5/20/2008

Hello to the Seahawks Nation. A month ago I wrote a quick blurb to state that the Mat-Su Sea Hawkers would be walking in the American Cancer Society – Relay for Life, in Palmer, Alaska. While we set a goal of $1,500.00, we were only able to achieve roughly $900.00. We feel pretty darn good, as a booster club, to know that in a tough economy we made almost 2/3 of our goal. I know the American Cancer Society is certainly happy to have the additional funds.

The idea to walk in this event was first pitched at our April board meeting where we were looking to engage a community event. We immediately jumped onto the Cancer Society walk idea, because we have our own Sea Hawker and cancer survivor, Rhys (Little Hawk) Allen.

As some of you may recall, Rhys Allen was diagnosed with leukemia last year. Rhys spent most of last year in Seattle Children’s Hospital. During that time, the Seattle Seahawks organization, led by Mr. Mike Flood (V.P. Community Outreach) and Mr. Paul Johns (Asst. Director of Community Outreach) arranged for David and Veronica Greene to spend a few hours with Rhys. Though the Greene’s are no longer in Seattle, the experience to Rhys, the Allen Family, and the Greene family has developed into a long-term friendship.

I am happy to report that Rhys Allen looks like he is making a great recovery. Rhys and his dad, Rick (Law Hawker) were able to come to the kick-off event at the Relay for Life, to walk the Survivor Lap and the Team Banner Lap. Rhys has been home for most of the winter, and now spring, and needs to head back to Seattle for what looks to be his last round of treatment this June. Our fingers are crossed and our prayers go out to this wonderful family.

The Mat-Su Sea Hawkers sincerely thank the Seahawks organization, Mike Flood, Paul Johns, David and Veronica Greene, and all those who contributed to this family in their time of need, and to those who contributed to our fundraising for this event.

It is times like these that make me feel most proud to be associated with the Seattle Seahawks and the Sea Hawker organization.

Regards from Alaska and the Mat- Su Sea Hawkers,

Tom Spindler (Tomahawker)
President, Mat-Su Sea Hawkers, Inc.