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In just over a month and a half, 150 people, including one determined family, banded together to honor their bravest hero and in the meantime raised almost $5,000 for PurpleStride Broward-Palm Beach.
Francesca with her husband, Glenn, and their three kids, Anthony, Nicholas and Madison. Glenn passed away of pancreatic cancer in 2016.
It was Francesca Kivitt’s idea. She formed Team Kivitt in memory of her husband, Glenn, who passed away of pancreatic cancer in June 2016.
“We invited people from Glenn’s office, players from the kids’ sports teams and their friends from school. It was nice to do something in memory of him and I was grateful so many people came out to show their love and support,” Francesca said.
Francesca and her kids decided to register for PurpleStride just one and a half months prior to the event and then asked friends, family and acquaintances to join Team Kivitt and help them honor Glenn. Time was running short to make it happen, but Francesca couldn’t let the opportunity to make a difference pass by.
Team Kivitt, 150 people strong, raised almost $5,000 at PurpleStride Broward-Palm Beach 2016.
Although very emotional, the day was full of moments they will never forget.
“By far the best memory of this day was before the event when everyone gathered around each other wearing their team T-shirts shirts for a photo. Then, we went around and everyone shared a memory about Glenn. It was a very special moment for all of us,” Francesca said.
This was truly a family event because each of her kids was involved in planning various aspects of the day.
“My middle son, Nick, was in charge of creating the team website, while my oldest son, Anthony, promoted it. My youngest, Madison, was in charge of gathering materials for the event,” Francesca said.
The Team Kivitt PurpleStride T-shirt was designed by the team captain’s son, Nick, and was worn by all of the team members.
Nick designed the “Team Kivitt” T-shirt so that their dad would be with them on event day.
“The team shirt read, ‘The bravest hero I ever knew is now watching over me,’ with an angel on the front,” Francesca said. “The design got people’s attention. We wanted people to know why we were there.”
Team Kivitt will participate in future PurpleStride walks, too. Francesca is hoping to expand their team and create even more awareness for PurpleStride Broward-Palm Beach.
“It’s so important to participate in PurpleStride,” she said. “The funds raised go toward continuing research, educating the public and providing services that give current and future patients a chance for survival.”
Share in the excitement by participating in and fundraising for your local PurpleStride. Bring your friends and family!
