Our long awaited launch is finally here and we’re jumping for joy (pun intended). From initial brainstorms about this project to talking with charities and building a functional site, we’re excited to officially launch the SkyAide site and this blog, which will keep you up to date on all the happenings in our jumping escapades.

Given that, we’re proud to announce our very first charity that we, as a global community will, be jumping for: Solving Kids’ Cancer. This organization is really beautiful as its main focus is helping find treatment for children with cancer and extending their lives by creating survivors - through continued therapeutic development and cancer research.

Having a younger cousin who has been battling cancer for almost a year now, this organization truly hits home for me - but also, gives me a bright light of hope for him and other kids out there who are in the same situation.

So let’s all come together for SKC and upload some of our best jumping pics for this great organization and provide continued support by donating to their cause.

For those who are new here and want to learn more about SkyAide, please take a read on what we’re about.

We’re looking forward to raising awareness while coming together through the cohesive act of jumping. It’s going to be a great and uplifting ride - thanks for joining us!

- Sonny

On September 13th, Mary Ann and I participated in the 2009 Komen New York City Race for the Cure to help raise money for Breast Cancer. It was a 5k run/walk in Central Park (and we have to admit we decided to walk it with only 30 minutes of sleep the night before). Mary Ann was the team captain, making it our first time racing as “SkyAide” in an event. I was used to running 3 miles at the gym and assumed we would be done in no time. This wasn’t the case when you’re going on next to no sleep and among a huge crowd of people.

Though it took a little less than 3 hours to finish, it was definitely an awesome day. Walking through Central Park was beautiful and we ended at my favorite spot (near the lake and big fountain, heading toward “the mall”). We were greeted by thousands of people handing us water and snacks. Mott’s made some cool “Pink to the Core” bags to give away (pictured below). As a design geek I loved the typography.

The most moving part of the walk was reading the cards on people’s backs as they walked by. Some people were walking for people they knew that have cancer and others were walking in memory of ones they lost. It was really sad to see husbands walking in memory of their wives, women walking in memory of their sisters, and especially children walking in memory of their mothers. Walking among a huge sea of people that were all connected to cancer in some way makes you realize how cancer is a part of almost everyone’s life.

Altogether, team SkyAide raised $173 out of our $250 goal. We would like to thank those of you that made donations and those that participated in the run/walk. Thanks for the support!

- Shannon

who we are, what we’re doing, why we’re doing it…

Shannon Farrell

Shannon’s first close encounter with cancer was when her best friend Heather (19 at the time) was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in Fall of 2002. Having seen what her friend and others have gone through, she knew she wanted to do something to help. Shannon has also always had a passion for bringing the world together and thought that bringing everyone together for a common cause would be the perfect combination. Check out Shannon’s blog to learn more about her - ShannonFarrell.com

Mary Ann Saulong

When Mary Ann is not working on anything SkyAide related, she is a print, web, & flash game designer for a company in New York. Before SkyAide came about, she loved to take shots of herself jumping at places she visited. In 2009, Shannon and Sonny brought the idea of creating a fun way to help others by starting a picture blog of people jumping while supporting a cause in our communities.

Sonny Gill

Being a marketing/social media professional, Sonny has always been drawn in by collaboration and bringing communities of like-minded individuals together. So, it was to no surprise that he was drawn into SkyAide and the idea of uniting people from across the globe for a common cause that benefits charities and people in need. Find out more about Sonny at his blog, SonnyGill.com.

If you would like to find out more about SkyAide and what we’re jumping for, read what we’re about on our main site.