Special Spectators Weblog: Working To Create Magical Days For Seriously Ill Children

Support the Kids - Enter our 5K Run/Walk

noreply@blogger.com (Blake Rockwell) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 02:48:00 +0000

Spring into action and register for our 5K Run/Walk

Join us on April 28th at Johnson Park in Piscataway, New Jersey for the Special Spectators 5K Run/Walk. Just steps from Rutgers' High Point Solutions Stadium and a "Hail Mary" pass from college football's birthplace, run or walk to support Special Spectators and send a seriously ill child to a memorable sporting experience.

Saturday, April 28, 2012
Johnson Park - Piscataway, NJ
9 AM Start
Registration: $20

Registration Software
by Active Network

FIGHTING ILLINI PROVIDE EXCITING NIGHT GAME EXPERIENCE FOR SPECIAL SPECTATORS

noreply@blogger.com (Blake Rockwell) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 13:45:00 +0000

Patients and Families from Carle Foundation Hospital to Enjoy Memorial Stadium Game Day Atmosphere

Special Spectators and the University of Illinois will play host this weekend to 100 patients and family members from Carle Foundation Hospital as the Fighting Illini battle No. 22 Arizona State Sun Devils.

This Saturday night marks the ninth year Illinois has shared a game-day affiliation with Special Spectators, a non-profit organization in existence solely to create magical days for seriously ill children and their families at sporting events across the U.S.

At this year’s event, select boys and girls from Carle Foundation Hospital and their families will be fully immersed into everything Illini football. They will enjoy a pre-game tailgate party along with visits from U of I cheerleaders, marching band, and student athletes before heading to their seats at Memorial Stadium.

In addition to the Illinois Athletic Department, CME Group is pivotal in making Saturday’s event for Special Spectators a reality. CME Group employees and members also volunteer their time to assist with the kids on Saturday night.

Since its inception, Special Spectators has hosted approximately 6,000 seriously ill children, parents and siblings at about 185 games. Through collegiate partners, its mission is to provide tickets to games and design robust days filled with special surprises and experiences in and around the stadium that are not accessible to most fans. Special Spectators is designed to create fun for the entire family and provide a pause from the difficulties they face battling a loved one’s illness – effectively making time stand still for one unforgettable, immersive and utterly joyful weekend. The organization is focused on doing this all over the country, all season long.

LEARFIELD SPORTS’ PROPERTIES HELP FULFILL SPECIAL SPECTATORS’ WISHES THIS COLLEGE FOOTBALL SEASON

noreply@blogger.com (Blake Rockwell) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 23:48:00 +0000

PLANO, Texas (Sept. 9, 2011) – Collegiate multimedia rights holder Learfield Sports recently formed a partnership with Special Spectators, a non-profit organization that creates magical days for seriously ill children and their families at sporting events across the U.S.

Learfield Sports’ collegiate portfolio of more than 50 schools, conferences and associations has opened up additional possibilities for Special Spectators’ Founder and Executive Director Blake Rockwell to create these one-of-a-kind experiences for children and their families who undergo daily, critical medical treatment.

“I am overwhelmed at the outpouring support of Learfield Sports’ personnel and partner schools as we’ve been collaborating on putting together memorable experiences for these boys and girls this fall,” said Rockwell. “So many of these young children seeking major medical care also love sports, so to me, it’s an automatic win to allow them and their families just one day where they can focus on having fun at a nearby collegiate stadium, meeting the coach and student-athletes they respect and look up to.”

For the 2011-’12 collegiate football season, Learfield Sports has collaborated with Special Spectators and many of its partner schools in crafting spirited, game-day experiences at North Carolina, Penn State, Wisconsin, Colorado, Alabama, Oklahoma, Kansas State, Purdue and Oklahoma State from September through November. Additional schools are anticipated to be added as the season progresses.

