An Interesting Month

   July was an interesting month. It seemed as though it rained every day, but I understand we got less rain than normal. However, the possibility of rain did interfere with our initial July "Ride For Cheer". We made the decision based on safety to visit our July child, Ashley, in Kennebunk the following Sunday. We gathered at the Kennebunk High School on July 15.

Ashley's Ride

   This little girl is only nine years old and she is afflicted with a serious illness, but she is blessed with impressive talents. She is capable of doing many of the things a nine-year-old child enjoys. Ashley participates in sports. She plays soccer and loves to swim. She is not only a good student who enjoys reading, but she is artistic as well.

   Ashley was discouraged when her initial ride was cancelled due to threatening weather on July 8th. But her discouragement vanished the following Sunday, when Ashley thought it was great that all those riders came out just for her!

   Although Ashley had ridden on bikes previously it was fun for her to be the focus of the parade ride on Vas Mihailoff's big Harley. That ride and the clown were the highlights of her day. Jay, her stepfather told me that she got home excited about the event and relayed everything about it to him immediately. Ashley stole our hearts when offered the opportunity to address the group with the bullhorn. She enthusiastically stated, "Thank you all very much for coming today. It means a lot to me." Her sweet comments moved those that were there.

Thanks, Gifts, Certificates and...

   Special thanks go to Patty Fecteau, Gary's wife, who met Ashley and Bambi, her mother, at Kennebunk High School. We also want to thank the Christian Motorcyclists Association for joining us on this ride. It is with pleasure that we welcome new folks to the BWAH family. We look forward to your continued participation.

   Sarah who was with us for the first time did a fine job of presenting the gift bag. Judy honored Ashley by reading and presenting her with the framed certificate. We would certainly be remiss if we did not mention how much we appreciate Pepe the Clown. Pepe, your balloon animals were a big hit with Ashley! It was one of the most enjoyable parts of her day.

Gratitude

   BWAH thanks the York County Sheriffs Department, the Police Department of Kennebunk, and the neighboring Police Departments of communities we visit on our "Rides For Cheer". They insure the safety of our rides. Thank You all very much.

August Plans:

   The next BWAH Ride for Cheer will be Sunday, August 12. We will meet at the usual location in Kennebunk at 3:00 PM. The name of our August child and our destination will be announced at that time. Let us hope that the month of August will bring only sunny skies and gentle breezes for our trip.