THE BWAH BANNER
 June, 2002

 

 

 A newsletter for "BIKERS WITH A HEART", By Gini

 

  

BWAH for June 9th

  The PR for June is that it has perfect days. We haven't seen too much of those this year, but we did have a perfect day for the BWAH "Ride For Cheer" this month. Nearly 50 bikers rode off to Waterboro on Sunday the 9th to visit a little charmer named Ashley. Not only did the sun shine on our parade, but it was warm to the point of getting hot once we left the coastal area.

Ashley:

   Ashley is only 7, and due to a chronic and little understood kidney problem she is very petite. But there is nothing else small about this child. She is a winner in every way. Her mother describes her as high spirited with lots of energy, and one who loves life. She has a sweet smile and a rather mischievous twinkle in her eye. Ashley is familiar with motorcycles, but had never had a ride on one until she and her mom were the stars of her parade ride at the Massabessic School, where the BWAH group met Ashley and her family. (Earlier, she was part of the "Kick Start for Kidneys" in Newport RI, in which 600 bikers participated.) Ashley has also come to the attention of the "Dream Factory" (a non-profit organization that grants dreams to seriously and chronically ill children).

Ashley's dream is to swim with the dolphins. The Dream Factory folks plan to send Ashley and her family to Hawaii so she can realize her dream. This little girl is also very interested and involved in her own medical procedures. She is so knowledgeable about blood transfusions and drawing blood that she taught her class at school how to do it. In spite of the pain and problems Ashley has endured since she was diagnosed at age 2, she has managed to find a joy and quality in her life. Family members and friends were present to share the special day with Ashely.

Magicians, Parades and Ceremonies:

  Almodarr the Magician started the fun with balloons and magic tricks to make Ashley smile. Almodarr tells me he has a gig in New York City this summer. That is not too shabby, Almodarr, good luck, or am I supposed to say, "Break a leg"? Mary presented Ashley with the gift bag, and Laurie, a BWAH newcomer, read and presented the "Certificate of Proclamation" before the parade ride. Dudley gave Ashley and her mother a grand ride around the Massabessic grounds.

The July BWAH Ride for Cheer:

   Please join us for the July "Ride For Cheer" on July 14th, weather permitting. We will once again gather at parking lot of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Route One in Kennebunk, at 3:00 to bring a smile of pleasure to the face of another BWAH child.

Think of the kids!