Saturday, May 26

Images from the Road: Wichita, KS (From Mike's Cell Phone)




Well ... Mike beat us to posting this evening! :-)

Wichita, KS

Started the day today, after 2 hours sleep, by having breakfast with KC KS FF Dave Doherty. Thanks for breakfast Dave. Gotta love the west, you can get egg white omelettes w/o hassle. After 7 pots of coffee I headed out to Wichita.

The Great Plains are, well, great. I'm riding on Engine 1 at station 1 downtown tonight and getting pointers on forcible entry (through the lock) from FF Mark. I'm doing laundry right now and just got done working out. I made it down the pole without incident earlier on a house fire call that turned out to be steam coming off of the roof after the rain. Huh??? It had been about 9 years since I had last managed a fire pole, no sweat. Pat Bailey would be proud. Besides that it's been pretty uneventful today. I stop for gas at half a tank because stations are very sparce, even worse out in west KS I'm told.

I'm heading down to the burn unit tonight at St. Francis to check it out and maybe get a bite to eat.

Jenn and the kids are at a party today so I hope their having fun and wish I were there. I miss them terribly but I'll be home soon. It is very hard when they call and the kids end up crying by the time the conversation is over, that makes me feel like a jerk sometimes. I hope they understand what I'm doing as best they can for their age. I am doing this for my kids as well, I want their lives to be lived in a kinder world than we see today. I have to remember that great things do not get accomplished without sacrifice and enthusiasm. The Harley is going great and I removed a metric ton of bugs from the windshield today, sorry bugs.

Be good.

Mike

Where are all the riders?

C'mon everybody, its gets lonely on the road. Get on that motorcycle and join me for a bit, I promise I won't bite, well maybe just a little. Ok, drive your car next to me, whatever, lets show our support and thanks for burn survivors and burn units!



Peace,


Mike

Oh yeah

The pics below are from the MO Fallen FF Memorial. It was definitely worth the stop. The original statue that was intended for the memorial was in NYC customs on 9/11/01. NY kept it for their own and the second one is in MO.

May all 343 rest in peace. We think of you daily, thank you.

KCFD, Mo

Good morning all, sorry for my absence yesterday. After a good night's sleep in Mexico I headed out to KC early yesterday. I still can't quite just get up and go. I don't think I'm cut out for living out of a backpack.

I made the 170 mile trip in the rain and arrived at the Univ. of Kansas hospital/Burnett Burn Center around1pm. Upon arriving I was greeted by Dave Hurlbut and his daughter. Dave is a burn survivor, a cool dude, and helped design and pay for the kick butt burn unit here. It is very cool. There is a nice day room and rehab/exercise room for patients and the unit has lots of windows. All burn related care is provided in the same wing, including the OR (looks just like the ones on TV) so patients do not need to get carted all over the place. This also means that the pretty and talented nurses can keep an eye on them so they are taken care of all the time. Thank you Kayla, Julie, Marsha, and Tracy (I hope I remembered your names correctly:-) for the tour. Keep up the great work. I was able to speak with a burn patient at the unit and gave her a toy, we're all kids at heart so everyone gets something no matter how old they are. If that doesn't make people smile I sometimes have to resort to singing "Paul Revere" by the Beastie Boys, whatever it takes - No one in the burn unit is safe!

This unit also cared for 6 of our brothers who were burned here in a KC commercial flashover back in January. ALL of the burned FF's will be back to work very soon. False ceilings in old buildings stink.

I was able to run a few calls with the Rescue here at station 19, which is conveniently close to the party district, which also sums up my evening after 7pm. Thank you to Joe for the Gatorade at Kelly's Bar. Joe owns the place and retired from Hook and Ladder 7 after 31 years of service to KCFD, his shield is on the wall there.

I found out yesterday that I will be on FOX NEWS on 5/31 from Denver at 8:40am est to talk about the fundraiser. Giddy up.

I'm meeting with a FF who is also a burn survivor for breakfast and aspirin this AM after I log off, then it's off to Wichita for 2 nights, and then on to CO.

Thank you to B shift for feeding me for free yesterday and letting me use the Capt.'s quarters during my stay. Station 19 is 7 months old and is Sa-weet. Weight room, wide screen, b-ball, ping pong, you name it. Special thanks to Trevor for the linens hook up.

When in KC, I would have to recommend the Boulevard Pale Ale with a lemon wedge.

I saw a couple street performers yesterday who were breakdancing. i'll have to bring some cardboard w/ me on the way back east and give them a run for their money. You don't know me!

Thank you for the GREAT time KC, check ya later.

Thursday, May 24

Se habla Espanol?

Mexico, MO. Had a WINDY day today. A front was blazing through the plains and blew me around all day. The Harley sucked down almost 2 tanks of gas just getting here. I started the day visiting Lincoln's home in Springfield. It was pretty cool. It is located in an 1800's period block of Springfield which is a National Site. Seeing the St. Louis Arch was really cool. It looks far out as you're approaching the city. After a great salad and baked potato I had to leave a little early to beat the storms.

