So the family told me I was in charge of the blog. I love projects, and this is no different. It is for a great cause. Now that I have looked into participating in a mud run, and talked to people who have done them, I'm ready to give it a try. I have a baby who just turned 1, and I still have some baby weight to get rid of. What better motivation than to train for a mud run. And I love that my older kids want to do it too.
Throughout the our training journey, the team will be updating our progress on the blog. Right now we are trying to come up with a team name. I think it should be "Hammertime". Back in his younger days Jeremy loved to sing and dance and entertain people. One of his favorites was MC Hammer. My mom even made him a costume with shiny purple parachute pants, and he did a dance routine to "Can't Touch This" in a talent show at the Singapore American School. Besides, "Hammertime" makes it sound like we are tough!
Please feel free to leave comments with any other suggestions for team names and check back often for the team's progress!
2011 Houston Mud Run Fundraiser for Jeremy and His Roommates The Munstermans and Moores have decided to get together for a good cause and raise some money for Jeremy and his fellow roommates in Louisiana. You can help by praying for our efforts. We are grateful for any amount of money that you are able to donate! There is a link to donate below after our story.
The Why and How by Todd Moore:
“Blessed with a Brother”
My brother Matt called me about a month ago and said he was looking for a way to get motivated to get in shape. He came across the Houston Mud Run on-line and asked me if I wanted to do it with him. Of course, I did not hesitate and said let’s do it! The Mud Run is a physically challenging 6 mile run with 25-30 obstacles along the way through mud and water. A day or two after he asked me about the Mud Run the thought crossed my mind that this would be a great chance to get our family and friends together to raise some money to help support Jeremy, our brother with Down syndrome, his home, “Range House” and the amazing people who care for many fortunate mentally challenged adults, Hammond Strawberry Fields, Inc.
About a year ago my mom mentioned to me that their state and federal funds were being cut and they were struggling to keep up with the day to day cost of running and operating their group homes. The idea of helping Jeremy and his friends easily became the motivation needed for Matt and I to start training for the Mud Run on May 28. Wren, Susan, Amy, Matt, Josh, Hanna, and I have played a part in organizing the fundraiser for Hammond Strawberry Fields. Our goal is to raise as much money as possible to help Hammond Strawberry Fields provide the best possible life for Jeremy and other adults with intellectual disabilities. What started as a simple Mud Run for Matt and I to get in shape, has turned into great opportunity for us donate to a cause close to our hearts. I think I speak for the whole family when I say growing up with Jeremy as part of our lives has taught us some incredible life lessons.
For our friends and family that don’t know, Jeremy lives in a group home in Hammond, Louisiana, under the operation of Hammond Strawberry Fields, Inc.
Hammond Strawberry Fields, Inc. is a non profit corporation established in 1988 to provide residential and day program services to mentally handicapped individuals. In January 1989 the first clients were admitted to Jake Drive Community Home. The Strawberry Patch, a day program, began operating at the same time. From there it has expanded to serve individuals in four community homes, the day program, and supervised living. It has always been a goal to remain small currently serving 36 clients.
The philosophy is one of respect for each person entrusted to the care of Hammond Strawberry Fields. Activities and routine are very important to the clients and a variety of daily activities are offered to meet the needs of each individual. Facilities are licensed through the Department of Health and Hospitals in Louisiana. The Department does on site visits annually in addition to annual life safety and health inspections. Another goal is to provide a loving environment that will insure success and happiness for each client.
Clients are vital members of the community and many are known by name because of their active participation in the many sporting events, festivals and jobs held in the community over the past 22 years.
Hammond Strawberry Fields does not sponsor large fund raisers and does not have a paid development director. They have an agreement with the state of Louisiana to provide services through the Medicaid program. Many family members and friends give donations on a regular basis. HSF are amazed and grateful for the generosity of all who donate.
