Welcome to our 
Website
Wacky Warriors raises both funds and awareness for childhood cancer research and cancer survivor adventure camps for young adults. We have achieved national support in all types of events – marathons, high-endurance mountain bike races, softball tournaments, etc. C’mon and join the Wacky Warriors – we need your help in battling cancer!
What makes WACKY’s different?
They follow the WACKY guidelines:
1) pay it forward through service to others.
2) always have something exciting to look forward to.
3) and have fun!
Ogden Marathon (5k) Update
May 17, 2012
Hi everyone!
We are getting so excited! Since Wacky participants will need to pick up their bib numbers in Ogden on Friday, we decided it would be more convenient if you wanted to purchase a WACKY running shirt to pick one up at the Fun & Fitness Expo where Wacky Warriors has a booth (indoor expo area – opposite end of the Packet Pickup and Registration). THERE WILL BE NO DINNER AT THE BROWER HOUSE FRIDAY NIGHT. We will be at the booth Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and will also have a tent set up at the finish line Saturday morning serving peanut butter sandwiches.
TED
May 16, 2012
TED is a nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment, Design. Many TED tapings cross my path from various sources. The messages are remarkable, although finding the time to enjoy them can be challenging.
There are two TED videos I would like to recommend to you:
The first one (Firefighter) is short and simple – perfect for my current attention span capabilities. The second (Happiness) discusses an observation of money and happiness. Each support and prompt us to give to others. I may be in an optimistic mood today, but it seems like the pendulum is swinging towards a movement of kindness. Maybe I just am now noticing. We are getting to know our neighbors again; our communities are joining together for various causes for good; we really want to know, “How can I help?” Nice to see, nice to participate, nice to receive.
Mother’s Day
May 14, 2012
I knew the day was going to be rough. So did Lee as he handed me the keys to the car so I could leave church in the middle of services, nearly blinded by tears and emotion. I drove home and grabbed Kelsey who joined me in an emergency run to Krispy Kreme for a donut fix. It worked. Tears subsided and smiles appeared.
Later, the smiles continued as I read the Mother’s Day messages Carly & Kelsey wrote in sidewalk chalk over our entire driveway. I love that my 21 and 16 year-old daughters didn’t think they were too old for this sweet display. They also placed post it notes throughout the entire house with little messages just for me – in the refrigerator, on the bathroom mirror, the lamp, my car, etc.
Ogden 5k Update
May 9, 2012
Remember – we have a Wacky team organized for the 5k on May 19th. Just to be clear – we WALK, not run, so that we don’t miss any funny stories. So far, there are 5 participants in the half marathon (refer to Lee’s Wacky Goofy) though the rest of us will be in the 5K. I am inviting participants to visit our home on May the 18th for an informal dinner – probably around 7:00 p.m. after you have picked up your participant packet at the Union Station in Ogden. Be sure to stop by and visit our Wacky booth at the expo!
CureSearch
May 2, 2012
We’ve been talking quite a bit about First Descents lately and their amazing accomplishments. Now I would like to share some recent news about CureSearch, the other foundation we have supported wholeheartedly in prior years. Last week, they announced the following:
“CureSearch to Award Young Investigator Grants in 12 Areas of Children’s Cancer Representing the Highest Risk and Poorest Outcomes for Children with Cancer.
CureSearch for Children’s Cancer today announced 12 $100,000 grants for scientists focused on innovative research offering the greatest potential to design treatments and improve outcomes for children with difficult-to-treat cancers.”
The Wacky Goofy is off and running!
April 25, 2012
by Lori Brower
On Saturday, April 21st, Ashley, Paul, Lee and Dave took off in the early morning in Salt Lake City to participate in the Salt Lake City half marathon race. One down and only eight to go! All four have committed to running the “Wacky Goofy” series of half marathons, capping off the last race in Orlando, Florida in January.
The Wacky Goofy
April 18, 2012
By Lee Brower
If you want to do something that will really make a difference, will be exciting, and fun- then read on.
Most of you know that our son, Nick, founded the WACKY Warriors Foundation. After attending a high adventure kayaking camp exclusively for young adults ages 18-39, Nick returned inspired with a huge ambition to do something significant for young adults living with cancer.
Stages of Grief
April 11, 2012
By Lori Brower
Apparently, the experts have determined there are 5 stages of grief:
- Denial
- Anger
- Bargaining
- Depression
- Acceptance
Apparently, I am experiencing them backwards.
