BDI
The Brian Delanty Funds for Families

 March 2007

 Dear Friends and supporters of the Johnny B’s Candlelight Bowl,

It is that time of year again for us from BDI, to ask for your support for John and Patty Burke as they prepare to host their 13^th annual Johnny B’s Candlelight Bowl.  The event will be held on May 11^th at the legendary Beverly Lanes in Arlington Heights.

For the past 9 years, the proceeds of this wonderful event have been graciously donated to the BDI, an organization that raises money for families with a child battling cancer or other life threatening illnesses.

The Brian Delanty Invitational, or BDI, was founded after the death of Brian Delanty who lost his two year battle with leukemia in 1988.  Brian was treated at both the University of Chicago Wyler’s Children’s Hospital and Children’s Memorial Hospital.

In 2001, the BDI established two separate funds, one at each hospital.  These funds, both named the Brian Delanty Funds for Families, provide monies for the hospitals to use to assist the families in paying for daily living expenses.  Theses expenses range from bus fares, prescription drugs, rent, groceries, clothing, and other important necessities.

Most of these families have a parent with the child at all times during their treatment thus reducing the amount of family income due to lost time at work.  Furthermore, almost half of the children treated at the University of Chicago come from households with incomes below the poverty line.

Through the tireless efforts of John and Patty, this event has raised over $85,000 for the Brian Delanty Fund for Families. Hundreds of children have been helped by the generosity of people like you who support Johnny’s Candlelight bowl.  It is with tremendous appreciation and humility that we ask for your support.

We look forward to seeing you at Beverly Lanes in May.  If you have any questions about the BDI, please do not hesitate to contact Steve Delanty at 847.869.8611 or Sean Delanty at 773.575.2717.

Thank you so much in advance for your support and participation in this year’s event.

With much appreciation,

Dear Friends of Johnny B’s Candlelight Bowl,

This letter was sent from Sarah Karela of the University of Chicago where one of the Brian Delanty Funds for Families is established. Neither Johnny nor any of us at the BDI could explain better the difference your contributions make in the lives of people going thru an extremely difficult time in their lives.

March 9^th, 2007

To the Delanty Family, Bowling Tournament Planners and Guests,

I would like to express our sincere thanks for your participation in this year's bowling tournament.  It is my hope that you had a terrific time!  Even if you were not able to bowl your best game, you bowled a strike with so many families and children impacted by cancer at the University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital.  Your generosity makes it possible for families to not worry about how they will afford their prescriptions, their light bill or their rent. 

So many of our families live paycheck to paycheck.  Parents often have to quit their jobs as coming to the hospital and clinic takes up so many hours of the day.  This is a tremendous strain on a dual-income family and even more devastating if a parent is raising children alone. Cancer can take charge of so many aspects of a person's life, but the Delanty Foundation gives back some of that control.  For that, the hospital and the families will be forever grateful.  In a world of red-tape, applications and lines, the Delanty Foundation cuts through it all and makes things happen. 

Many thanks to all of you who are "making things happen".

Sincerely,