Cure) and Ingrid got us in contact with Brian.  A few months later Annie and I were welcomed into Brian's 8th grade class and were completely blown away with the amount of kindness, support and love we were shown.  The classroom was decked out in Girl Power flowers, even the kids faces were tattooed with flowers.  Annie was given gifts and then we watched the most beautiful, heartwarming video that several of the kids made about Annie and her fight with Rett.  We were blessed!

The kids each made projects that they displayed at Barnes and Nobel Bookstore a few weeks later.  During the time that they were displayed the community was invited to come in, hear the kids present their projects and then 20% of all proceeds that night were given to Girl Power 2 Cure.  

That was 3 years ago, this event has become annual.  The kids do more and more each year and raise more and more money.  Last year Brian was able to bring in Fox 2 News and we were able to tell thousands about our little known disease, Rett Syndrome.  
Eight graders raising money for Rett Syndrome research - Fox 2 News Headlines

As if all this wasn't enough Brian has blown us away again.  This year he is not only continuing the Barnes and Nobel tradition but he is taking it a step further and competing in the Escape from Alcatraz  triathlon.  

Brian says "As far as as triathlons go, it doesn't get any bigger or more challenging that the Escape From Alcatraz race. The race is also symbolic of how the girls are in essence a prisoner in their own bodies. Their minds are free, but their bodies are broken. So, to help out, I'm going to put myself and my body through one of the most challenging races I could find."  

Here is the explination of the triathlon:  "The 2013 Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon features a 1.5-mile swim through frigid waters from Alcatraz Island to the shores of the St. Francis Yacht Club, a grueling 18-mile bike ride, and a demanding 8-mile run through the trails of the Golden Gate Recreational Area. Set against the natural beauty of San Francisco, this thrilling triathlon is a virtual postcard of the City by the Bay."  YIKES!  

To think that just 3 years ago Brian didn't know anything about Annie or Rett Syndrome and today he was working selflessly to help fund a cure is such a blessing.  Brian is a full time teacher and has 4 children of his own and still found the time to help our cause.  What an inspiration he is to his family and his students and a Hero to our girls suffering from Rett Syndrome!  

Will you help our hero and support him as he sacrifices so much for Annie and all the girls suffering with Rett Syndrome?  Make a donation HERE and leave a message to let Brian know what an inspiration he is!