Northwestern University, a Learfield Sports’ partner school, kicks off Special Spectators’ season of collegiate football experiences on Saturday, Sept. 10. The school will play host to 50 boys and girls for the Wildcats’ home opener against Eastern Illinois, marking a nine-year affiliation between Northwestern and the organization. Rockwell is from the Chicago area and launched Special Spectators in 2002 having volunteered at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago.

For their experience at Northwestern, the boys and girls from Children’s, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge and Rush University Medical Center in Chicago will arrive at Ryan Field at noon, visit with Dave Eanet inside the WGN Radio booth and enjoy a tailgate party featuring the Northwestern cheerleaders, Willie the Wildcat and numerous student-athletes. Additionally, Head Coach Pat Fitzgerald will have an opportunity to visit exclusively with the boys and girls and their families in a special, post-game session.

Since its inception, Special Spectators has hosted approximately 6,000 seriously ill children, parents and siblings at about 180 games. Through collegiate partners, its mission is to provide tickets to games and design robust days filled with special surprises and experiences in and around the stadium that are not accessible to most fans.

“For years, our company has placed a tremendous focus on what we can do to make a difference in communities across the country, and we knew this was an impactful and immediate way we could accomplish that,” said Greg Brown, Learfield’s president and chief executive officer. “Blake has established an incredible organization to benefit families in a different environment than their day-to-day, and we’re honored to have the collegiate connections to help Special Spectators expand their reach and give more kids magical days.”

Special Spectators is designed to create fun for the entire family and provide a pause from the difficulties they face battling a loved one’s illness – effectively making time stand still for one unforgettable, immersive and utterly joyful weekend. The organization is focused on doing this all over the country, all season long. Nearly 45 FBS (formerly Division 1-A) programs have participated, including universities from the ACC, Big East, Big Ten, Big 12, Conference USA, MAC, Pac-10, SEC, Sun Belt and WAC conferences. For more information, visit www.specialspectators.org.

Learfield Sports is an operating unit of Learfield Communications, Inc. It titles the Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup, oversees marketing partnerships for the Black Coaches & Administrators (BCA) and provides exclusive sports programming to more than 1,000 radio stations nationwide. In addition, its programming is seen on more than 160 local television stations, cable systems and Regional Sports Networks. For more about Learfield Sports’ history and complete collegiate portfolio, visit www.learfieldsports.com.

Project 1-2-3: Day 53 - OU Gymnasts Flip for Special Spectators

noreply@blogger.com (Blake Rockwell) — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 02:20:00 +0000

Note: Starting May 1st and continuing for the 123 days leading up to the start of the 2011 college football season, "Project 1-2-3" will share pictures, videos and memorable moments from the last nine years of Special Spectators game day events.

Three very special young ladies spent the day with the Oklahoma Women's Gymnastics team. Here are pictures from that Special Spectators event.

Project 1-2-3: Day 52 - The 'Cats are on the Calendar

noreply@blogger.com (Blake Rockwell) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 04:22:00 +0000

The Big Ten Network featured Special Spectators at Northwestern in this video.

Project 1-2-3: Day 51 - Colorado Event Scheduled

noreply@blogger.com (Blake Rockwell) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 04:12:00 +0000

Note: Starting May 1st and continuing for the 123 days leading up to the start of the 2011 college football season, "Project 1-2-3" will share pictures, videos and memorable moments from the last nine years of Special Spectators game day events.

Special Spectators will be returning to Boulder, Colorado in 2011 with a game day event scheduled for November 12th. Families will watch the Buffaloes face Arizona at Folsom Field.

A previous Special Spectators event at Colorado is featured by FSN in the second segment in this video.

Project 1-2-3: Day 50 - Thoughts from a Dad

noreply@blogger.com (Blake Rockwell) — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 04:34:00 +0000

Note: Starting May 1st and continuing for the 123 days leading up to the start of the 2011 college football season, "Project 1-2-3" will share pictures, videos and memorable moments from the last nine years of Special Spectators game day events.

