American Lung Association's Blow the Whistle on Asthma Walk 2008

When: Sunday, September 14, 2008 Where: Damonte Ranch High School, 10500 Rio Wrangler Parkway, Reno Course: 5 K (approximately 3 miles) of flat terrain Registration: 8:00 - 8:45 a.m. Stretch: 8:45 am Start: 9:00 am

Why AAPE Walks and sponsors a team...
This will be AAPE's 5th year of proudly hosting the Dragon's Breath team (named after the pediatric "dragon" masks our children often use for their nebulizers). For several years in a row, Dragon's Breath has raised the most funds in the family category. AAPE oftens partners with the American Lung Association (ALA) within our community and the ALA actually helped AAPE get off the ground both financial and with guidance. So many of us have reaped the benefits of Asthma Residential and Day camps with our children learning and empowering themselves with invaluable information about maintenance and rescue medications.

Where does the money go?
Over 80% (87% to be exact) of the funds raised stays right here in Northern Nevada for programs like camp, Open Airways for Schools-where the ALA goes into schools and teaches asthmatic children how to manage their asthma, Better Breathers Club, Teens Against Tobacco Use program, just to name a few. Our ALA chapter is very grassroots oriented and works hard to better our community. Link to ALA website for more information


To Join Team Dragon's Breath
click on the following: link to sign up for asthma walk or call Caroline at 775-250-1345 and she can sign you up over the phone!

Once I join, what is next? Do I have to raise lots of money?
After you sign up, the next part is very easy. You are welcome to raise $1 or $1,000! The sky is the limit. Raise what ever is comfortable to you. Remember, every penny counts!!!

How do I raise funds?
There are many successful tried and true tips out there. Our team has had great success with members emailing their friends and family and providing the link to their webpage (you get one when you sign up) so they can donate on-line. Email or contact everyone on your Christmas Card list. Also, our own children picking up the telephone and calling family and friends and simply asking for a donation is extremely successful--especially if the child has asthma, or a friend with asthma. They often can explain how the money goes to help kids learn how to live a happy life with asthma or to provide education to kids about the ill effects of smoking. We can provide lots of tips. You can also collect funds and bring them with you the walk. Co-workers, Church members and shops you often visit can be supportive too. It is amazing when you find out how many people have been touched by asthma and will help out with a few dollars or more.

Whats happens on Walk Day?
Arrive early and we will walk as a team. Sometimes we carry Dragons or wear fun shirts---the ideas are still brewing right now (send in your idea in too). There will be food, vendors, music and kid games at the Walk! It is a big party surrounding a pleasant walk. Some folks bring wagons to pull little ones or scooters for those who can't walk the full course. There may even some entertainment too this year!