HOPE…DREAM…IMAGINE…

As we write this letter, we are overcome with emotion realizing that it has been ten years since we lost Rory to a brain stem glioma. We are overwhelmed and humbled by your extraordinary and ongoing support of The Rory David Deutsch Foundation. You have generously devoted time and effort toward the success of the mission of this Foundation: to eradicate pediatric brain tumors. We recall and reflect on the more than 5,000 people who have attended our events, as well as the countless more who have embraced Rory’s Foundation as their charity.

Because of you, we have established and endowed multi-million dollar research programs at two premier research institutions. At The Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University, Drs. Henry Friedman, Allan Friedman, and Darell Bigner lead the team. Under their direction, the Tumor Center has discovered novel and cutting edge research, both clinically and in the laboratory, acknowledging the fact that Duke’s Brain Tumor Center is among the world’s best. Dr Stewart Goldman and his team at Children’s Memorial Hospital will always have a special place in our hearts. Dr. Goldman, a.k.a. “Dr. Feelgood,” was Rory’s doctor, and his compassion and honesty are only matched by his passion and energy directed at eliminating pediatric brain tumors.

Over the years we have organized many exciting events to support the work of researchers at Duke and Children’s. Among those memorable gatherings is the special treat that was “An Evening with Coach K.” The stirring presentation Coach Mike Krzyzewski delivered that evening still resonates today. He spoke of “his teams over the years and how this team, Rory’s Team, can continue on its own championship quest to go the distance against pediatric brain tumors. Our victory,” he said, “will be defined by the energy we bring to that quest, our commitment and the extent of our participation.”

Complementing the coach’s sentiments, we extol the words of Anatole France: “Some succeed because they are destined to; most succeed because they are determined to.” As The Rory David Deutsch Foundation moves into its eleventh year, our determination is stronger than ever. Rory’s warm, sweet nature still inspires and motivates us and so many others to succeed in our mission. Words are inadequate to express our heartfelt gratitude to all of you for your love, thoughtfulness, and dedication to Rory’s Foundation.

Thank You.

“If a seven year old boy can change the way the world sees pediatric brain tumors, imagine what we can do together.”

Mindy and Ross