Press Release

Waterford Teen Selected as Rainbow Connections Representative to Quake on the Lake / Malibu Open

Pontiac, MI, July 11, 2008  Fourteen year old Autumn Townsend, who will be a sophomore at Waterford Kettering High School in September, has been selected as the Rainbow Connections Wish Child for the July 18-20 Quake on the Lake / Malibu Open at the Pontiac Lake Recreation Area in Waterford / White Lake Townships.

The Rainbow Connection, a Rochester-based charity founded by Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, grants wishes to children with life threatening or terminal illnesses.  Proceeds from the expanded three day event will be donated to the charity.

Autumn was diagnosed in November, 2007 with Hotchkins Lymphoma, a form of cancer that affects the lymph nodes.

We took Autumn to the doctor thinking she had swollen glands caused by an infection, said Autumns mother, Gwynne Townsend. After antibiotics failed to clear up the infection, an x-ray revealed the disease and the doctor sent us immediately to the Cancer Institute at Beaumont Hospital.

For her wish, Autumn has requested a trip to Hawaii when her treatment regimen allows her to travel.  Right now her disease is in remission, but she receives monthly check ups to monitor her condition.

She has been the most optimistic child about what shes facing, said Mrs. Townsend. She told me, Mom everything happens for a reason. Autumn has been better at dealing with this than I am.

Although Autumn likes to bowl and even made the high school bowling team this past year, she hasnt been able to participate because of her illness. Autumn also enjoys softball and plays on the Oakland Merchants softball team.  She also enjoys cheering on the Detroit Pistons and Detroit Tigers and like most teenagers, Autumn does her fair share of text-messaging. 

This year, for the first time ever, Quake on the Lake is partnering with the Malibu Open which is one of the largest wakeboarding and water-skiing competitions in the world.  Nearly 90 world class athletes will compete in the Malibu Open while some 80 of North Americas top teams will vie for championship points in the 9th Annual Quake on the Lake inboard hydroplane races.

For more information, please visit www.QuakeOnTheLake.org.

For media inquiries only, please contact Bob Dustman, Media and Communications Officer, at (248) 858-1048.
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