Events
Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009 - Spin4Casey
4 to 5:30 p.m.
$25 a person. Sign up and pay with this PayPal button:
Coyotes Athletic Center
SE Corner of 99th Ave. & Mcdowell
9897 W. Mcdowell Road, #G
Tolleson, AZ 85353
623-907-9889
Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009 - Climb4Casey
7 to 10 p.m.
Phoenix Rock Gym
1353 E. University Drive, Tempe
Press Release
Sponsors Include:
Phoenix Rock Gym, Arizona Hiking Shack, Four Peaks Brewery, Casey Moore’s Oyster House and Seafood Restaurant, Black Diamond, Coach Darrin Permenter and Coyotes Athletic Centers, Luna Chix of Arizona, Climbing Guide Geir Hundal, Landis Cyclery, Arizona on the Rocks, REI and more.
Come and climb for Casey at Phoenix Rock Gym. Entrance and equipment rental fees are waived so that all donations go to Casey’s chemo fund. Cash and checks are welcome.
The event features LOTS of swag donated by Phoenix Rock Gym and other businesses.
Hi Friends, Casey Kelso, one of the most amazing people I've had the fortune of knowing, was diagnosed with a rare cancer this past September. The diagnosis came while he was living and working in Brisbane, Australia. Casey is an extremely active guy (biking, climbing, hiking, backpacking ...) and had previously been diagnosed with a hamstring injury and instructed by his doctor in Arizona to lay off activities that bothered the injury and continue those that did not. This went on for almost 2 years, without much improvement. While he was in Brisbane, the pain worsened and he went to a GP who instructed him to refrain from all physical activities for 5-6 weeks. Well, during that time, the pain drastically increased. He went back to the GP, who then ordered an X-ray. The X-ray revealed a chunk of bone missing in Casey's ischium. The GP referred Casey to an orthopedic surgeon and the ball began rolling from there. Casey cut his time in Australia short to return to the States and get treatment. Since then, he's had two biopsies, both of which showed cells consistent with a rare type of cancer called leiomyosarcoma. Unfortunately, both biopsies were also not definitive and therefore the exact treatment path has not always been well defined. Currently he is being treated with chemotherapy and will eventually undergo surgery to remove the tumor. Now, the real frustrating part. Casey is a software engineer, gainfully employed with full medical benefits. He is super smart and a very hard worker. After receiving his first round of chemotherapy he was informed that his medical insurance will not be paying for his chemo treatments. Unbelievable! Thus far, Casey has been paying as he goes for his chemo treatments. The Phoenix Rock Gym (in Tempe, Ariz.) has graciously donated their facilities on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009 between 7 and 10 p.m. They will waive all entrance fees for this time period (day pass = $11.00, day pass with gear = $16.00). Instead, donations can be made to help Casey out during this most challenging time. All proceeds will go to Casey's cancer account. Many local businesses have donated items to be raffled off, including some big-ticket items. Please see the flyer for more details about Climb 4 Casey day at PRG. Let me just say again what a tremendous individual Casey is. Seriously. He will go out of his way to help anyone. He has a huge heart and he needs our help. Casey has multiple circles of friends, some overlapping, others not. I am positive that my limited e-mail address list has barely scratched the surface of Casey's friends. Please feel free to forward this information to all the friends I know I've missed. BTW, you do not have to have any climbing experience to come out for this event. The staff at PRG will get you all set up with shoes and gear and show you the ropes! Sincerely, Marcy Makarewicz
Saturday, Dec. 20, 2008 - Christmas Party
Event Flyer
8 p.m. to midnight (or beyond)
1209 East Drake Drive, Tempe, AZ 85283
The Deal … kegs, wine and food, in exchange for donations to the Casey Kelso Donation Account. Wear your ugliest Christmas sweater or outfit and bring cash and checks to help Casey. He was diagnosed with cancer in September and is undergoing chemotherapy in Chicago, but because of a denial from insurance, he is paying for it out of pocket week to week. So come, drink, be merry, and help out an amazing person.
Contact Mark with any questions
e-mail: mtnbkermark AT gmail.com
cell: 480-628-5215