News and Awards
Edward R. Murrow Award
In June of 2005 Edward R. Murrow Award's released the announcement that "Cole's Story" received best story/writing of the year. Cole's Story was entered by ABC Broadcasting among 4,000 stories entered nationwide. Cole's Story received national recognition and was announced in a press release stating it's first place winning. Keith and Brandy then flew to New York in October of 2005 to attend the Edward R. Murrow Awards and accept the award. The dinner ceremony was televised live and Keith and Brandy were one of the 5 chosen winners to give a speech. Brandy started the speech by stating she was speaking as a mother from the heart who was blessed with a child with cancer. Keith spoke about the organization and how everyone can help. Ending the speech Brandy read a poem that they used for Cole's memorial card:
You speak no language,
Yet I understand you so well,
Silent angel,
put your hand on my shoulder
give me a feather from your wing
It will be a souvenir of my happiness.
As you go.. kiss me on my forehead
and make my soul as beautiful as yours.
Afterwards both Keith and Brandy said "Happy 3rd Birthday, Cole" and they blew a kiss to the heavens.
Cole's Story was on the cover of "Communicator Magazine"
We received wonderful news that Cole's Story was chosen to be the "Communicator Magazine's" featured story for September of 2005. Cole's picture was on the cover with the following article:
Read full article here (99k pdf)
Christmas Gift Drive from Cole's Cure and Friends
We are happy to announce that our 3rd annual Christmas Toy Drive was a success. Thanks to very special friends of Cole's Cure we were able to give all the children at Lucille Packard Pediatric Oncology ward multiple presents. There is always a full house in the pediatric cancer ward, so its great to know that each child will receive multiple presents from Santa.
Keith and Brandy's Updates
Ed Sanders Community Service Award - 2004
Brandy Regan receives the Ed Sanders 2004 Community Service Award. This award was given from Reed Smith LLP; a very large international law firm. She was recognized for all community services performed throughout the year.
The award was presented to Brandy by the managing partner of the firm. This award is very special; the firm only gives out 5 of these per year out of 5,000 employees. Despite the death of her son, she continued forward with her community work and wanting to help others which were recognized by this award.
Cure-a-Thon March 18-19, 2005
Cole Regan is the 1st honored honoree ever for the 25th KGO Cure-A-Thon where the entire 24 hours was dedicated to our little warrior.
This was the BEST Cure-A-Thon yet exceeding all expectations. Congratulations to our inspirational chairman, Spider Cantley, our dear friends at KGO especially General Manager Mickey Luckoff and Executive Producer Trish Robbins, and our hardworking staff and terrific volunteers for their tremendous efforts. During the final exciting minutes of the Cure-A-Thon we watched in awe as the tote board grand total displayed a record breaking $1,281,000 which immediately brought cheers and tears. It was heartwarming to hear Spider's voice crack with emotion as he announced the final total on the tote board. Each time someone gave Spider special accolades for this overwhelming achievement he was quick to reply "It was a great team effort that we should all be proud of." But truth be told, the Cure-A-Thon would never reach this level of success without the driving force of Spider's sincere commitment, high energy and personal dedication. Year after year he has demonstrated his true passion to help those who are battling blood cancer. We are extremely fortunate and most grateful to have a chairman (25 years+) who is willing to go the distance in pursuit of finding a cure to cancer.
We THANK SPIDER & his lovely wife JAN for feeding over 400 volunteers!! Spider's wonderful wife JAN has worked behind the scenes with Spider's family to well stock the commissary with donated food/beverages for our 400+ volunteers. The abundance of delicious food during the 24 hours keeps our volunteers energized to answer those ringing pledge phones!!
It was a memorable experience to work with our partners at KGO - for more on the story go to: www.kgoam810.com
Regional Edward J. Murrow Award
Coles story is both profoundly sad and incredibly inspiring at the same time. To read of his struggle to beat the odds is humbling. To hear the voices of his parents, doctors, nurses, and friends, old and new, share their devotion to Cole and their journey towards a cure is breathtaking. Coles story was first shared by KGO Radio reporter Bret Burkhart with the stations listeners in San Francisco and the greater Bay Area. So overwhelming was the reaction that broadcasters across the nation had the opportunity to listen to Coles story as well.
In 2004, the Northern California Radio and Television News Directors Association honored Cole by recognizing the news story for its ability to convey such an important message. Coles spirit and voice continue to touch the hearts and minds of broadcast veterans, who have this year bestowed the prestigious Regional Edward R. Murrow Award upon his story. Coles Story is among a handful of radio reports from across the country being considered this year for the top National Edward R. Murrow Award as well.
We are pleased and honored to have Coles journey shared with so many people who might not otherwise know of the mountains he climbed in his short life, and the awe that he inspired among all who knew and loved him. Go Cole!
By Brett Burkhart © KGO Radio www.kgoam810.com
