MIDDLETOWN - On Saturday, June 20, the Ryan Andrew Kaiser Memorial Foundation (RAKMF) along with the Jersey Shore Running Club, achieved record attendance at one of the Two River area's premier running events, Ryan's Run, an annual 5K run and 1 mile fun run/walk on the grounds of Mountain Hill School, here.

With 632 5K runners and 125 runners in the one-mile fun run participating in this fun-filled, family oriented athletic event, the RAKMF raised approximately $45,000 toward its mission of supporting families of seriously ill children through direct grants, the construction of memorial playgrounds and playrooms, and raising funds for hospitals and doctor groups that specialize in the cure and care of pediatric heart patients.

With tremendous support from sponsors that included The Mountain Hill School, K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital, Alpert & Zales Pediatric Cardiology, 94.3 The Point, Shore Runner, Skinny Water, Matzel & Mumford, The Monmouth Journal, Eastpointe Health & Fitness, Outback Steakhouse and the nation's largest playground manufacturer GameTime, the grassroots committee and host of volunteers who organized Ryan's Run know that its success depends on their support and appreciate the generosity sponsorship brings to the foundation and its recipients.

The RAKMF is a nonprofit organization established in 2003 after the sudden and unexpected death of Ryan Kaiser. Ryan, the 6-year-old son of Andy and Lauren Kaiser, was born with congenital heart disease. Ryan had three open heart surgeries before he was 2 years old.

Lee Maziekien, owner and proprietor of Outback Steakhouse in Middletown, has continually provided the incomparable food at the Ryan's Run pre-race sponsorship expo and barbeque - grilled shrimp, Caesar salad, sliced tenderloin, and cheesecake - a menu he declares "you won't see anywhere else."

An avid runner, Maziekien first became aware of Ryan's Run four years ago and said he was impressed not just by the "wonderful, hilly trail and course through Huber Woods," but more specifically by the overwhelming and emotional story behind the event. Reflecting about the Kaisers and their loss while completing his time running in the woods, Maziekien vowed, "I have to be a part of this."

Each year Ryan's Run serves as the sole fundraising event of the RAKMF.

Overwhelmed by the event's growth and support of its runners, the Kaisers acknowledge that Ryan's Run has come a long way from its humble beginnings but admit they have a long way to go before the race can become the medium by which the foundation can support the many families throughout the United States - like them - who find themselves in a sudden and stressful reality when a child becomes ill or succumbs to that illness.

Andy Kaiser said, "Many Ryan's Run participants tell Lauren and I that they are moved by our strength and motivated by what we are accomplishing. I would say that it is their enthusiasm and support that moves and motivates us."

Encouraging those who have become avid fans of the race and inviting those who might have missed this year's opportunity to run, Andy encourages the public to visit their Web site, www.ryansrun.org, and sign up for the RAKMF e-mail newsletter to keep abreast of their progress throughout the year and for next year's event.

He said, "Keep coming out to Ryan's Run and together we will accomplish great things for kids and families who really need our help."

For more information about the RAKMF, visit www.ryansrun.org or call Andy Kaiser directly at 888-664-9522.

About the RAKMF

The Ryan Andrew Kaiser Memorial Foundation has three philanthropic goals: To financially assist local families of critically ill children, who may not otherwise be able to afford proper healthcare; to raise and donate funds to hospitals and doctor groups that specialize in the cure and care of pediatric heart patients; to help build children's parks and playgrounds, dedicated in Ryan's name, to provide children and their families with a safe and fun place to play.