“Blessed with a Brother”
My brother Matt called me about a month ago and said he was looking for a way to get motivated to get in shape. He came across the Houston Mud Run on-line and asked me if I wanted to do it with him. Of course, I did not hesitate and said let’s do it! The Mud Run is a physically challenging 6 mile run with 25-30 obstacles along the way through mud and water. A day or two after he asked me about the Mud Run the thought crossed my mind that this would be a great chance to get our family and friends together to raise some money to help support Jeremy, our brother with Down syndrome, his home, “Range House” and the amazing people who care for many fortunate mentally challenged adults, Hammond Strawberry Fields, Inc.
About a year ago my mom mentioned to me that their state and federal funds were being cut and they were struggling to keep up with the day to day cost of running and operating their group homes. The idea of helping Jeremy and his friends easily became the motivation needed for Matt and I to start training for the Mud Run on May 28. Wren, Susan, Amy, Matt, Josh, Hanna, and I have played a part in organizing the fundraiser for Hammond Strawberry Fields. Our goal is to raise as much money as possible to help Hammond Strawberry Fields provide the best possible life for Jeremy and other adults with intellectual disabilities. What started as a simple Mud Run for Matt and I to get in shape, has turned into great opportunity for us donate to a cause close to our hearts. I think I speak for the whole family when I say growing up with Jeremy as part of our lives has taught us some incredible life lessons.
For our friends and family that don’t know, Jeremy lives in a group home in Hammond, Louisiana, under the operation of Hammond Strawberry Fields, Inc.
Hammond Strawberry Fields, Inc. is a non profit corporation established in 1988 to provide residential and day program services to mentally handicapped individuals. In January 1989 the first clients were admitted to Jake Drive Community Home. The Strawberry Patch, a day program, began operating at the same time. From there it has expanded to serve individuals in four community homes, the day program, and supervised living. It has always been a goal to remain small currently serving 36 clients.
The philosophy is one of respect for each person entrusted to the care of Hammond Strawberry Fields. Activities and routine are very important to the clients and a variety of daily activities are offered to meet the needs of each individual. Facilities are licensed through the Department of Health and Hospitals in Louisiana. The Department does on site visits annually in addition to annual life safety and health inspections. Another goal is to provide a loving environment that will insure success and happiness for each client.
Clients are vital members of the community and many are known by name because of their active participation in the many sporting events, festivals and jobs held in the community over the past 22 years.
Hammond Strawberry Fields does not sponsor large fund raisers and does not have a paid development director. They have an agreement with the state of Louisiana to provide services through the Medicaid program. Many family members and friends give donations on a regular basis. HSF are amazed and grateful for the generosity of all who donate.
Jeremy
The Moores and Munstermans
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I remember the awesome costume Susan made and Jeremy's AWESOME performance! As a parent of a child with special needs, I am inspired by what Strawberry Field's accomplishes. As a parent you try and impart to your child a faith in God, confidence in yourself as a being that he created, perseverance in life and all of the goals you set for yourself, coping skills and social skills to help you navigate the world and the ability to know how to seek help when you need it, and a love of service and helping others. It seems to me that you guys as a family and individually epitomize these things (well done parents!). Sending many prayers for a successful fundraiser and an injury free and fun race! And also praise for the blessing of The Moore and Munterman efforts and spirit. Hugs to all of you! Sorry for the mushy post! :)
ReplyDeleteMan....do I remember the MC Hammer phase. I am soooo proud of you guys and feel blessed to have you all in my life. Please keep me posted on the training, the races and post lots of pics. I wish I was in closer proximity so my old tired butt could get out there and play with ya'll. I love you and am passing the word.
ReplyDeleteTHE ORIGINAL CHRISTY
This is why I love you all......
ReplyDeletejimmy boy
We vote for Hammertime. We have fond memories of MC Hammer with Jeremy. We first met the Munsterman-Moore family in Singapore and feel blessed that we have been a part of their lives. What an amazaing, lovinging family. Joe Ann, Steve, Charlotte & Stephen
ReplyDeleteAmy, I have a picture of Jeremy with his Freddy Kreuger hand on from long ago. If I can dig it up, I will send it over to you. You guys are great! Good luck with the run!!
ReplyDeleteI am so proud of all the kids for coming together and working so hard for such a wonderful cause. They are truly helping people who can't help themselves!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHats off to you and Wren for making them who they are today!!
ReplyDeleteLove you all!!