PRESS RELEASE: Grand Finale Set for Santa Clara Valley Medical Center

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
JEFF DERDERIAN/"Feel the Burn Ride 07"
PHONE NUMBER-(401) 441-7823
jeffderderian@hotmail.com

Cross-Country Ride for Burn Survivors Grand Finale Set for Santa Clara Valley Medical Center

Firefighter Faces Huge Obstacles But Keeps Going To Support Survivors

EDITOR'S NOTES:

* Interview/Photo Opportunity - Interviews with Mike Manning call 401-441-7823 to schedule

* Photos available at: www.feeltheburn2007.blogspot.com/



SAN JOSE, CA, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20TH - Ohio Firefighter Mike Manning will crossing the finish line of his extraordinary journey at the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center on June 20th as part of a 3,100 mile cross-country trek from Boston to San Jose. The inaugural event, called "Feel the Burn '07," is part of Manning's mission to raise $100,000 and important awareness for burn survivors across the United States. A huge welcoming party for Manning is planned for noon in San Jose on June 20th. The event will bring together all of the people who provide important and meaningful assistance and care within the burn community every day. The festivities will include:

* A motorcycle escort from the Iron Warriors Motorcycle Club as Mike rides his bicycle across the official finish line tape where he'll be greeted by local firefighters

* Live Performance by the "Valley Medical Center Idols Band" which is doing a special performance in honor of Mike

* A home style Barbecue

* Speaking program where Mike will share his journey over the last number of weeks with burn survivors, families, medical staff, and volunteers

* An official signing ceremony where all attendees will have the chance to sign Mike's bicycle

Manning's journey has taken him across 13 states to generate financial support for the Phoenix-Society for Burn Survivors, a national non-profit burn survivor assistance group based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Every penny collected towards the $100,000 goal is going to assist the needs and recovery services of burn survivors. Manning has been staying at fire stations from coast to coast to avoid using donation money for food and lodging.

The trip has had its share of challenges. After leaving Shriners Hospital in Boston on May 8th on his bicycle, Mike suffered an injury on the road that prevented him for pedaling his bicycle one more mile. Forced with the heart-wrenching decision of quitting, Mike came up with the idea of continuing his trek on his fire chief's Harley Davidson. As fate would have it, Mike was involved in an accident in Las Vegas and luckily wasn't seriously injured. Now, with his injury healed that occurred in May, Mike can finish this one-man journey the way he started---on his bicycle.

"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. Manning first came up with this nationwide campaign after selling his VW bus on E-bay and giving all of the proceeds to a burn survivor in need of help.

Amy Acton of the Phoenix-Society for Burn Survivors adds, "The entire burn community from burn survivors, healthcare providers and the fire fighters who every day give to the burn community have been simply outstanding in their support for Mike and his ride." All money raised is going to the Phoenix-Society for Burn Survivors, which has 30-year history of helping people and is dedicated to empowering anyone affected by a burn injury through peer support, education, and advocacy.

For more information on the Phoenix-Society for Burn Survivors, go to www.phoenix-society.org

For Mike's schedule in Sacramento please call 401-441-7823 or e-mail jeffderderian@hotmail.com

To read Mike's inspirational diary entries from the road and see the amazing people who have helped with this trek, go to: www.feeltheburn2007.blogspot.com/

Press Availability for Burn Center b-roll or interviews with Burn Center staff on Tuesday AM or day of event (6/20), please contact Joy Alexiou at 408.885.4164.

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

PRESS RELEASE: GERMANTOWN FIREFIGHTER INJURED ON TREK BUT VOWS TO CONTINUE

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

GERMANTOWN FIREFIGHTER INJURED ON TREK BUT VOWS TO CONTINUE
Fire Chief Steps In/Welcoming Party Planned

SATURDAY---MAY 19th 5PM—-Germantown Firefighter Mike Manning Manning doesn’t know the word QUIT. Despite a serious injury brought on by bicycling hundreds of miles—-Mike is continuing his quest to travel 3,100 miles across America to raise money and awareness for burn survivors.

Because of the injury, which would have put Mike at risk if he continued, Mike is now trading his bike for a different kind of bike.

The Chief of the Germantown Fire Department is loaning Mike his own 2003 Harley Davidson “Firefighters Limited Edition” so he can finish his trek and meet his goal of raising $100,000. Mike was scheduled to come back through his hometown this weekend as part of the ride schedule.
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 left from Boston on May 8th and will end in San Jose, California.

“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.

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 the Harley Mike is riding for good luck. Also, Germantown’s Mayor will present Mike with a special citation for all his efforts.

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

Mike's arrival is scheduled for 5pm.

