Run for the Twins IV (website:  RunForTwins.JosephGillisJr.com)

to help support Alexia and Kailyn DeBoe

Last update: July 23, 2008

Dear Friends,    I have had the pleasure of knowing the DeBoe family from here in Bridgewater MA for many years.  I have even worked with Tony (the dad) at two different employers.  Tony and Bridgette have twin girls Alexia and Kailyn who suffer from Thalassemia.    Thalassemia is a blood disorder that affects an individual’s ability to produce hemoglobin.  Because of this life-threatening condition, the twins have for several years undergone regular blood transfusions.    After a recent running race (my first in many years), a conversation with Keith Buohl led to a discussion of whether I would like to run the Falmouth Road Race in August and help raise money for a good cause.  Keith was once again putting together a team of runners to raise funds to help offset the costs of medical care for the twins; an endeavor this year called “Running for the Twins IV”.  What started four years ago with Keith running alone will be eleven runners in 2008.    The following story was recently published (July 13, 2008) in the Brockton Enterprise about the “Run for the Twins”:

BRIDGEWATER — A team is running to help offset the medical expenses for the two 7-year-old Bridgewater girls.  Andrea Francisco is 55 years old and enjoys riding her motorcycle, redecorating her home, exercising and spending time with her grandchildren.    On Aug. 10, Francisco will combine two of those pastimes when she runs the 7.1-mile Falmouth Road Race to raise money for her 7-year-old granddaughters, Alexia and Kailyn DeBoe of Bridgewater. The twins have Thalassemia, a rare blood disorder that requires monthly blood transfusions to keep the girls alive.  “I know I’m prejudiced since they are my grandchildren, but these little girls are so brave,” says Francisco. “You would never know anything was wrong to look at them. They just love life and want to do everything.    A team of 10 runners, many from Bridgewater, make up this year’s “Running for the Twins,” which was created four years ago after a conversation on the commuter train between Anthony DeBoe, the girls’ father, and Keith Buohl, whose family founded the team.   Over the last three years, the team has raised more than $30,000 to help the DeBoe family offset costs not covered by health insurance.    Also running on this year’s team is Francisco’s niece and the twins’ cousin, Jennifer Lovering, a member of the 102nd Intelligence Wing of the Massachusetts Air National Guard at Otis Air National Guard Base.  Lovering, 32, says her involvement in this year’s run combines her love of exercise and family, and will send a message to her two daughters, ages 7 and 2.  Lovering and Bridgette DeBoe grew up together in Bridgewater. “Bridgette has always looked out for me and been there through both the good times and bad.” said Lovering “I am grateful I have the opportunity to give back to her and her children.”    To support Running for the Twins, send a check payable to the Alexia & Kailyn DeBoe Family Fund to Buohl at 10 Fieldcrest Drive, Bridgewater 02324. For more information or to schedule a donation pick-up, call 508-279-3259.

I realize that there are many requests for funds throughout the year.  I hope that you will consider supporting this very worthwhile cause.    If you would like to sponsor us in our “Running for the Twins IV” race, please mail your donation to the address below or contact me and I will be more than happy to stop by and pick it up. Any donation large or small would be greatly appreciated. Checks should be made payable to the Alexia & Kailyn DeBoe Family Fund. This fund was set up by the twins’ grandmother at Bridgewater Savings Bank.  Every dollar donated goes directly to the family to help offset medical and other related expenses not covered by their health insurance; the team absorbs all the costs associated with the race and fundraising efforts.  Please feel free to share this letter with your family, friends and neighbors who may be interested in supporting our team and the twins.    Thank you for your support.  Please contact me if you have any questions. With kindest regards, Joseph Gillis, Jr. Checks payable to: Alexia & Kailyn DeBoe Family Fund Event: 7.1 mile Falmouth Road Race, August 10, 2008 (www.falmouthroadrace.com) Forward donations to: DeBoe Family Fund c/o Joseph Gillis, Jr. 30 Town Line Circle Bridgewater, MA  02324 Telephone: (508) 697-1957 Email: Joe@JosephGillisJr.com

Run for the Twins IV -- team members Donations can be forwarded to any team member.  Each team member has pledged to raise $750 with this one event.  All donations - large and small - will be gratefully accepted; and will truly help the twins and the family. Keith Buohl, 10 Fieldcrest Way, Bridgewater MA -- 508.279.3259    CKCBuohl@aol.com Kate Chefer Andrea Francisco, 593 Marys Pond Road, Rochester, MA -- 508.273.7787    Andi5391@comcast.net Joseph Gillis, 30 Town Line Circle, Bridgewater MA -- 508.697.1957    Joe@JosephGillisJr.com Katerina Kaufman David Litvak    Dave.Litvak@gmail.com Jennifer Lovering Jennifer O'Connell, 158 Reilly Street, Box 44, Otis ANGB, MA -- 774.313.9479    jennifer.oconnell@maotis.ang.af.mil {...listing in process; want permission prior to publishing contact info...}