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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