The Brock Hurley Team -- Walk For Wishes

Dari and Bruce Hurley are once again going full-steam-ahead to organize their walk team for the May 25 Walk For Wishes. With a goal to recruit 15 team members and raise at least $5,000 - the average cost of a wish - the Hurley's are on track to bring hope, strength, and joy to another Maine child who's living with a life-threatening illness.

Dari and Bruce's son, Brock, lived with a life-threatening lung disease, and had his wish to ride his bike across the Golden Gate Bridge granted in 2002. After his wish, Brock became an enthusiastic ambassador for Make-A-Wish. He rode his bike at the Walk For Wishes in Portland and showed his support at many events. The "Brock Hurley Friendship Award" was established in our chapter in his memory, to recognize an individual who has gone out of his or her way to make wishes come true.

Brock at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

Shortly after Brock's death in April, 2004, the Hurley's, along with family and friends, formed the "Brock Hurley Team" for the Walk For Wishes that year. Together, they raised nearly $7,000 -
more than enough to grant a child's wish. Team Hurley made a strong showing once again in 2005, raising nearly $4,000. This year's walk on May 25 will bring the Brock Hurley Team together for another spirited and successful showing.

Dari says, "As Brock's mother I can think of no better way to honor him than to gather his family and friends together for a cause so dear to all of us, especially Brock. In spite of his many medical limitations he would always rally to the cause when there was a Make-A-Wish event. Whether he was selling wreaths and Christmas trees or peddling his bike around Back Bay, his dedication to Make-A-Wish is a true inspiration. Brock's desire that other children have the opportunity to feel the joy and freedom of a wish experience is why we work to carry on his mission. The goal of the Brock Hurley Team is to raise enough funds to grant a minimum of one wish yearly. Please support our team as we work toward our 2006 goal."

Dari Hurley at the 2005 Walk For Wishes.

Aside from their Walk For Wishes participation, the Hurley's have supported the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine in many ways. In 2002, they held a "Cut Your Own Christmas Tree" event and raised $4,720. Bruce and Dari attended the 2004 Fantasy Auction as guest speakers and the 2005 auction as participants. Dari also volunteers as a wishgranter and helps with the annual Pedaling For Dreams bike ride in honor of Brendan Batson and Isaiah Desrosiers.

Thank you, Dari and Bruce and all the members of the Brock Hurley Team!

Members of the Brock Hurley Team at the May 26, 2005, Walk For Wishes, in Portland