Great News!

I had great news on two fronts the last 24 hours.

1. My docotor (Dr. Schor) called yesterday afternoon to tell me my CT scans (pelvic, abdomen and chest) was fine - no issues.

2. My fundraising efforts were highlighted in an article in today's Ocean County Observer - click HERE. I have the full article below.

BY KEITH RUSCITTI STAFF WRITER

BEACHWOOD — Brian Dowd, who will support the Lance Armstrong Foundation's fight against cancer by participating in the 2007 LIVESTRONG Challenge Philadelphia, is planning Ocean County events to benefit the cause.

The LIVESTRONG Challenge allows teams and individuals to do something bold in the face of cancer by fundraising to support the mission of the LAF to inspire and empower people affected by cancer.

"After I returned home," said Dowd, referring to the LIVESTRONG Summit, "I created a personal action plan ... to broaden awareness in our local area on cancer with a focus on educating our children, including Web sites, blogs, fundraising and participating in events for the LAF. The LIVESTRONG Challenge allows me to participate and fundraise for the LAF while getting family, friends and the community involved to help unite to fight cancer."

The LIVESTRONG Challenge is a series of fundraising events in which participants can walk, run or ride to raise funds.

Dowd hopes to raise $30,000 for the LAF as a participant of the LIVESTRONG Challenge Philadelphia by receiving donations from family, friends and by holding several events leading up to the LIVESTRONG Challenge Philadelphia.

Dowd has made it his life's mission to help cancer survivors and help unite his local community to broaden awareness on cancer and the Lance Armstrong Foundation. His experience with cancer is inspirational.

His daughter Caroline inadvertently kicked him in his groin, which forced him to perform a self exam. He found a lump and, after visiting several doctors, Dowd was diagnosed with testicular cancer last year.

If his daughter did not kick him, Dowd might have found out too late. He is proud to say his daughter Caroline saved his life.

Equally amazing is that, after his surgery and weeks before his radiation treatment, Brian and his wife Kristy found out they had conceived a baby. If they would have waited a few more weeks, they would not have been able to conceive due to his radiation treatment. The Dowd family has two girls, Caroline and Annabelle.

Dowd has stayed focused in his efforts to make a difference in his community and state and organized, with family and friends, three fundraising events to help his LIVESTRONG Challenge Team Down One reach its fundraising goal of $30,000.

The first event will be a beefsteak dinner and comedy show at 7 p.m. on July 28 at the Lodi Boys and Girls Club. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased by calling (732) 557-0845 or e-mailing teamevents@teamdownone.com.

All proceeds will benefit the Lance Armstrong Foundation and attendees will receive information on the LAF, general information and the LIVESTRONG Survivorship Notebook, a portable three-ring binder with practical information and tools that can help organize and guide the cancer experience.

The second is a Southern Living at Home "Girls Night Out" party at 7 p.m. on Aug. 4 at the Dowd residence in Beachwood.

For details, call (732) 557-0845 or e-mail teamevents@teamdownone.com. Fifteen percent of the proceeds will benefit the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

The next event will be a dinner and silent auction with door prizes and a 50/50 at 6 p.m. on Aug. 11 at the Bayville Elks Lodge.

Tickets are $30 and can be purchased by calling (732) 557-0845 or e-mailing teamevents@teamdownone.com. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Lance Armstrong Foundation and attendees will receive the same materials offered at the Lodi event.

"My wife and I are proud to unite with thousands of other LIVESTRONG Challenge participants across the country who are raising funds and awareness for the LAF," Dowd said. "As Lance Armstrong has said numerous times, we need to unite together and help people with cancer live life on their own terms. It is my obligation as a cancer survivor to raise awareness in our community while spreading the word on what the Lance Armstrong Foundation is doing for all cancer survivors and caregivers."

Funds raised through the LIVESTRONG Challenge enable the LAF to continue helping people in the host cities and across the nation with the physical, emotional and practical challenges of cancer.

Since its inception in 1997, the LAF has awarded more than $7.6 million to further its mission and provide financial resources to cancer survivorship programs, research and organizations in Pennsylvania, Oregon and Texas.

To register or to learn more about the 2007 LIVESTRONG Challenge, call (888) 424-2553 or visit http://livestrongchallenge.org.