A very special and meaningful "Ride For Cheer"

   September's "Ride For Cheer" occurred on the 16th, only five days after the horrific events of September 11th. In the days following the tragedy, many sports events and shows were canceled, as such events were deemed "inappropriate" given the profound grief that our nation was experiencing. In the days preceding the scheduled "Ride For Cheer", the thought of canceling entered my mind, as it was difficult to pull my attention away from the harrowing story and resultant changes in the world's landscape. But the mission of "Bikers With A Heart" is not self-serving, and is certainly not leisurely or entertaining. The mission is specifically focused on bringing a measure of cheer and comfort to a child and family who otherwise sees a life of struggle. In that regard, the effort of BWAH is noble and represents a genuine "good deed". If the events of September 11th result in the decline of drive to exercise "good deeds", than the evil objective of terrorism is accomplished. This realization invigorated my intention to push forward and proceed with the scheduled "Ride For Cheer". As I met and talked with several of the bikers in Kennebunk, many expressed a personal need to participate in the "Ride For Cheer" as a positive counter-balancer to a week filled with horrible and shocking news. That morning, I spoke with Thomas' mom, (our "Ride For Cheer" recipient), and she offered her heartfelt gratitude to us for proceeding with ride, in light of the week's events. Thomas, who is functionally unable to realize and understand the events of September 11th, is locked into his own daily struggle, and was so looking forward to our visit.

Thomas, a special child with a special family

   Thomas was born with cerebral palsy, and has recently developed other medical issues that have caused a deterioration of his limited functional abilities. He is wheelchair-bound, and has lost his ability to speak last year. Communicating by facial gestures and crude sign language, Thomas made it very clear that he had a great time! Terry, Thomas' mom, (who also cares for her dad who suffers with Lou Gherig's disease, and her mom who is also wheelchair-bound), was particularly moved by the positive impact the experience had on her son. The spirit was joyous and heartwarming. The BWAH group also sang "Happy Birthday" to Thomas' sister Kaytlyn, who celebrated her birthday earlier in the week.

Sidecar rigs help make the Parade Ride a Success

   Given Thomas' serious physical limitations, it was important to have a sidecar rig available for him to participate in the exciting parade ride. Thomas and his mom were able to enjoy the parade ride in Rick's sidecar rig, (who came up from York), and Kaytlyn rode in Bill's sidecar rig, (who came up from Kittery). Thanks Rick and Bill, for coming to the "Ride For Cheer" with your sidecar rigs and helping to provide for an enjoyable experience for Thomas and his family!

A Special Guest

   We had a special guest join us for this "Ride For Cheer". Kate Eastman, who is the organizer of an extraordinary program called "The Jason Program", (see http://www.jasonprogram.org/), which has helped Thomas and many other families, joined us for the day's "Ride For Cheer" at Thomas' home. Thank you, Kate, for joining us and helping Thomas and many like him!

A Poignant Expression of Gratitude

   At the conclusion of the "Ride For Cheer" experience, Terry, who is burdened with a daily set of demands that leaves her no time for personal leisure, expressed a desire to thank the BWAH group. After describing the difficulties that Thomas has had to endure since infancy, and the demands in caring for him, (and her parents, as well), she admitted that it has been a long time since she was able to laugh. "Today", she said. "I was able to laugh. Thank you!"

October's "Ride For Cheer" and the BWAH Bash

   The final "Ride For Cheer" for 2001 is scheduled for October 14th. If the weather is threatening, call 967-5830 for a clarification as to the status of the ride. If the weather forecast calls for rain, the "Ride For Cheer" will be postponed to the following week, October 21st^, (same time, same place).  The BWAH Bash, a party for all the BWAH recipients of previous years, is scheduled on October 14th, at 4:00PM, at the Washington Hose Co. in Kennebunk, rain or shine. Please see the announcement with details and directions.