###

PRESS RELEASE: GERMANTOWN FIREFIGHTER ON CROSS COUNTRY BICYLE RIDE STOPS HOME FOR SUPPORT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

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.

PRESS RELEASE: Cross-Country Ride for Burn Survivors Stops In Scranton Pennsylvania

Cross-Country Ride for Burn Survivors Stops In Pennsylvania this Week!

Firefighter Mike Manning Rides Through Scranton To Support Burn Survivors

IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT:
Jeff Derderian/Community Volunteer
401-441-7823
jeffderderian @ hotmail. com

EDITOR’S NOTES:
Interview/Photo Opportunity – Interviews with Mike Manning call 401-441-7823 to schedule.



May 11th – Firefighter Mike Manning will be stopping in Scranton PA THIS FRIDAY—May 11th as part of a 3,100 mile cross-country trek from Boston to San Jose. The inaugural annual event, called “Feel the Burn ’07,” is part of Manning’s mission to raise awareness and funding for burn survivors and the treatments that can help them.

After selling his VW van for $1,000 and donating it to a burn survivor he had never met before, Mike wanted to do something on a much bigger scale.

Manning’s 40 city journey will take him across 13 states in 45 days to generate support for the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors, a national non-profit burn survivor assistance and advocacy group based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Every penny collected towards the $100,000 goal will directly aid burn survivors with the costly medical care and treatment necessary for a full recovery.

“The resilience to the emotional and physical pain, which is indescribable, makes burn survivors the strongest people I have ever met,” Manning said. “As a firefighter, you rescue people, often never knowing the outcome. I want this ride to offer the necessary support to bring survivors full circle from rescue to return to society.”

Amy Acton Executive Director of the Phoenix Society adds, “Though a burn injury can be devastating physically and emotionally, access to quality care, support and resources enables you to survive and thrive after a burn injury. The costly nature of medical essentials, such as burn recovery masks and compression garments, are often unexpected and overwhelming expenses for burn survivors.” “Mike’s will and determination will help benefit the entire burn survivor community”.

Donations for “Feel the Burn ‘07” can be made at the event or through the Web at www.phoenix-society.org

Check out Mike’s exclusive Blog at www.feeltheburn07.blogspot.com for live updates, photos, and Mike’s own diary.

To interview Mike, please call 401-441-7823

###

Quincy native & firefighter begins nationwide bike ride May 8th/Boston

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Jeff Derderian/Community Volunteer
401-441-7823
jeffderderian @ hotmail.com

Quincy Native & Firefighter to begin Bike Trek for Burn Survivors

3,100 mile ride starts at Shriners Hospitals for Children in Boston

Quincy native now Ohio Firefighter Mike Manning kicks-off his awareness and donation drive for burn survivors as he pedals across America to benefit The Phoenix-Society for Burn Survivors. Mike will take 7 weeks to bike from coast to coast stopping at fire stations and burn centers along his route to meet his goal of raising $100,000. After selling his own personal van on E-Bay to help a burn survivor, Mike started training for something bigger and as a first responder , he wanted to help people in their recovery and return to life.

Come hear Mike’s inspiring story and watch as Mike’s fellow firefighters from the Boston Fire Department cheer him on as he and members of Shriners Hospitals for Children ride with him out of the city. Mike will also have his own special cheerleading squad led by some of the children at Shriners Hospitals for Children.

WHAT: "Feel the Burn 07" kick off

WHERE: Shriners Hospital for Children—51 Blossom Street (outside)

WHEN: Tuesday, May 8th—10:00am

For more information on Mike’s cross country ride please go to Mike’s own biog. where you can track his progress state by state at: www.feeltheburn2007.blogspot.com You can also learn more about

Mike’s ride at The Phoenix-Society for Burn Survivors at www.phoenix-society.org. To interview Mike, please call 401-441-7823

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jeff Derderian/Community Volunteer

Phone number: (401) 441-7823
jeffderderian @ hotmail . com

Firefighter Gears Up for Cross-County Bicycle Trek for Burn Survivors

Quincy native to bike from Boston to San Jose to raise national awareness

EDITOR’S NOTES:

• Interview/Photo Opportunity – Interviews with Mike Manning call (401) 441-7823
• Photos available at www.feeltheburn2007.blogspot.com

Boston, Massachusetts----May 8, 2007----What uses two tires, has two powerful legs, an enormous heart and enough passion to pedal 3,100 miles? Quincy, Massachusetts native - now a Germantown, Ohio Firefighter - Mike Manning kicks off his inspiring cross-country bicycle ride called "Feel the Burn 07" from Shriners Hospitals for Children in Boston at 10:00am on May 8th, 2007.

