2012 Run for the Rose Wrap Up

A huge “THANK YOU” to everyone.  We had a great turn out for a beautiful morning.  Your involvement in this event has an impact.  Many families who are going through.. or who will go through.. what Kimberly did, have hope because of the time you have spent and the money you have raised/contributed.  Well done!

Here is a link to some of the pictures that were taken http://gallery.me.com/terryrichter#100176&bgcolor=black&view=grid.  If you have additional pictures that you would like to share, please feel free to upload.

Blessings,

Terry, Matt, Meredith and Mitch

For those that were not there this morning or in case you were not able to hear what I tried to communicate, here are my notes:

1^st and foremost, “thank you” for being here. For whatever reason you came, it was a sacrifice. In the world of fundraising, participation, mass and momentum of participation are extremely important. Your presence here today, the growth of this team to be at 160 (over 5,000) sends a message to other organizations that fund brain cancer research… and you… are making a difference.

2^nd, thank you for the money you have contributed and raised. This year we made some strides and have met and exceeded our goal by raising 10,600. The run has raised over 545,000. Special thanks to Scott Palmer who raised over 3,500 by making just a few inquiries from business associates he works with… well done to all.

3^rd, this being our 5^th year to participate, 1 ½ years since Kimberly died, honestly, I’ve struggled with what should our involvement look like. But I knew in my heart it was important.  Things became very clear over the past couple of days. It was great to see the number of families that signed up. I hope you continue to make this an annual tradition. Then yesterday as Mike Handel and I were running and talking about today the thought that came out was this is a “Celebration of Life”. It’s a celebration of Kimberly’s life, a life she lived well. It’s also a celebration of the life that we all have…

So thank you again.

Call to Action - Run for the Rose and Soccer Clinics

It’s hard to believe another year is passed and that it’s time for Run For The Rose, our 5th year supporting brain cancer research.  This year, while we are continuing our support for Run For The Rose we are also asking for your support for the work the Kickin’ With Kimberly Foundation is doing with children “at risk” here in Houston and in Alabama through outreach soccer camps.

First, we would love for you to be a part of the Kickin’ With Kimberly team at Run For the Rose on Sunday, March 25th, at Reliant Park.  Since 2002, the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation was the 1^st Houston foundation funding brain cancer research at MD Anderson, which has one of the largest brain tumor centers in the world.  Two clinical trials have resulted directly from contributions by the Rose Foundation. As a result of the Rose Foundation funding of cutting-edge immunotherapy research, many of the average survival times for brain tumor patients has doubled.

Team Kickin’ With Kimberly was formed 2008 1 1/2 years after Kimberly was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2006.  Giving glory to God, it is my belief that it is possible that the 4 years Kimberly survived could be directly related to work the Rose Foundation is funding.  I regularly run across people and families affected by brain cancer.  We continue to be involved with Run for the Rose because we want to give “hope to the helpless”, something Kimberly was passionate about.

By signing up to participate in Run For the Rose on Sunday, March 25^th, your presence has a significant impact on the Rose Foundation’s ability to garner additional support and funding for brain cancer.  Numbers matter.  In 2011, we had over 150 runners sign up with Team Kickin’ With Kimberly.  Would you consider signing up today and show your support for this excellent effort?  If so, go to http://runfortherose.kintera.org/KickinWithKimberly.

If you cannot participate in the Run For the Rose, but would like to make a contribution, you can go to the same link and make a contribution on-line.  Every dollar that Team Kickin’ With Raises will go to brain cancer research.  Every contribution makes a difference as an estimated $5-10 is generated from federal support and grants for each $1 in seed money provided by donors.  Over the past 4 years, Team Kickin’ with Kimberly has raised over $40,000.  Would you consider making a contribution today continuing this tradition of generosity and hope?

Finally, new to our efforts is the work The Kickin’ With Kimberly Foundation is funding.  During 2011 almost 250 grade school children, many of whom would be considered “at risk”, both in Houston and Auburn Alabama, participated in youth soccer camps.  This year we hope to raise $3,000 to fund both of these camps.  Read more at www.kickinwithkimberly.com, click on Blog and scroll to the February 9, 2012 entry about Soccer Clinics – Texas and Alabama.  If you know you would like to support this, simply click this link.

