A VERY BIG THANK YOU!!!

We are absolutely amazed at the generosity that has poured out from people! The original goal was more than doubled thanks to YOU! Please watch the "Thank You Video" for clips of the race and our trip to Riley. With the money you donated, new toys, games and movies were purchased for the Burn Unit as well as 2 Rocking Chairs and gift certificates to be used for needy kids. We were also able to assemble 100 care bags full of necessities for parents that rush to the burn unit and have nothing with them. In the next few weeks the remaining money will be spent on a laptop (or two) that the kids can use in their beds and the families can use to update their Care Pages without leaving their child's side. May God bless each of you for opening your hearts and supporting this cause. Together we made a difference!

Race Day

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE THAT CONTRIBUTED THEIR TIME OR MONEY TO THE RUN FOR RILEY! WE WILL HAVE PICTURES AND MORE DETAILS, AS WELL AS SOME PICTURES OF WHEN WE GO TO RILEY IN THE NEXT WEEK OR SO!

Hi Everybody,
Less than two weeks before race day. I would like to thank everyone that has made a donation. I can't believe we have revised the donation goal a second time. I've got a feeling we can surpass the $3000 mark. If this is your first time on the blog scroll down to Cooper's story to learn more about why we are doing this. Along the right hand side you'll see the video's, list of donors, training schedule and links. Feel free to leave a comment. And last but not least make a donation.

In the next couple weeks I will be visiting the Burn Unit to ask them what they are in need of. I'm assuming toys, DVD's, books and stuff like that. Also, we have decided to use some of the money to put together care packages for the families that come to the Burn Unit. Care packages will consist of tooth brushes, tooth paste, shampoo, etc. Obviously, when families come to the Burn Unit they don't have time to pack a bag.

A HUGE THANK YOU goes to my wife Vicki. She has been the IT Dept, Accouting Dept, Physical Therepy Dept, and Video Production Dept. I dreamed up the idea but she has made it a reality. Thanks!!!!

Why Do I Run?

This is Cooper. When Cooper was 16 months old he pulled a vegetable steamer off of the counter and suffered third degree burns on his left arm and foot. He was rushed to the hospital and they realized that they could not help him and that he needed specialized care. They sent him to the Burn Unit at Riley Hospital for Children. This was the best place we could have asked for. Cooper spent 18 days at Riley and had to have two skin graft surgeries. Although it was a scary time for our family it is a time that we are thankful for. We got to see angels at work here on earth. They were in the form of burn unit nurses. These nurses do and see things on a daily basis that would make a grown man cry. But they do it with a smile on their face and a comforting word in their mouth. We also saw miracle workers in the form of the plastic surgeons who took Coopers arm that looked like something from a sci-fi movie and made it a scar that is slightly noticeable but getting better every day. If a child asks Cooper what happened to his arm, he just looks at it and says “That’s just my owie.”

We are forever grateful and thankful for the nurses and doctors at Riley. When Dan Bernath asked if we would mind if he would run to raise money for the Burn Unit in honor of Cooper, it brought tears to our eyes. They are always in need of new movies and games to keep the kids distracted from the immense pain they are in. Or they may need new chairs for the parents to rock their little ones to sleep. All I know is that the money that you are able to give will go to making miracles in the lives of these children who desperately need them.

Cooper and kids like him are the reason I am running. On October 20th I will run in the Indianapolis Half Marathon to raise money for the Burn Unit. I would love it if you would like to join me and run for kids like Cooper or if you are able to donate, any amount is greatly appreciated. The donations will go to the Burn Unit at Riley in Cooper's name. Scroll down to the bottom to find out how you can get involved.

This is the official kick-off of the blog. Please check back in from time to time to see our progress. I will be keeping you updated on my training as well as where we are on our goal of raising $2,000. Feel free to leave a comment in the "comment section" if you have any words of encouragement. Let's have some fun with this, so if you have any motivational material for me, I would love to see it. Most importantly, remember to pass this site along to your friends, family, co-workers, or any other long list of people you may have. Together, I think we can exceed the $2,000 goal for the kids!

Thanks for your help,
Dan

Two Ways To Get Involved!

Join the Run Team (we'll accept walkers too)
- If you would like to join me and run for kids like Cooper on October 20th, email me at dbernath@bowenengineering.com . Please include your name, your fundraising goal and a picture of yourself.
- I will add your information to the "Team Area" on the Blog. Then you are ready to send the Blog address to your friends and family to raise donations for the Riley Children's Hospital Burn Unit.

Make a Donation
- Every dollar counts, so remember no donation is to small (or to large). For your convenience there are 2 easy ways to donate.
1. Click on the "Paypal Donate" button on the right side of your screen to make a credit card or debit card donation.
2. Send a check to:
Dan Bernath/Run for Riley
13265 Westwood Ln.
Fishers, IN 46038
Please make check payable to Dan Bernath and put "Run for Riley" in the memo section.

Your support is appreciated. Please click on the "Comment" button below and leave your name, amount donated (if you would like) and a comment.

Let's RUN!!!

Meet The Run Team

Amber - Cooper's mom
I have finally given in to peer pressure and decided to put myself through the pain and agony of running (I hate to run) for a great cause. Please support us all by giving money to the burn unit which changed our lives. Also, please pray that I am able to make it across the finish line!!




Jess, Mary & Megan Horsfall....We are Cooper's neighbors and good friends of Amber and Tim. We are so excited to be able to take part in such a great cause. Even my daughter Megan is going to participate....Maybe some of our other neighbors will also be interested in participating with us?

JJ Bray - Bowen Employee & fellow Washington, Indiana native










Mike Stephenson - Bowen Employee (photo not yet available)








Lyn Grandt - "I'm Cooper's Papa. I saw first hand the kind of miracles that happen in the Riley Burn Unit and I am excited to do my part in giving to this wonderful cause!"