First Descents Ball
April 4, 2012
By Lori Brower
Saturday, April 1st was the 6th annual First Descents Ball held in Vail, Colorado. There were eighteen Wacky Warriors in attendance, including Lee and I, Kelsey & Carly, Grandma & Grandpa, Jennie & Dean, Jerry & Denise, Colin & Monica, Larry & Avree, Kelli, Kailey, Caitlin & Makelle. Whew! Most of us donned hats of some sort and arrived at the Ritz-Carlton hotel, ready to bid at the silent auction.
After a flurry of hugs and pictures, we wandered the tables of merchandise, hoping our bids would win us our respective items. Soon, we were seated at our assigned tables and dinner was served while the silent auction continued (with the help of volunteers and their iPads to track all bids). Now, let’s talk about dinner for a moment. I’m going to sound a bit ungrateful here, but really, I’m just trying to be accurate. “Tian of Vegetable Ratatouille” for the starter appeared to be a well-packed portion of chunky salsa.
A “Homemade” WACKY
March 28, 2012
By Lori Brower
Today, we had the unexpected privilege of receiving a wonderful gift handmade by our daughter, Natalie. She knew we were going to Vail, Colorado this weekend to attend the First Descents annual ball. She knew we were going to celebrate the Spirit Award being given to
“Nickname” and she knew she couldn’t be with us. So that she could be with us vicariously, she made us a beautiful blanket to take on our trip.
We are nervous and excited for this event. The sadness is still ever-present, but now we have a special token made with love to wrap ourselves up in.
We wish blessings of love to our daughter in her expression of her unconditional love and to our son whose legacy we continue to honor.
Basebald for St. Baldrick’s Foundation
March 21, 2012
By Lori Brower and Tom Walter
Last weekend, the Wake Forest and NC State baseball teams 
honored their commitment to shave their heads for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. They surpassed their fundraising goals and their awareness factor to support childhood cancer research was equally impactful. I have heard some people say that it is easier for men than women to lose their hair, which may be true. However, I also know Nick was very self conscious about being bald so I want to acknowledge these two baseball teams and their coaches for taking “BaseBald” to another level!
Thank you, Coach Tom Walter and the Wake Forest & NC State teams! I proclaim all of you true Wacky Warriors!
Here is a note from Tom followed by pictures of the event:
St. Baldrick’s Foundation
March 7, 2012
By Lori Brower
I am personally aware of many rhabdo moms that have participated in past St. Baldrick’s events. These special “mommas” shaved their heads to raise money and awareness for childhood cancer, usually including their own children with cancer. Their experiences have brought many humble tears to my eyes 
as I read their blog entries describing their feelings and emotions in hopes that someday their sacrifice will help eradicate cancer.
Today, I received an email from a Wacky Warrior – Michael Barron. Michael has supported Nick and our family for several years, including our inaugural Wacky event – the Philadelphia Broad Street Run. →
Softball Mom
February 29, 2012
By Lori Brower
I love being a softball mom. Really, truly love it. If I include Nick’s tee ball, rec and comp games, I’ve been on the ball fields regularly for over 19 years (hmmm… looks like I’m a geezer softball mom). Interestingly, I still don’t totally understand coaching strategies and I’m reminded often I don’t know all the rules. I cannot keep stats, I cannot be depended upon to know the ball count, who is the home team or what the score is and on occasion, I am not aware my own child is playing a different position. I don’t remember how we fared against a team we have played before, nor do I know the lineup. It takes me an entire season to learn (and remember) the names of a new teammate and her parents.
Both Carly & Kelsey were given an amazing opportunity to play for wonderful coaches and their respective competitive (traveling) teams. Carly played for Xtreme for 5 years and Kelsey is beginning her 5th year with Bukoos. Both coaches consistently use positive reinforcement to develop skills and attitude on the field. Both nurtured their teams into a family and the bonds of friendship are lifelong. Carly had many former teammates and coaches attend Nick’s funeral; Kelsey’s entire team and coaches attended, as well, bringing her a handmade quilt made of the team’s colors and words of encouragement. This gesture has had an enormous impact on Kelsey. The solidarity of love and support helped her cope – she will never forget it. She keeps her quilt on her bed so comfort is just an arm’s length away.
