CONTACT:
JEFF DERDERIAN/COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER
PHONE NUMBER—(401) 441-7823
jeffderderian@hotmail.com
GERMANTOWN FIREFIGHTER ON CROSS COUNTRY BICYLE RIDE STOPS HOME FOR SUPPORT
A welcoming party at the Germantown Fire Department he serves is planned
A welcoming party at the Germantown Fire Department he serves is planned
SATURDAY---MAY 19th----Germantown, Ohio Firefighter Mike Manning is making a stop at his hometown fire station ON MAY 19TH as he makes his way across America on his bicycle trek. Manning is biking from Boston to San Jose, California to raise funding for burn survivors. Manning left from Boston on May 8th beginning his 3,100 mile journey.
The ride is called “Feel the Burn 07”. It is designed to help raise awareness and financial support for the tremendous efforts that go into supporting burn survivors from first responders including firefighters and medical teams to aftercare resources and peer support groups.
Mike’s goal is to raise $100,000. When he left Boston, by the time he was out of the city limits, donations had already reached nearly $10,000. All the money raised is going to The Phoenix-Society for Burn Survivors, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
The trip has not been without challenges. In just his second day on the road, Mike had to deal with a broke bike and an injured leg. But after one day of rest, Mike is back on the road and feeling pumped about crossing the finish line at a burn center in California on or about June 22nd. “The
support so far has been overwhelming---I’m hopeful people will support this cause as much as possible so I can reach our goal of raising $100,000” Manning said. “I’m so excited to be circling through my hometown and seeing my fellow firefighters and to tell them about my journey so far”.
The Phoenix-Society for Burn Survivors is dedicated to empowering anyone affected by a burn injury through peer support, education, and advocacy. It’s goal is to advance recovery resources and provide experiences to help burn survivors renew their spirit and return to life. “Mike’s efforts will do so much for the entire burn community and help us fund programs like attending World Burn Congress which is an invaluable resource and gathering event held every year for survivors” said Phoenix-Society Executive Director Amy Acton.
Also, Germantown Mayor Ted Landis will also welcome Mike at the fire station and present with him with a special award for all of his efforts.
Mike’s “Welcome back to Germantown” event at his fire station at 75 North Walnut street will include “thank you’s” from burn survivors to Mike and a chance for the public to sign Mike’s bike for good luck. In addition, Ohio burn center representatives will be on hand to discuss why this ride is so crucial.
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 or to get more information on this “Welcome Back to Germantown” event—call---(401) 441-7823
Mike's arrivial is scheduled for 5pm.
No comments:
Post a Comment