For Immediate Release:

Contact: Mary Margaret Ambler
2010 W 72nd Terrace
Prairie Village, Kansas 66208

p. 913.722.4369
e. mmambler@aol.com

April 25, 2005

Olympic Gold Medalist Kendall Cross in Kansas City for Cancer Fundraiser and Wrestling Clinic

Two Olympic wrestlers, Kansas City’s Eric Akin and Gold Medalist Kendall Cross will be coaching a wrestling clinic and hosting a reception to benefit the Tyler Graebner Foundation. The clinic will be at Bishop Ward High School on Friday, May 13, 6 – 8 pm and Saturday, May 14, 10 – 12 am, with a reception for the public on Saturday at The Point,

917 W 44th Street, Kansas City, MO
from 6 – 8 pm.

Tyler Graebner was an 8-year old Kansas wrestler who lost his match against cancer in March. His family is from Hutchinson, but Tyler spent most of his last few months at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City undergoing treatment. The wrestling community rallied behind Tyler, providing emotional and financial support, throughout his ordeal.

Since March, Tyler’s friends and family have established a foundation in his memory. The primary purpose of the foundation is to provide financial assistance to families whose children have been hit with catastrophic illness. Many expenses, like travel, time away from work, etc. are not covered by insurance, which in these cases, falls short anyway. For example, Tyler’s family is burdened with $400,000 of uncovered medical expenses to deal with after losing their child. Proceeds from the reception will be contributed to the foundation.

Mr. Cross, Mr. Akin, and many other world-class athletes will be coaching the clinic and meeting wrestling fans at the reception. Cross will have his Olympic medal on display. A suggested donation of $50 for the reception will include appetizers and drinks.

For more information, registration forms or to schedule an interview with Kendall Cross, please contact:

Mary Margaret Ambler at mmambler@aol.com or Jim Schneweis at jschneweis@wardhigh.org.