Finally, I want to thank you for all the support you have shown to our family, both directly and through these charitable organizations.    People want and need to hear the message of hope regardless of economic hardship or medical uncertainty.  It is our desire that you would take a moment to consider supporting any of these efforts.  Also, as you deem appropriate, please forward this to friends and family who might be able to join you in making a difference.

Blessings,

Terry Richter

HOPE - for the helpless
BELIEVE - in the Healer
VICTORY - in the face of the impossible

Soccer Clinics – Texas and Alabama

In 2007, our family decided to join work that Grace Presbyterian Church was doing in the Alief School district as they worked on “Loving God” and “Loving our Neighbor” through the Project 180 initiative.  Out of that experience, was birthed the idea of the soccer clinics.  Over the last 5 years hundreds of children have been touched here in Houston who would not normally be able to experience family oriented sports.  Kimberly loved being on the field with these kids and immediately was “team mom” both to the children and to many of the volunteers who made these clinics possible.  (Here is a link to a video with more detail about the story background)

In 2011, the Kickin’ With Kimberly Foundation continued to support the soccer clinics through the one day event of Project 180 at Walnut Bend Elementary School.  At Walnut Bend over 100 kids, many of whom are “at risk”, were able to experience a family sports environment where the Love of God was universally demonstrated.  In addition, below is a story written by Matt Richter about how these soccer clinics expanded to Auburn, Alabama.

Would you consider making a gift today supporting the Kickin’ With Kimberly Foundation in our attempts to raise $3,000 to buy T-shirts and supplies for the Auburn and Houston initiatives to love “at risk” kids?  If so, you can click here or click on the "Donate" link located at www.KickinWithKimberly.com.  Thank you in advance for your support.

Matt’s Story from Auburn

Last year (2011) I stumbled upon a leader in Campus Crusade here in Auburn and in a seemingly irrelevant conversation, mentioned to him that it would be cool to start a soccer camp here like we did at home. I was thinking that it would take a couple years to find the right people, equipment, etc. but God had other plans. Within the hour of mentioning this potential idea, I was praying and talking with the Crusade staff in Auburn about this plan that they jumped on immediately. It was clear that God already had a plan.

Within that week we had made connections with local missionaries here in Auburn who connected us with a brother in Christ who is the principal at the poorest intermediate school in Opelika (Auburn's neighboring town). Within the month I had gathered 20-30 volunteers. The times were set with the school, and shirt sizes and medical information was gathered. Not only were the auburn students and crusade staff all over it, every single teacher at West Forest also supported us. Again, God was moving.

I expected us to have anywhere from 35-40 kids in this school of 250.  But again I was astounded. We had 93 kids sign up and the vast majority came every week!

The lord also blessed this with wonderful men of character on Auburn men's club soccer team and the University's women's team. Every Friday for 5 weeks we met and on the last Friday threw a party with food and drink for the kids and their families!

March, 23, 2012 marks the date we start in Auburn this year… and God is going to make it happen again.  

Stepping Forward Part 2 of 2

Today, November 12th, is the 22nd anniversary of Kimberly and my wedding. I ran across this video a couple weeks ago and knew I had to share it. Not only is The David Crowder Band one of Kimberly's favorite bands, the imagery and words of this song are amazingly encouraging to me... I hope you find them full of Hope and Joy and overflowing with God's love for you.

Terry



The song playing is "SMS (Shine)," from their year-old album Church Music.

The lyrics are below:

Send me a sign, a hint, O whisper
Fill me with life 'cause I am listening
Come break the quiet, breathe your awakening
Bring me the light 'cause I am fading

Surround me with the rush of angels' wings

Shine Your light so I can see You
Pull me up, I need to be near You
Hold me, I need to feel loved
Can You overcome this heart that's overcome?