Mexico is like Germantown but a little more spread out. They have 10,000 people in town, 3 fire stations and 50 volunteers. Asst. Chief Bill and his wife took me out to dinner, thank you very much Bill, and we just got back to the station. The FD is doing SCBA donning training. The FF's carry their gear with them and report to the scene here. I'll be on a cot in the station tonight and will be catching up on my latest philosophy book, "The Tibetan Book of the Dead." It's not as weird as it sounds, pretty positive really.

The arch is definitely something that was better than expected. I'm usually one to admire nature's wonders but this was pretty amazing. To consider the whole thing is welded and has withstood a lot of nature's fury is very cool. I took a dip in the Mississippi to cool off and headed west. The river didn't taste as bad as I thought.

I'm going to Wal-Mart tonight to buy some more toys for the kids tomorrow at Univ. of Kansas Burn Center, which is where I'll be tomorrow at 1pm. Can't wait. To see a kid momentarily forget they are laid up inside a hospital because of the excitement of a new toy is priceless. I feel very lucky to be the person who can help make that happen. The media ran great stories on our fundraiser on tv and the paper in Springfield.

We received donations today from the following FF's:

Dennis of Springfield $12, and Rob of the Little Dixie fire Protection District (Mexico, MO) $10. Thank you both VERY much. One thing that is funny about this world, that I have noticed, is that the people who can barely afford to give anything give all they can. It is very humbling.

Hasta Manana de Mexico Missouri,

Miguel

Report from Mike

Hi everyone,

Mike wasn't having much luck with an internet connection today. So, we did it the old fashioned way ... he called us! :-)

The report:

He made it to Mexico , MO and will be sleeping at the FD tonight.
He had 30 mile per hour head winds all day today
And ... he went to the St. Louis Arch. (So, the photo was NOT a bike part!) :-)


That's all for now!

What up?

A lot of people keep asking ‘What are the rest of the Mannings doing?’ Well, here we go:

The kids and I are having a blast. I haven’t cut the cord yet (on the electric lawn mower that is.) For the first time in my life I mowed the grass. This is where I thank my two big brothers for keeping me from that chore. I don’t think I’ll use the weed eater, which is probably good since Mike doesn’t let me use the big knives in the kitchen. We have also planted a vegetable garden and a few marigolds. The kids are my big helpers when it comes to grocery shopping. They eat their way through the store while I repeatedly tell them ‘no’ to all the junk food that has the bright colors and pictures of TV characters on them. However, one might ask if life is different without Mike? The answer is a big ’YES!’ Since Mike does all the eating the grocery shopping is much easier now. Sorry to the fire stations that are hosting Mike – he’s your bottomless pit now. Without so much eating going on the dishwasher doesn’t have to be run 3X per day. Laundry is much less frequent. Mike’s clothes are much bigger than the rest of the family’s and take up more room in the washer.

All the silliness aside, we miss our PaPa! We support him 100% but still miss him. We’ll see you in a month. Keep bringing those smiles to everyone. You are doing an amazing thing!

As Billy G says, “Stay Safe” and Siarnicki says “Everyone Goes Home.”

We love you PaPa!

Images from the Road: Mystery Photo from ???? (From Mike's Cell Phone)


Here is an easy one for you ... quick ... where did Mike show up today?

Wednesday, May 23

Images from the Road: Mystery Photo from Springfield, IL (From Mike's Cell Phone)


OK everyone ... what is this?

Almost forgot

Thank you Dave and Jeff of the Germantown FD for giving me $50 for toys. It will be used and appreciated to keep putting smiles on little faces. Thank you both very much.

Thank you to the local Springfield newspaper and ABC 20 in Springfield for airing my story tonight. Let's keep that positive news rolling!

Thank you Panera Bread for offering a healthy alternative to the usual choke and puke fast food crap. Lunch was great.

I've noticed a lot of drivers checking the bike out today - is the bike that cool or are they amazed at the size of the skinny man holding onto it?

Peace out,

mike

Springfield Baby!

Hello from my wife's birth state. Had a great ride in today and visited the Memorial Hospital where they have an awesome burn unit. I visited with the doctors and nurses there who definitely know what they are doing and do it well. I met a strong young man who was getting released today (Good job brother!) and his spirits were high. His parents presented me with a $500 dollar check for the Phoenix Society, WOW. Thank you both. The head nurse then gave me a $100 towards the fundraiser. WOW, and thank you once again. The more people I meet in the burn community (FF's, nurses, therapists, survivors, family) the more I am impressed by our cohesiveness and hopes to alleviate all concerns for survivors.

Upon arriving at the SFD we went to a cookin' garage fire with exposures. I'm riding with Truck 1 tonight (Pierce platform 110') and just filled up on a great speghetti dinner, thanks fellas.

Riding the motorcycle is definitely a more relaxed way to see the country. I saw some beautiful farms today, ALL CORN FOR 200 MILES.

Dr. Scott gave me a tour of the burn unit today and I couldn't help but imagine what each burn survivor must endure. Battling infection from the get go, repeated garment changes, and heating elements to prevent hypothermia. This occurs twice a day my friends. While we're worrying about what frozen pizza to buy, there are many survivors worrying about how their next dressing change will go. What amazing people, every one of them.