In honor of Father's Day, David Hamilton, father of Olivia Hamilton, shares his thoughts and observations of the Special Spectators game day event they attended at Oklahoma State in 2010.

Liv was very excited about being a Special Spectator. She's pretty shy, but it helped that she knew two other Special Spectators - Blade and Morgan.

It was a great and long, long day, but from the start until the end, Liv didn't crash mentally or physically. Going through treatment, cancer patients get very worn out. It didn't happen to Liv or any of the other kids. There wasn't a time when I looked at any of the Special Spectators and didn't see a smile on their faces. It was one of those days where they could break the monotony and not have to worry about hospitals or meds and could do what normal kids do - have some fun! Cancer and other ailments took a back seat that day.

One of my favorite memories is when the kids got to be without their parents and went with the Special Spectators and Oklahoma State representatives touring other facilities and visiting other suites including the OSU President's and Garth Brooks'. He wasn't there, but the kids met his wife, Trisha Yearwood. The kids spoke with her, received autographs, took pictures with her and received a copy of her latest CD. Liv called me to tell me all about it - she couldn't believe who she had just met.

I could go on forever about the memories. All in all, it was one of the greatest times of my life, as well as my daughter's. Leaving the stadium that night Olivia said, "I don't want to leave or this day to end."

Project 1-2-3: Day 49 - Take Me Out to the Ball Game

noreply@blogger.com (Blake Rockwell) — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 17:30:00 +0000

Note: Starting May 1st and continuing for the 123 days leading up to the start of the 2011 college football season, "Project 1-2-3" will share pictures, videos and memorable moments from the last nine years of Special Spectators game day events.

The University of Oklahoma baseball team steps up to the plate again for the 2011 Special Spectators event.

Project 1-2-3: Day 48 - Hangin' Around Men's Round Ball

noreply@blogger.com (Blake Rockwell) — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 01:56:00 +0000

Note: Starting May 1st and continuing for the 123 days leading up to the start of the 2011 college football season, "Project 1-2-3" will share pictures, videos and memorable moments from the last nine years of Special Spectators game day events.

Three Special Spectators enjoyed an exciting day with the 2010-2011 Oklahoma Men's basketball team. The smiles are abundant in the pictures below.

Project 1-2-3: Day 47 - Women's Hoops

noreply@blogger.com (Blake Rockwell) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 02:20:00 +0000

Note: Starting May 1st and continuing for the 123 days leading up to the start of the 2011 college football season, "Project 1-2-3" will share pictures, videos and memorable moments from the last nine years of Special Spectators game day events.

Check out these pictures from the latest Special Spectators event with the University of Oklahoma women's basketball team.

Project 1-2-3: Day 46 - Play Ball!

noreply@blogger.com (Blake Rockwell) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 01:21:00 +0000

Project 1-2-3: Day 45 - The Game Ball

noreply@blogger.com (Blake Rockwell) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 18:59:00 +0000

Note: Starting May 1st and continuing for the 123 days leading up to the start of the 2011 college football season, "Project 1-2-3" will share pictures, videos and memorable moments from the last nine years of Special Spectators game day events.

We can't say it any better than Bill Haisten, sports writer for the Tulsa World. Read his account of the 2009 Special Spectators event at Oklahoma State.

Here are a few pictures.

The 2009 Special Spectators at Oklahoma State

Caycen with T. Boone Pickens

Too much excitement means it's time for a nap.

Caycen is awake with "pistols firing"!

Caycen is held by Dez Bryan as the rest of the Special Spectators join Coach Gundy and the Cowboys for a post game celebration

The Special Spectators with Pistol Pete

Danielle Clary from OSU with Caycen after he received the game ball

Project 1-2-3: Day 44 - A Night with the Bearcats

noreply@blogger.com (Blake Rockwell) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 10:20:00 +0000

Project 1-2-3: Day 43 - Coach Stoops Issues a Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Blake Rockwell) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 18:24:00 +0000

Note: Starting May 1st and continuing for the 123 days leading up to the start of the 2011 college football season, "Project 1-2-3" will share pictures, videos and memorable moments from the last nine years of Special Spectators game day events.

