The Human Race Profile: Triphena Wong
Stephanie Joseph grew up with a love for figure skating, but she was an athletic powerhouse in running as well. When she originally underwent cancer treatments at the age of 8, there was a chance she would never walk again. Despite that possibility, she continued to be active. By high school, she joined the cross country team.
Triphena Wong grew up skating with Stephanie and later on in life she also developed a passion for running. In the true spirit of Stephanie, Triphena works daily to reach new goals both in sport and in her academics. She is currently studying medicine at Des Moines University.
Last year, Triphena Wong placed third in her age division for the DuPage Human Race 5K. Do you have what it takes to reach the medal stand?
Whether you are a runner or not, support the Stephanie Joseph Memorial Fund and other local DuPage County charities on Sunday, April 27. Register for the 5K run or the 2 mile walk.
To Register go to: http://www.dupagehumanrace.org/
Make sure to choose SJMF as your charity to support!
To donate to SJMF head to: www.active.com/donate/dupagehumanrace2013/sjmf2013
or
www.stephaniejoseph.com
Triphena Wong placed 3rd at last year's Human Race
Support SJMF at the DuPage County Human Race
Saturday, April 27th is SJMF’s second time participating in the DuPage County Human Race, which benefits local DuPage County Charities. In addition to meeting other local charities, a portion of the funds raised by Team Stephanie will go towards SJMF. The more participants, the larger percentage our team receives!
Sign up at http://www.active.com/running/
Celebrating the Stephanie Joseph Spirit Award Winner
Congratulations to Marina Bolam, the 2012 recipient of the Stephanie Joseph Spirit Award!
The Stephanie Joseph Spirit Award was established by Candice Brown-Burek. Candice was Stephanie’s long time figure skating coach. When we lost Stephanie, Candy created an annual award for local skaters displaying Stephanie’s spirit and grace.
Marina Bolam is a Novice Lady figure skater from Naperville High School. She is a wonderful role model in the rink and is hard working, positive and joyful. According to Candy, she is welcoming to everyone there with a helpful smile on her face!
Joe Joseph was at the ceremony to present the award as well as the past winners: MaryKate Fee and Madeline Stammen.
(Left to right) MaryKate Fee, Madeline Stammen, Marina Bolam and Candace Brown-Burek
SJMF is thrilled to see Stephanie’s spirit passed on throughout the skating community.
Happy Thanksgiving from SJMF
Who are you thankful for this holiday season?
Stephanie Joseph Memorial Fund had a table at the University of Illinois Chicago Hospital’s Thanksgiving Festival so that kids could make cards for someone they are grateful for. The festival was open to all patients, former patients, and their families.
We also gave the patients the cards that were made by the skaters during September’s Skate-A-Thon.
This season, SJMF is thankful for all of our supporters and volunteers. Your unending love and participation gives opportunities to kids facing hardships so that they can pay it forward.
Remember to give thanks to those who impact your lives!
The First Annual SJMF Skate-A-Thon: We Cant Wait For Next Year!
It is inspirational watching what happens when this community works together.
On September 8th, 100 girls headed to Pleasant Prairie Ice Plex for 8 straight hours of ice-skating to benefit the Stephanie Joseph Memorial Fund and the Andrew McDonough Be Positive Foundation. Be Positive funds cancer research and gives money and support to families who are helping their child battle cancer.
The girls were tired. Their feet were sore. The rink was cold.
The smiles never melted from their faces.
They made t-shirts with their team names: Stephanie’s Angels, Best Skating Friends, Cancer Crushers… their big hearts were up to the 8 hour challenge.
Katherine Hill, the chairman of SJMF, taught them a skating routine; Ray Austin from the Chicago Bears entertained them by strapping on skates along with a pink tutu; and Hamidah Ahmad, Disney on Ice performer, kept the girls energized throughout the day.
When the skaters weren’t on the ice, they made cards to send to kids currently fighting cancer that are connected to Be Positive, crafted picture frames to hold pictures they took on the All Star Celebrity stage, and learned more about SJMF from Ray Austen and Elizabeth Clark, a past scholarship recipient.
The night was capped off by an exhibition featuring competitive skaters Jason Brown and Jordan Moeller as well as a number of synchronized skating teams that skated for the whole 8 hours before their performance!
The skaters had a blast spending the day with their friends and skating for a good cause.
In the end, they raised over $14,000!
We are already deep in the planning for next year and can’t wait to continue to build community and raise awareness and funds for people like Stephanie, who give of themselves fully every day, regardless of their circumstances.
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- It is inspirational watching what happens when this community works together.
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- Cousin’s Subs’ Mascot Subby is a REALLY good skater!
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- Ray Austin (Pre-skates and tutu) learned the choreography alongside one of the spunky participants
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- Outfits were carefully planned for the day. Pleasant Prairie has never seen so many sparkles.