A reminder to first responders - the Dr's and nurses cautioned us on burned individuals being transported to the ER. Use sparing water for pain management, any more endangers the survivor with hypothermia which can lead to a host of problems down the road- and dry dressings of course. Thanks and be safe out there.

Mike

Images from the Road: Springfield, IL Fire Department (From Mike's Cell Phone)

Photo Gallery: Germantown, Ohio May 19th, 2007



The full album is on FLICKR. Thanks to Marvin King for sharing his photo's!

Images from the Road: Some where between Martinsville and Litchfield (From Mike's Cell Phone)



All - photo's from Mike's cell phone. We will need to wait until he checks in so we can all understand where and what these photos are!

Today Mike started from the
Martinsville Fire Department and is stopping at the Springfield Burn Center. He is staying at the Litchfield , IL Fire Department tonight.

Tuesday, May 22

Martinsville, IN

Great to be back on the path today. Had great weather while riding out to Riley Burn Center for Children with Dave and Jeff. We got to give out some toys and hopefully lightened the hearts of the awesome kids we met today. Nurses Kathy and Kim lead a great burn center in Indy and the work they do is amazing. It takes a special person to work in a burn unit.

My good friend Chuck Welch, Ret. Chief of Bloomingburg, IN brought me to the local Shriners Club and made some new friends who support what we're doing. Chuck rocks!

Martinsville FD's local union presented me with a $100 check today for the Phoenix Society! Thank you very much and I'm glad to see that you guys keep your bunkroom at a steamy 45 degrees. There's something to be said for having a cold glass of milk next to your bunk any time you want it.

Thanks for dinner Chief Fraker, you've got a great FD here.

I'm off to Springfield, IL tomorrow on Chief Anding's Harley which topped out today at 126mph, just kidding Chief. Goodnight and God Bless.

Mike

Images from the Road: RILEY/MARTINSVILLE (From Mike's Cell Phone)


Mike went to the Riley Burn Center in Indianapolis today and is staying at Martinsville FD tonight.

Sunday, May 20

Calling ALL riders

If you or someone you know would possibly like to ride along for any distance please join us. Please copy the new schedule and press release and pass it on.

When you see the kids faces in the hospital light up it will all be worth it!

Mike

Germantown Festivities

Thank you Mayor Landis, Germantown Rescue Squad, and the Germantown Fire Fighters for the great cookout and mini-parade yesterday. Jenn made her famous black bean salad and Chief 2 was grillin' and chillin' Whitecastle Style, good eats. I want to thank the Germantown Fire Fighters for their extremely generous donation which brings us closer to the $300 from 330 goal.

I'm starting to heal up a little and can't wait to get back on the Feel the Burn campaign.

Let's keep Columbus, OH Brother FF Mike in our thoughts tomorrow as he undergoes surgery at OSU Hospital. Good luck Mike, if they don't release you soon give us a call, we'll bring the ladder truck - 9th floor right?

$90,000 to go, we can do it!

Mike

Firefighter Harley Schedule

New and Improved Schedule. This is working out great, we will be able to visit many more hospitals, burn centers, and survivors on the Harley. Yipppeee! I'll be totin' Matchbox cars and candy for all the kids.

5/22 Riley Burn Center in Indianapolis , staying at Martinsville FD that night
5/23 Springfield Burn Center , staying in Litchfield , IL FD that night
5/24 St. Louis Childrens’ Hospital, staying in Mexico , MO that night
5/25 Kansas City , MO area hospitals, Staying at Kansas City FD that night
5/26 Wichita via Christy, staying at Wichita FD that night
5/27 Wichita , KS
5/28 TBD
5/29 Trinidad , CO FD
5/30 Denver , CO , Denver Children’s and U of D, Denver FF Burn Foundation
5/31 Denver , CO
6/1 La Veta, CO FD
6/2 Durango , CO FD
6/3 Durango , CO FD
6/4 Phoenix , AZ , stay at PHX FD
6/5 Phoenix , AZ Maricopa Medical Center
6/6
Las Vegas, NV
6/7 Las Vegas, NV
6/8 Las Vegas , NV Lions Burn Center, stay at LAS FD
6/9 Rachel , NV
6/10 Fresno , CA , Univ Medical Center , stay at Fresno FD
6/11 Glendale , CA , UCI Burn Center, Stay at Glendale FD
6/12 Los Angeles , CA USC LA, Stay at LAFD
6/13 Grossman Burn Center Anaheim CA , Stay at Anaheim FD
6/14 Back to Fresno , CA , long travel day
6/15 Stockton Ca, Stay at FD, long travel day, visiting Bruce

6/16 San Francisco , CA area hospitals, stay at FD
6/17 San Francisco , CA
6/18 Sacramento , CA Sacramento Shrine at UC Davis, FF Burn Foundation
6/19 Sacramento , CA
6/20 SAN JOSE, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center BBQ and Party



SPREAD THE WORD Y'ALL, THE MORE THE MERRIER!