Special Spectators has received tremendous support from many coaches including Northwestern's Pat Fitzgerald and Mike Gundy at Oklahoma State, but it was during the 2010 game day event at Oklahoma that Head Coach Bob Stoops sent a message.

After the kids visited with Coach Stoops in his office, he asked FSN's Emily McCoy to announce this ultimatum, "Tell the other coaches I'm issuing a challenge. Get involved in Special Spectators."

In this video, FSN's Emily McCoy discusses Stoops' challenge with Special Spectators Executive Director, Blake Rockwell.

Project 1-2-3: Day 42 - Olivia and Justin (Part 2)

noreply@blogger.com (Blake Rockwell) — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 19:44:00 +0000

Note: Starting May 1st and continuing for the 123 days leading up to the start of the 2011 college football season, "Project 1-2-3" will share pictures, videos and memorable moments from the last nine years of Special Spectators game day events.

In Day 39 of "Project 1-2-3", the friendship between Special Spectator Olivia Hamilton and Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon was featured.

Cowboy Sports Network's sideline reporter, Robert Allen, shares his thoughts on the Special Spectators event on Tulsa's 97.1 FM - The Sports Animal.

Project 1-2-3: Day 41 - The Illini Are Coming

noreply@blogger.com (Blake Rockwell) — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 02:03:00 +0000

Project 1-2-3: Day 40 - Smiling Faces

noreply@blogger.com (Blake Rockwell) — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 08:12:00 +0000

Project 1-2-3: Day 39 - Olivia and Justin

noreply@blogger.com (Blake Rockwell) — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 21:20:00 +0000

Olivia posing in Justin's locker with the sign she made

Oliva standing with Justin for the post-game singing of the Alma Mater

Project 1-2-3: Day 38 - What the Doctor Ordered

noreply@blogger.com (Blake Rockwell) — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 05:19:00 +0000

Note: Starting May 1st and continuing for the 123 days leading up to the start of the 2011 college football season, "Project 1-2-3" will share pictures, videos and memorable moments from the last nine years of Special Spectators game day events.

If you've been following "Project 1-2-3", you understand how important it is for seriously ill children and their families to attend Special Spectators events. But don't take our word for it. Here's what Dr. Mark Musselman, M.D, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Carle Foundation Hospital and Clinic Association said about Special Spectators.

“I can tell you, quite certainly, that the children and their families had a terrific day away from the usual cares and worries of their weeks. The diagnosis of cancer and other serious blood disorders is a devastating moment and a long journey for all concerned, and events such as Special Spectators really are important ways in which families cope with the enormous demands that are placed upon them.”

Project 1-2-3: Day 37 - Meeting Sam

noreply@blogger.com (Blake Rockwell) — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 02:07:00 +0000

Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford practices his lines for the FSN intro

Sam Bradford and five Special Spectators tape an introduction for an FSN game telecast

Bradford signs autographs for the Special Spectators at Oklahoma

Project 1-2-3: Day 36 - The Sharpie

noreply@blogger.com (Blake Rockwell) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 02:21:00 +0000

Note: Starting May 1st and continuing for the 123 days leading up to the start of the 2011 college football season, "Project 1-2-3" will share pictures, videos and memorable moments from the last nine years of Special Spectators game day events.

Thanks to the folks at Sharpie for providing thousands of customized pens. These Special Spectators Sharpies are given to the kids for receiving autographs from their local heroes.