Mike will ride from Boston, to San Jose, California to help raise awareness for all of 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 has set a goal of raising $100,000 for burn survivors. "As a first responder, I have always wanted to find a big way to be part of a burn survivor's recovery and I thought a cross country bike ride starting from Boston would bring attention and support to the entire network of people who help burn survivors every day in their recovery," Manning said. "The physical challenges of getting ready for something like this have been nearly unbearable at times, to the point of total exhaustion, but, I'm ready for the challenge and I hope the general public and my brother and sister firefighters will help support me in any way they can." In making this ride, Mike is also hoping to gain a better understanding, in a small way, of what a burn survivor goes through by challenging his own body and spirit.

The kick-off of Mike's ride will occur at Shriners Hospital for Children at 10:00am (51 Blossom Street) and end on or about June 22nd at the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center Regional Burn Center. Mike already has support from the Boston Firefighters Burn Foundation and many other fire departments across the country. Members of the Boston Fire Department will be on hand at Shriners for Mike's send off. Mike will be staying at 40-fire houses along his route to avoid using donation money for food and lodging. In addition, Mike will be supplying his equipment and repair kit to help keep his bike motoring down the road.

All the monies raised by Mike will benefit the work of The Phoenix-Society for Burn Survivors, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors is the leading national nonprofit organization with a 30-year history of empowering anyone affected by a burn injury through peer support, education and advocacy. The Phoenix-Society has partnered with survivors, families, healthcare professionals, burn centers and the fire industry to prevent burn injuries, support recovery and improve the quality of care. The Society is committed to advancing recovery resources, providing environments to renew the spirit and supporting a positive return to life.

“Though a burn injury can be devastating physically and emotionally, with access to quality care, support and resources, a person can survive and thrive after a burn injury and Mike's efforts will help us continue in that spirit,” says Amy Acton, Executive Director of The Phoenix-Society. “We are grateful to Shriners Hospitals for Children for hosting our kick-off and also appreciative of all the tremendous work they do to help burn survivors every day,” Acton said. Shriners Hospitals for Children-Boston is a 30-bed pediatric burn hospital, research and teaching center, and is one of three burn hospitals operated by the 22-hospital Shriners Hospitals for Children network. The Boston hospital treats children, regardless of ability to pay or insurance coverage, from Massachusetts and New England, as well from across the United States and more than 70 countries around the world.

As a firefighter and father of two young children ages 4 and 2, Mike has on his own decided to make this sacrifice and be away from his family for up to 7 weeks and also endure the wrath of whatever Mother Natures throws at him while he rides up to 140-miles per day.

Anyone wishing to help Mike and his worthwhile cause, can donate by logging on at www.phoenix-society.org or calling the Phoenix-Society at (800) 888-2876. Mike is also eager for anyone to join him during his journey and ride with him.

Mike also has his own exclusive blog at feeltheburn2007.blogspot.com which will track his journey, give location updates and include pictures and personal reflections from Mike as he pushes his body and spirit to the limit.

To interview Mike prior to his May 8th kick-off from Shriners Hospitals for Children in Boston, please call (401) 441-7823

UPDATED SCHEDULE (with details)

All - we have updated the schedule that was previously posted on this page. Please click HERE to get to the updated schedule. Thank you.

Photo - Mike Manning

Germantown, Ohio Firefighter Mike Manning with the bike he will ride across country for Feel the Burn 2007.

Establishing Feel The Burn

Hello, my name is Mike Manning. I am riding my bicycle from Boston, MA to San Jose, CA this spring to raise money for the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors.

As a firefighter, I have seen the devastation that a burn injury can bring. The Phoenix Society (on the list of Self magazine's fiscally responsiblenon-profit charities) helps burn survivors recover both emotionally and physically from their burn injuries. To generalize, burn patients usually are not well off financially. A lot of these patients have insufficientinsurance coverage, if any at all. Custom burn masks, neck splints and compression garments can be very costly and yet they are essential for proper physical healing. I see no reason why people need to suffer further pain in securing proper medical care/appliances in this land of plenty.

I will begin my ride on Tuesday, May 8th in Boston, MA and finish Friday June 22nd in San Jose, CA. 100% of donations from this bike ride will go directly to burn survivors to help in their support or recovery. I will be boarding at fire stations along my ride to avoid using any donations for lodging. I will be personally purchasing everything else for my ride (food, cycling gear, etc.).

FOR DONATIONS: The Phoenix Society accepts donations through their website or by calling them directly 1-616-458-2773. Please be sure to tell them that your donation is for Feel the Burn '07.