Contacts: Brian Bellmont, Bellmont Partners Public Relations
(952) 233-0428, brian@bellmontpartners.com
Darolyn Gray, Executive Director, Angel Foundation
(612) 554-1314, darolyngray@aol.com
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (September 19, 2006) — Most people are running for the exercise or for the experience, but the Sorensen family is running to support an organization that offers strength and hope for families affected by cancer — for a very personal reason. Siblings Elizabeth, Adam and Emily Sorensen are running this year’s Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon to raise money – and awareness – for Angel Foundation, which helps hundreds of Minnesota families cope with the financial stress and emotional impact of cancer. And now the reason for their participation has become even more apparent.
The Sorensens originally planned to run the race in support of the Twin Cities-based Angel Foundation (formerly Minnesota Oncology Hematology Foundation) as a tribute to the people they know who have been touched by cancer, and to help families who are living with it right now. But their support of the foundation hit home last week in an even more immediate – and unexpected – way when their 55-year-old uncle, Bob Bryngelson, who had been battling the disease for the past five years, passed away on September 9. “We know firsthand the difference an organization like Angel Foundation can make to a family coping with cancer,” said Elizabeth Sorensen. “Our family was blessed to be able to afford the treatments necessary for our uncle. We couldn’t imagine battling this disease without a strong financial backbone and support network. Today, we’re doubly committed to encouraging other people to support this extremely worthwhile organization.”
The Sorensens, who named their team “The Flying Pollys” after their uncle and aunt’s beloved dog, will wear bright orange T-shirts with the names of their loved ones – and the loved ones of their donors – on the back during the October 1st marathon. Supporters who contribute $50 can provide the name of a loved one to be screened on the back of the limited-edition T-shirts; contributions of $100 will allow the giver to select two names; and contributions of $150 or more will receive a T-shirt with all the names on the back.
The siblings first discovered Angel Foundation through their uncle’s oncologist, Dr. Mark Sborov, who is married to the foundation’s founder and president, Margie Sborov. Angel Foundation provides financial assistance to help cancer patients and their families cover non-medical needs such as housing, utilities, food, and other living expenses; and offers a family educational program, Facing Cancer Together (FaCT), which helps families gain understanding, strength and hope as they journey through the cancer experience together.
“The Sorensens are quite literally pouring their sweat into helping Angel Foundation improve Minnesota families’ quality of life,” said Angel Foundation Executive Director Darolyn Gray. “We truly appreciate their very personal efforts to shine the spotlight on the work we’re doing.”
The Sorensens are already halfway to their goal of raising $10,000 for Angel Foundation. For more information about the Sorensens’ story or to donate online, visit www.MnAngel.org, and click on “The Flying Pollys.” Donations are also being accepted by phone at (952) 830-0519 or by sending a check or money order to Angel Foundation, P.O. Box 385467, Bloomington, MN 55438. Donors should indicate “The Flying Pollys” in their correspondence to ensure the donations are credited toward the Sorensens’ goal.
ABOUT ANGEL FOUNDATION
Angel Foundation (formerly Minnesota Oncology Hematology Foundation) was founded in 2001 as a charitable organization working to fulfill unmet non-medical needs of cancer patients and their families. Angel Foundation is a patient-focused non-profit organization dedicated to its mission to improve the quality of life throughout the cancer experience. While many organizations raise funds for cancer research, Angel Foundation focuses on the personal day to day needs and necessities of cancer patients. During the past five years, Angel has blossomed into a vital community resource serving hundreds of patients providing hope and stability through education, support, and financial assistance.
MEDIA ONLY: Adam, Elizabeth and Emily Sorensen and Angel Foundation’s Darolyn Gray are available for interviews prior to the marathon. To set up an interview, please contact Brian or Jen Bellmont at Bellmont Partners Public Relations at (952) 233-0428 or info@bellmontpartners.com or Darolyn Gray at (651) 554-1314 or darolyngray@aol.com.