You sent a sign, the hint, O whisper
Human, divine, everyone is listening
Death laid low, quiet in the night is stirring

All around the rush of angels

O the wonder of the greatest love has come

Shine Your light so all can see it
Lifted up, 'cause the whole world needs it
Love has come, what joy to hear it
He has overcome, He has overcome

Stepping Forward Part 1 of 2

It's been a little over 3 months since Kimberly died. The Richter's are adjusting to the new normal as we step forward in life. Part of my stepping forward is completing some "old business". Some of that old business involves memorializing the time of worship where we celebrated Kimberly's life on August 10th, 2010, at Grace Presbyterian Church. I would like to share this time as a way of honoring one of the things Kimberly always said:

"AND ALL WILL SEE HOW GREAT MY GOD IS".

If you have the time to listen, I think you'll agree, that we still see...

Terry

01-Prelude-Praise You This Storm-Ben and Jenna Kuykendall


02-Call To Worship and Opening Prayer-Doug Ferguson


03-Songs of Hope-You Never Let Go-Ben and Jenna Kuykendall


04-Songs of Hope-My Savior's Love-Ben and Jenna Kuykendall


05-Scripture Readings-Katie Cummings


06-Hope For The Hopeless-Katie Cummings


07-Celebration of Kimberly-Terry Richter


08-Slideshow-Peace of Mind-Boston

Pictures in Slideshow

09-Scripture Readings-Matthew Richter


10-Believe in the Healer-Jim Herrington


11-Song Affirmation of Faith-In Christ Alone-Ben and Jenna Kuykendall


12-Victory in the Face of the Impossible-Doug Ferguson


13-Special Music-Going Home-Jenna Kuykendall


14-Prayer-Lee Maxcy


15-Songs of Celebration-How Great Thou Art-Ben and Jenna Kuykendall


16-Songs of Celebration-Great is Thy Faithfulness-Ben and Jenna Kuykendall


17-Benediction & Postlude-Hope For The Hopeless

Welcome to the Kickin' With Kimbeerly Foundation Blog

Four years ago when Kimberly was diagnosed with Glioblastoma (GBM, grade 4) brain cancer, we had no idea where God would take our family, nor how He would care for us during that time. Many stories of God's healing and provision have been journaled at her Caringbridge site.

One of the many scripture passages that became real to us during these past four years was Matthew 5:1-10 (The Message):

When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:
"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.
You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.
You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for.
You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.
You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom. "

We were set on a course where we would begin to discover "glimpses" of what it meant to "follow Jesus". And 2nd, who were the "least of these"? We began to experience how to love and be loved as we learned to be included in that community.

While we had pursued "serving" God for many years, such efforts had been met with frustration and apathy. After Kimberly was diagnosed, together as a family, we decided to only do things that would "make a difference". The 1st was obvious, that being to use our position and influence to raise money for the fight against brain cancer through Run for the Rose. From a medical perspective, there is very little medical hope for these patients. Our goal was to not only bring hope for this life but also hope for a new way of living.

2nd, Kimberly with the heart of a MOM, and as a family, we answered a call to serve at-risk children in the City of Houston through soccer camps. Again, using resources and the influence of our community Grace Presbyterian Church, Mission Houston, Sportquest Training, etc) God began to teach us what it meant to be a follower of Jesus.

The foundations of our faith were not just shaken, but were rebuilt and placed on the Rock... and the course of our lives was irrevocably altered. Kimberly, did not just sit back and "deal" with her situation, she leaned into the Healer and all that He had in store for her. Through her, we really began to understand what it meant to love... that began with giving of ourselves. And so the mission of The Kickin' with Kimberly Foundation was put into action.

Today, as we appear to near the near the end of Kimberly's life here on this earth, the mission that was begun, continues in our family and community. The Kickin' with Kimberly Foundation has been established as a not-for-profit entity under the Houston Christian Foundation a 501c3 entity. Contributions will be directed by our family to the continued fight against brain cancer and for programs that reach children at-risk. All donations are tax deductible.

This blog will be used to tell the ongoing story... as well as a place to reveal some of the details that we have waited to tell until "the right time".

So, welcome, I hope that through this blog, you not only catch a glimpse of the work that God is doing in the life of our family and community, but that you would also choose to let this story influence you.

Terry Richter