Tom McKay Joins Team HEADstart

My name is Tom McKay and I have joined Team HEADstart to raise money for a great cause: Headstrong Foundation. I’ve been involved in raising money for this charity for the last few years through my son’s high school lacrosse team’s charity event (South Lyon, MI). After learning of Nick Colleluori’s story and meeting his family, who tirelessly work to carry on Nick’s vision through the Headstrong Foundation (www.headstrongfoundation.org), it was a “no brainer” to do as much as I can to help them.

I will be running in the Brooksie Way half marathon in Rochester, MI on September 30th (http://www.thebrooksieway.com/Pages/default.aspx). I am hoping that my friends, family, coworkers and anybody who makes their way to this page will donate what they can for a great cause. The Headstrong Foundation exists to raise money, advocate and help others who are affected by blood cancers.

I am honored to represent Headstrong in this race and will use (and need!) Nick’s inspiration to accomplish my goal of finishing this event. I’m looking forward to wearing the lime green laces.

ABOUT THE HEADSTRONG FOUNDATION

The HEADstrong Foundation was started in 2005, when Nicholas “HEAD” Colleluori was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, an aggressive type of blood cancer that affects the lymphatic system. During his relentless 14 month battle with this disease, undergoing intense chemotherapy, radiation, a stem cell transplant and experimental treatments, Nick was determined to start a foundation that would support the blood cancer community. He created the name HEADstrong through his childhood nickname “HEAD” and the word “strong” defining his mental and physical toughness. Despite his deteriorating health, Nick spent many hours working on his laptop learning about non-profit organizations and creating word documents of what he envisioned. Days before his passing, Nick’s energy for others was communicated to his family and he made them promise that they would see his vision come to reality. Although, on November 28th, 2006 Nick ultimately lost his life to lymphoma, he established the framework for the HEADstrong Foundation and has impacted the lives of thousands of people. The HEADstrong Foundation for blood cancer is committed to finding a cure for all blood cancers. The foundation is dedicated to its founder Nicholas Colleluori. The foundation strives on Nick’s quote, “Making use of the time you have and don’t stress the little things. Have a smile and enjoy what you can get out of life.”