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Thursday, August 22
Michael Bartone Memorial Fund
Michael Bartone passed away during his fight with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or ALS on March 29th, 2002. Michael was a life long resident of Downingtown, Pennsylvania where he maintained his home and a home improvement business. His friends number many, as he touched numerous lives through his never ending love for his family, his inspirational loyalty and friendship, his motivational sports participation, and his committed professional excellence. He is missed.
Michael graduated from Downingtown High School in 1981. Throughout his school years he excelled at football, little league baseball, and Junior High wrestling. He was an active boxing enthusiast as well. During his senior year in high school, he was elected captain of the football team.
After his graduation from high school, he attended Thaddeus Stevens Technical School, once again excelling on the football field. He was also a member of the wrestling team. He graduated with a degree in carpentry, following in the footsteps of his grandfather.
His love of sports continued. Michael stayed active in community sports until his body would no longer allow. He helped to lead championship winning flag football and rugby teams. His association with the Brandywine Rugby Club held special meaning for him.
Loving son, devoted brother, supportive uncle and godfather, son-like nephew, brother-like cousin, loyal friend, dedicated teammate, consummate professional, unselfish person, his final victory is that his courage will live in us all. These carefully chosen words have a deep and true meaning to anyone who knew Michael from any of those perspectives. His winning attitude and never quit mindset burned until the last days of his life on earth.
Indicative of that attitude are the words that Michael wrote himself. I have not yet or ever intend on giving in to this thing. Because, I fully believe that if anyone can beat this, its me. I guess that sounds a little cocky or arrogant, but thats the attitude I need to carry right now. He was a proud man, hesitant to accept help from his family and friends who would have gladly assisted and offered continually.
ALS, or Lou Gehrigs, as it is more commonly referred to, affects 5600 new Americans each year. It is estimated that as many as 30,000 Americans have the disease at any given time. Twenty percent of people diagnosed die within three years. The Michael Bartone Memorial endeavors to continue his battle through contributions to the ALS Society for the purpose of researching a cure for this faceless killer.
The two primary events orchestrated by the Memorial are the annual Golf Tournament, held in the fall, and the annual Rugby Tournament scheduled in the spring. Please see the calendar for this years specific dates.
As stated, the Michael Bartone Memorial Fund continues his fight against ALS. We fully believe that, together, we can beat this thing. He does not lose until we quit. We welcome your kind support in this battle.
For more information on ALS, click on Links
Please support our Sponsors.
Check News for upcoming Rugby Event.
Sponsor forms may be accessed by clicking on the associated handout below.
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS WHO ARE LISTED UNDER THE SPONSOR LINK.
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Handout:
Sponsor Form
Fifth Annual Scrum for Six Rugby Event
On May 5th, 2007, the Fifth Annual Scrum for Six Rugby Event will be held. Co-hosts Brandywine RFC and Glen Mills League Team are proud to have South Jersey RFC, North Penn RFC and the Fairfax Eagles join in men's play again this year. Old Boys and A side will be featured in Union play with the Eagles and Panthers sqauring off in a League match. Following on the great success from 2006, there will again be a women's match as the Brandywine Club will host the Doylestown Club Women. Old Boys kicks off at 11:00 at the West Marlborough home pitch of Brandywine. Directions can be found below. Please see our added news reports for summaries of previous year's events as well as directions to the pitch. While the overall fund-raising of the Foundation has now topped two hundred thousand dollars. Of that, over one hundred fifty two thousand donated to ALS research, with the balance supporting the Scholarship efforts into 2013.
Women, Union A's, Old Boys and League, there is something for everyone in the Scrum for Six. Hope to see you there.
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