In September 2007, Grandmaster Thomas Wilson, founder of the Black Belt Academy, was diagnosed with AML (Acute Myologenous Leukemia). A warrior himself, he quickly faced his new opponent and underwent treatment at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Since he was actively undergoing treatment, the need to keep him free from infection was a top priority. Therefore, visitors were kept to a minimum. Those with small children and children themselves were discouraged from going to the hospital but never discouraged from providing support.

In addition to the many cards and tokens of their affections the children sent to Master Wilson in the hospital, Mrs. Wilson created a Caring Bridge website for constant communication between Master Wilson, his family and many friends. For many of us, it was a great way to send our love, well wishes and a few jokes while keeping apprised of his course of treatment.

Master Wilson battled his course of treatment like a true champion. In and out of the Dojang as often as he could, it was often he who was the most supportive and encouraging to his students, and of course the most humorous!! Considered to be in remission, it was devastating to learn that his cancer had returned in the Spring of 2008. After a bone marrow transplant on 3/12/09, Master Wilson acquired an infection that was his greatest opponent yet. He passed away on March 14, 2009. He has left behind a legacy - a black belt in martial arts and a champion of humanity.

Wilson's Warriors was created as a way for the children of the Black Belt Academy to actively show their love and support for their Grandmaster Instructor. The children, parents and students of BBA, as well as friends and family of the Wilson's joined together in just 3 weeks time to raise over $3300 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) by participating in the Light the Night Walk in October 2007. All the money raised has gone to LLS to help find a cure for blood cancers. Since that first year, our team has raised over $13,800 to help find a cure!

As we do every year, Wilson's Warriors will proudly walk again in the 2010 Light the Night Walk to benefit LLS on Saturday, October 2nd. The walk is a 1.5 mile stroll around Wilson Farm Park, 600 Lee Road, Berwyn, Pa (off Route 202 in Chesterbrook). The rain or shine events starts at 4:30pm with kids festivities, music, food and fun followed by the 6:30pm walk. Participants carry lighted balloons (red for supporters, white for survivors and gold in memory of their loved one). It is a beautiful and fun way to help find a cure for cancer.

To find out more about the Light the Night Walk, please visit www.lightthenight.org. To join our team, please click here. You can also donate to our team at the same link listed above.

For 2010, we are having a candle fundraiser event to help "light" our way to a cure. The candles are from Celebrating Home and 50% of your cost goes directly to our team! Brochures and order forms are available at the dojang.

For more information on our fundraising or any questions at all, please email team captain Laurie Hopton or contact her at 610-304-1983.