As most of you know, cancer researcher Dr. Linda Malkas and her team at the Indiana University Cancer Research Center receive the bulk of the money raised annually by the AnnaFund. They have received $100,000 from us so far and that total will go up substantially this year. Her work and enthusiasm are inspiring and we are proud of our association with her and her group. Now an even bigger audience knows about her passion and commitment to beating cancer with the publication of an article in Guideposts magazine profiling Linda. It is a must read! Copy the link below and see for yourself.

http://www.guidepostsmag.com/health/healing-from-illness-archive/?i=3558&page=1

Think dancing. Think eating. Think Christmas shopping. Think raising money for annafund.org.

Now we hope you are thinking about the A.N.N.A. Ball!

The seventh-annual A.N.N.A.’s Ball is just around the corner. This year’s event will be held once again at the Marriott North Hotel in Indianapolis on Saturday, November 22, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

We can’t wait to see all of our friends as we will gather to celebrate Anna’s life and the lives of A.N.N.A. family members that we have recently lost.
If you have any questions or would like to donate items for the auctions, please contact us at 317-769-3009.

See you at the Ball!!!!!

Steve, Barb and Brian Healey ventured north once again June 7, 2008, to take part in the Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer’s annual TREK 100 bicycle ride in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. Over 2,800 cyclists from more than 30 states gathered to raise money for childhood cancer research at the University of Wisconsin medical center. This ride has raised many millions of dollars over the years for research and it continues to grow. You can find out more about the ride at www.maccfund.org.

This year’s trio of ANNAFUND.org riders covered 140 miles Saturday raising well over $2,000 for the MACCFUND. Steve rode 100 miles for the third year in a row. Barb tackled the 20-mile course for the second year in a row. Making his riding debut at the TREK 100 was nine-year-old Brian Healey who completed the 20-mile route and even passed cycling legend Lance Armstrong along the way. They managed to have a very brief conversation before Brian blew past him. It should be mentioned that Armstrong was riding along side his 7-year-old son. Despite the pace, it was still the highlight of the day for Brian. The highlight of the trip for Brian was getting rewarded for his efforts with an authentic foam rubber Wisconsin “cheesehead” hat.

Wow! The first ANNAFUND 50 and Family Ride bike tour of Carmel and rural Hamilton County was a great success. With over 150 riders showing up on a beautiful Sunday morning, the April 27th event was everything we could have hoped for! Thanks to the guys at the Bike Line for hosting the event and supplying much-appreciated organization on ride day! Thanks a bunch to ZIPP, Delta Faucet, Jimmy Johns, The Wilkinson Brothers, TREK, Bontrager and to everyone who bought a T-Shirt or raffle ticket. You people all rock! The $7,400 raised will be donated directly to the neuroblastoma research efforts going on in the lab of Dr. Linda Malkas at the Indiana University Cancer Research Institute and to neuroblastoma families at Riley Hospital for Children. THANK YOU ALL!

We here at ANNA love two-wheeled transportation. We especially love those who use two-wheeled transportation. So, we are proud to be associated with the Bike Line bicycle shop in Carmel, Indiana, who have graciously offered to host the first ANNA Fund 50 and Fun Ride!

When: April 27,2008 - 11 a.m. (*family ride starts at 11:30)
Where: Corner of 116th Street and Rangeline Road in Carmel (this is the location of Bike Line).
Cost: $20/rider and $50/Family
Distance: 50-mile fitness ride with one rest stop and 15-mile family ride with lunch to follow.

We will raffle off a bike from TREK. There will be door prizes and the first 50 riders to sign up will get a free t-shirt.

To register to ride call the Bike Line at 317-815-1122. For more information visit their website at www.thebikeline.com.

Mark your calendars for the annual A.N.N.A. motorcycle rally to be held June 28, 2008, in Rensselaer, Indiana. This 75-mile motorcycle ride through the farmlands of northern Indiana has generated over $45,000 for A.N.N.A. in its first four years. This year’s ride will make a half way stop at Fair Oaks Farms, home of northern Indiana’s best ice cream! Come help make rally number five another success. Registration at 11 a.m., ride starts at 1 p.m. rain or shine. Ride begins three blocks north of the courthouse square at the corner of Van Rensselaer and Susan Streets. Ride for a reason!

For more information, email dlhealey@embarqmail.com.

Saturday’s (November 10,2007) sixth-annual ANNA’s Ball generated more than $25,000 for neuroblastoma research at the IU Cancer Research Institute and for families battling neuroblastoma. More than 300 friends (old and new), relatives and neighbors showed up at the Indianapolis Marriott North Hotel and danced, dined and bid their way to one of the most successfull balls ever! It was truely a great evening. This $25,000 will easily put us over the $200,000 mark for total funds generated in our six years of existence! Wow! You people are incredible!

- “Barb and I can’t thank you all enough for supporting the annafund and for making Anna’s wish come true!” - Steve Healey

The sixth-annual ANNA’s Ball is right around the corner! The November 10th event will take place at the beautiful Marriott North Hotel (www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/indno-indianapolis-marriott-north/) located at Keystone at the Crossings in Indianapolis. If this sounds familiar it’s because we had such a great experience dealing with the people at the hotel last year that we’re not fixin’ what ain’t broken. The hotel has blocked off 10 rooms for those who would like to spend the night. You must make your reservation by October 26th.
If you have any items that you would like to donate for the silent or live auctions please contact Steve at stevehealey@tds.net.

See you at the ball!

Once again Barb and Steve’s Spring Knoll neighbors came through big to make the annual Chili-Rama cook-off a success. Eleven chilis and six cornbreads were entered with Shana Wendt taking first prize in the chili division and Maggie Drake and Claire Drew walking away with cornbread bragging rights. Most importantly it was a great way to get all our neighbors together for a party and visit as well as collect items for this year’s ANNA’s Ball. Way to go everyone!