FWD from Matty Valvano

[Amy Wong]

Hey, everyone.  Coach Matty here.  I don't write many e-mails, but I have a favor to ask.

Over the course of the past 5 years, I've had the pleasure of getting to know a pretty remarkable guy.  His name is Jon Lavender, and if I'm being honest with myself, he'll probably be my brother-in-law in the pretty-near future.  This is cool for me, since Jon is a pretty serious hockey fan and a GIH men's league player himself.  But Jon's interest in hockey, and the possibility of him soon becoming a family member of mine are only part of why he's a cool guy.  The far more impressive reason is because 10 years ago, Jon was the recipient of a heart transplant that saved his life.

Now, several of you have met my girlfriend Shana at one of our many home games.  She too is a pretty amazing woman, instrumental in the familial transaction mentioned above, sure, but for other reasons too.  Notably, this coming October, while you all and I will be busy lacing up the skates and putting on the foil for another grueling hockey season, Shana will be combining forces with her brother Dane, her sister Kristen (Jon's most-excellent wife), and Jon's own sister, to take on the Chicago Marathon in support of the American Heart Association.  Jon will be running too, in celebration of his 10-year anniversary, and we all hope to be there to cheer him across the finish line.

I'm writing to request your financial support for this amazing charitable organization.  Below you will find a link to Shana's donation page, and if you can see fit, she and I (and Jon, and anyone grappling with heart disease) would be so grateful if you could act in support of this great cause.

http://runwithheartchicago.kintera.org/metrochicago/shana_johannessen

Over the years, the wider Tri-City Family has been very good to me.  Last year in particular was one of the best of my coaching career.  I've had an amazing time working with your boys as they pursue their goals, hone their skills, and grow as young men,  Hope to see you all around the rink soon.  Thanks so much for the consideration.