PRESS RELEASE: COLUMBUS FIREFIGHTER INJURED ON DUTY TO RECEIVE SPECIAL VISITOR AS PART OF CROSS COUNTRY RIDE FOR BURN SURVIVORS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
JEFF DERDERIAN/COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER
PHONE NUMBER-(401) 441-7823
jeffderderian@hotmail.com

COLUMBUS FIREFIGHTER INJURED ON DUTY TO RECEIVE SPECIAL VISITOR AS PART OF CROSS COUNTRY RIDE FOR BURN SURVIVORS

Germantown Firefighter will visit The Ohio State University Medical Center tomorrow

SATURDAY---MAY 19th---NOON--Germantown Firefighter Mike Manning Manning is riding a Harley Davidson "Firefighters Edition" across America to raise donations and awareness for Burn Survivors. Manning who is en route to San Jose, California and will be making a special detour and stopping at The Ohio State Medical Center to visit fellow firefighter Michael Ream on Saturday, May 19th.

Mr. Ream, 36-years old and a member of the Columbus Fire Department, was burned on duty and is receiving treatment.

Originally, Firefighter Manning using a bicycle for his 3,100 mile trip called "Feel THe Burn Ride 07" but a serious injury along the way forced him to trade his two wheel bike for a Harley which is being loaned to Mike by his Chief. Although injured, Mike did not have to quit the ride and found a way to continue. Mike left from Boston on May 8th.


"It's a bit ironic, many burn survivors set out to do something in a certain way but often have to alter things--Now, I'm doing the same thing and I'm committed to finishing this ride. In a small way, I was tested like burn survivors are in their recovery. My body has limitations but I realized with support from others I can still accomplish the goal--just in a different way. They have encouraged and inspired me to go on no matter what" Manning said.

All money raised is going to the Phoenix-Society for Burn Survivors, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan which is dedicated to empowering anyone affected by a burn injury through peer support, education, and advocacy. "Mike is just incredible..his message of hope and determination is contagious and serves as a reminder of how burn survivors often face incredible obstacles on their road to recovery but with support and resources can reach the goal of returning to life and reaching their personal goals. Mike 's journey in many ways is symbolic ---facing adversity at times but having the will to adjust and go on" said Amy Acton, Executive Director of the Phoenix-Society.

Go to Mike's own blog at feeltheburn2007.blogspot.com to track his progress and to see photos from various states. Go to www.phoenix-society.org to see how donations can be made or call 800-888-2876 to support Mike

To interview Mike call---(401) 441-7823