Operation THEO (California)

Operation THEO (CA)

Distance: 5 km fun loop

Event Start Time: Sunday 29th October 2023 at 1000 hrs (Please do not arrive before 0930 hrs)

FUP (Forming Up Point) Location: Rose Bowl Parking Lot I (LINK)

Event Finish Time: Sunday 29th October 2023 1300 hrs

Finish Location: Rose Bowl Parking Lot I (LINK)

Background to Operation THEO

“Our sweet Theo was born on March 22, 2015. From day one he was the sweetest most even tempered baby. He brought joy to everyone that met him. After a trip to the eye doctor that turned into an emergency MRI at All Children’s Hospital our precious baby was diagnosed with a rare form of childhood cancer called Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma. He was only five months old.

Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma is aggressive, and so was the frontline treatment being offered to Theo. He endured countless rounds of chemotherapy at All Children's Hospital where he was seen by the best team of doctors and nurses we could have dreamed of having for him. He learned to walk in the hallways of the seventh floor. He made friends with patients and their parents alike. Theo’s treatment was complicated and that led him to many different departments within the hospital, and he won over the affection of hospital staff everywhere he went.

In the end, the outstanding care and compassion he was given at All Children’s was no match for the aggressiveness of his disease, and the lack of adequate treatment protocols for children with his type of cancer. After fourteen months of treatment, he passed away surrounded by family, and in his parent’s arms at the age of 19 months old.

Theo left his mark on all who knew him. His short life changed lives. He softened hearts, strengthened relationships, and he continues to be a source of strength to those that love him.”

Theo’s Mom

Situation

Green Beret Fitness presents Operation THEO in memory of a young warrior who was taken too soon. The Main Effort of Operation THEO is to give gifts and supplies to local children's hospitals.

Missions

1. Collect new, unwrapped toys and gifts to donate to the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles.

2. Completion of the course, and associated challenges, as a team in the time allocated.

Event Commander

The Green Beret Fitness ground commanders for Operation THEO (CA) will be GBF ambassadors, Mel & Jac.

Execution

This fun Team Event will be completed on Sunday 29th October starting at 1000 hrs.

This is a family and pet friendly 5 km ruck (or walk) around the Psadena Rose Bowl. Since it is right before Halloween, costumes are strongly encouraged. If you are rucking you are welcome to carry your donation gifts as additional weight.

Since the hospital does not accept donations on the weekend, all donations will be collected at the end (after a photo!) and delivered by Mel & Jac on the Monday.

Service Support

- Dress. Dress will be a personal choice. No offensive t-shirts or patches please.

- Gifts. There is a strict policy of what gifts can be accepted by the hospital. You can find that list HERE.

- Equipment. Rucking candidates weight includes donations / presents in their backpack at check-in. Once you donate it, you will be down that weight. You are welcome to carry more weight. The more you donate - the less you carry.

This list is mandatory:

• Water
• Fully Charged mobile phone
• Item(s) to donate to Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

- Water. Water should be consumed throughout the day.

- Transport. Transport to and from the event will be at candidates own arrangement.

Command and Signal

Operation THEO (CA) will be led by Mel & Jac as GBF representatives.

Mel - 805-341-9988

Jac - 805-231-8828

Cost - $10 to include Operation THEO patch

Refunds - Refunds will be in the form of a GBF voucher for future events. Refunds within 30 days of an event will not be possible.

Patches - Operation THEO candidates will receive this patch for the event. Young Theo loved rainbows and the vibrant colours showed his own vibrant personality.