Project 1-2-3: Day 35 - A Day with the Cougs

noreply@blogger.com (Blake Rockwell) — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 14:43:00 +0000

Project 1-2-3: Day 34 - The Birthday Boy

noreply@blogger.com (Blake Rockwell) — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 21:14:00 +0000

Oklahoma Head Coach Bob Stoops lifts Turner while the Sooners sing "Happy Birthday"

Project 1-2-3: Day 33 - Thoughts from a Volunteer

noreply@blogger.com (Blake Rockwell) — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 14:46:00 +0000

Note: Starting May 1st and continuing for the 123 days leading up to the start of the 2011 college football season, "Project 1-2-3" will share pictures, videos and memorable moments from the last nine years of Special Spectators game day events.

By Kay Tangner
Special Spectators Volunteer

The anticipation of something great such as attending a Big 12 football game . . .

Goosebumps popping up while waiting in the tunnel before the OSU football team runs onto the field . . .

Looks of pure happiness on a child’s face who has Ewing’s Sarcoma after posing with a group of energetic cheerleaders . . .

Tears of joy trickling down a dad’s face as he shares a special day of memories with his son ...

Handshakes, laughs, and hugs exchanged between pediatric patients and NCAA athletes prior to kickoffs, tipoffs, and first pitches . . .

Hospital visits by a Heisman trophy winner to the oncology ward at The Children’s Hospital OU Medical Center . . .

Statements by children with chronic or terminal illness i.e.
“This is the best day of my life.” “I’ve never had so much fun.” “I’ll never
forget this as long as I live.”

These are only a few of my favorite things that I can tell you about
my experiences as a volunteer for Special Spectators.

“The joy is in the journey” begins the moment the patient understands they are a Special Spectator. It is my theory (which is based on my observations and has no scientific evidence) that Special Spectators also carries a special psychological factor. The patient’s mood seems to be happier. Their focus changes from “I am sick” to “I’m a Special Spectator”. Their timeline changes from “when is chemo? to “when is Special Spectators?” I have heard, on more than one occasion, “I need to eat, drink, and rest so I will be ready for Special Spectators.”

Priceless memories have been made for so many families facing perhaps the most difficult time in their lives. They are all so grateful and appreciative for the opportunity to have a happy, special event to share together amongst the sad, sick, difficult times.

It is an honor and privilege to be a Special Spectators volunteer.

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. - Leo Buscaglia

Kay Tangner has been a Special Spectators volunteer since 2004 helping with our Oklahoma and Oklahoma State game day events. For the past 20 years, Kay has run the volunteer art program at the Jimmy Everest Center for Cancer & Blood Disorder in Children. She also plays a significant role with the benefit, "Art with a Heart" which raised $55,000 in 2011. Each summer for the last 13 years, Kay has also volunteered for Camp Cavett. Kay and her husband, Skip, live in Edmond, Oklahoma.

Reminder: Need a gift for Dad or your favorite golfer? Order your Special Spectators Golf Package presented by DoGoodBuyUs. This exclusive package includes a dozen Nike One Vapor Speed golf balls, an Automatic Umbrella with 42-inch coverage, Eco Golf Tees in an organic cotton pouch, and a 5-Function Golf Tool (with a divot tool, cigar cutter, club face brush, stroke counter, ball mark and belt clip).

Special Spectators Partners with DoGoodBuyUs for Father's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Blake Rockwell) — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 17:01:00 +0000

This is an exciting week for Special Spectators. We've partnered with DoGoodBuyUs, the first e-marketplace offering charities and nonprofits an exclusive outlet for promoting merchandise, to launch our Special Spectators Golf Package for Father's Day. 50% of the profits from your purchase will be donated to Special Spectators to help us pursue our mission.

This exclusive package includes a dozen Nike One Vapor Speed golf balls, an Automatic Umbrella with 42-inch coverage, Eco Golf Tees in an organic cotton pouch, and a 5-Function Golf Tool (with a divot tool, cigar cutter, club face brush, stroke counter, ball mark and belt clip).

To order your Special Spectators Golf Package, please click here. Place your order now to ensure delivery by Father's Day.