RIDE FOR NATALIE - 09/10/2002
For those of you that don't know... Natalie is the daughter of a new friend of ours. We met Ilene at the Redwood Run this year. We had a great time at the Run. Ilene immediately fit in with the "Crew". No small feat; if you have ever been around us when we are together as a group. Ilene was great... We immediately knew that she was GOOD PEOPLE.. She was smart (she could trade smart-ass remarks with the best of us), seemed to have a great time with life and I sensed that she had a kind of deep down strength that was hard to put my finger on.
About two weeks ago... The Bros asked me and Chris to join them in a Run to benefit Ilene's daughter. Wow.. After reading the following EMAIL.. I knew that I really had no idea about the kind of strength that Ilene had, The Strength of a Mother.. taking care of her daughter. We met Natalie Saturday. IT was truly a pleasure. She is one of the smartest 17 year olds that I have met in a long time. The potential that she has; to be a positive influence on the world around her must be achieved. I have no doubt that with the help of their friends that Ilene and Natalie will overcome the challenges that are ahead of them. GOOD PEOPLE.. Not once did I hear either one of them complain about the "hand" that has been dealt to them. Ilene and Natalie accepted us into their home and did everything that they could to make us feel comfortable and relaxed. They do not (we do not) accept that the disease that Natalie has will prevent her from living the life that she chooses. RESPECT and HONOR goes out to Ilene and Natalie (from the heart of the Wolfman). I am sitting here right now; the day after the Run wishing that I could do something more to help our new friends. If any of you Brothers and Sisters out there can help. Please send your tax deductible donation to the address listed. This will help Ilene deal with the medical bills associated with Natalie's treatments.
For: Natalie, 17 years old; ENDOMETRIOSIS patient. Purpose: To provide medical relief for Natalie's mom and to find a way to live life to it's fullest with this disease. When: Saturday August 10th and August 11th. Riders can arrive Friday night August 9th and camp on property. Bring tents, sleeping bags etc. Stay in the house or get a room nearby. Time Departure to be decided by Sean for courtesy of all riders coming in from out of town. From the home of Ilene McNany, Pioneer California 95666 (Amador County). Route Scenic Highway 88 to Tahoe c/o Hollister Steve.
Donation Info:
| Amador
Free Will Baptist Church Pioneer, CA 95666 |
209-295-3922 |
Amador Free Will Baptist Church (Pioneer, California) will accept and oversee all pledge donations on Natalie's behalf. They are non-profit and all pledges are tax deductible. Pledge promises can be made c/o imcnany@earthlink.net Leave Name, mailing address, and pledge promise. Your commitment is important and greatly appreciated. Hey... The ride's is over. But, for more information on how you can help. Contact Ilene at the EMAIL indicated or shoot a line to the Wolfman@twolfs.com
To my Rider Friends,
There comes a time in life, when one needs to call upon
friends and family for help. Sometimes as adults, our problems in life seem
unfair. However, when it comes to the wellness of a child, our problems seem
unimportant and trivial. The disease is called Endometriosis and Natalie was
diagnosed when she was 14. It has robbed Natalie of the quality of life that
she so deserves as a teenager. I have home schooled her for the past few years
because of this disease and it's many downtimes. She is my one and only child.
For the past few weeks, night after night, I have sat up with her while she is
in abdominal pain. With two recent emergency room visits and admittance to UC
Davis Med Center; pediatrics on July 19, 2002, for much needed testing and
educating myself on how to deal with the disease. Not a happy way to spend
your 17th birthday. As I put my life on hold to care for her and facing the
possibility of yet another surgery to free her from binding adhesions, I am
asking for help. A pledged day run is scheduled for Saturday August 10th, 2002
from Pioneer Ca to Tahoe. Tax deductible pledges are being collected for every
rider who participates towards this cause. If you are unable to ride and would
like to help out with a pledge, you can e-mail us at imcnany@earthlink.net.
If you are able to participate in the run, it is not necessary for you to
pledge; just donating your time for a great run is greatly appreciated.
Natalie wants to get on with her life and begin college as a senior in high
school. Her goal is Forensic science, DNA. Although her goal is on hold at
this time, we are optimistic that there is a better way to deal with this
disease than surgery every three years. God bless all of you who are able to
participate in the run and/or pledge on Natalie's behalf. Sincerely and with
hope of a successful ride, Ilene...
Just a short note from Natalie:
Hello all! Natalie is my name and endometriosis is not a fun game. Living with a very severe case of endometriosis for the past three years has been a very difficult obstacle for me. I wish every day of my life that there was a cure for this horrible disease. It is not fun being pulled from your normal way of life into the direction of the unknown. Some of my much loved physical activities, such as soccer, volleyball, and simply just working out to music have been painfully ripped out from under me. Oh what I would do to be a kid again. I am truly hoping that all the profits gained by this run would not only benefit me, but others like me. I would like to thank each and every participant who chooses to ride and donate towards my well being. I am looking forward to meeting all of you. Sincerely, Natalie
Click on the links to view pictures....
Wednesday, August 14, 2002 20:58:20
Hi Toby and Chris,
It was nice meeting you both last weekend. I had a really great time. If you
could add this thank you to your website I would appreciate it. Thanks to all of
you who took the time to ride with me to Tahoe. Also, a thank to all who donated
towards my well being. So far my mom and I have collected over $1,000 dollars.
We pray that not only will we be able to pay off all the bills, but to find a
solution to cure this disease.
Thanks, Natalie
