Team McGraw is Lacing Up To Make A Difference Join Team McGraw in Nashville to Run, Walk or Cheer
NASHVILLE, Tenn., (February 27, 2008) - The Tug McGraw Foundation (TMF), founded in honor of legendary pitcher Tug McGraw to fund quality of life research on behalf of brain tumor patients, announced today that Team McGraw will participate in the Country Music ½ Marathon on Saturday, April 26, 2008.
"We have had widespread interest in and support for Team McGraw and we are thrilled to be warming up for another year of raising awareness and funds by running a half-marathon in the home of country music," said TMF Honorary Chairman, Tim McGraw, Tug's son and a GRAMMY® Award-winning musician.
Team McGraw's successful debut in the ING New York City Marathon 2007 raised more than $280,000 for brain tumor research. The Foundation will kick off 2008 participating in Elite Racing's Country Music ½ Marathon.
"We are continuing to recruit team members who are committed to raising awareness and funds to improve the quality of life of individuals diagnosed with brain tumors. I'd like to encourage our fans and fans of country music to lace up their running shoes and come run or walk with Team McGraw in the Country Music ½ Marathon this April. Brain tumors are serious business, but the spirit and musicality of Elite Racing's Rock 'n' Roll marathons also reflect the fun and quality of life we seek for those on whose behalf we run, so it is a thrill to share in this event." said Jeff McMahon, keyboard player for Tim McGraw's band, the Dancehall Doctors; a TMF board member; and chairman of the Foundation’s marathon program.
McMahon knows firsthand the urgency of Team McGraw's fundraising and awareness efforts. He is running this year in memory of friend and fellow musician, Jeannie Kauffman, who passed away this February after battling a brain tumor for 27 months. Many team members will dedicate their runs to a special person or people whose lives had been touched by a brain tumor, emphasizing the need for research and the important impact that the Tug McGraw Foundation continues to have for patients, families, caregivers and professionals. McMahon will be joined by band mate Dean Brown, fiddle player, as well as family and friends, musicians, athletes, students and healthcare professionals.
"I'm honored to run this year on behalf of Jeff Hinson, who has been battling this devastating disease since November 2006. I, like Jeff, am the father of a busy family, and I have great respect for his role as a committed and connected father. I also know that when one family member becomes ill, be it with a common cold or something as life-changing as a brain tumor, the entire family suffers…so I feel blessed to be able to contribute," said Brown.
