Dear Fishingbuddy Supporters,
On Saturday, April 12, Medcenter One and its volunteers will hold the 12th Annual Great American Bike Race (GABR). The mission of GABR is to support and strengthen the families of children and adults affected by cerebral palsy and related disabilities. I would like to thank you for your past support. You have helped to raise over $550,000 for families in this region and GABR has grown to become the largest fundraiser event of its kind in the United States.
Raising a child today is very expensive, but the costs associated with raising a child with a physical disability can be financially devastating. Co-payments and deductibles on therapy services, having to purchase equipment that insurance companies deny payment for and modifying homes and vehicles to accommodate wheelchairs are costs that many families cannot afford. The Great American Bike Race makes direct payment to families to offset these extraordinary expenses. While we can’t help with the emotional cost we are proud to know that many families have a better standard of living with the help of the dollars we raise.
Last year more than 10,000 people rode, volunteered or contributed money to the Great American Bike Race. I am writing today to thank you for your past support and ask you to join us by donating to GABR – A race where everyone wins.
Let me thank you in advance for your support.
Most sincerely,
Bruce Klootwyk
Race Director
Donate Now!  Look what we have done  Raising a child with a disability, such as, cerebral palsy is a challenge. When challenges are embraced, doors open. One of those doors, for my family, was the financial support offered by the Great American Bike Race (GABR) and their team of dedicated volunteers. Goals that were unreachable due to limited resources have been accomplished. GABR has helped my daughter Josette by paying the co-insurance for her physical and occupational therapy, doctor appointments, equipment, and medications. They have reimbursed mileage to and from appointments and helped pay for a conversion van purchased for Josette. Back injuries are a concern we face daily because our current and future care giving depends upon our health and wellness. It takes two people to transfer my daughter in and out of the bathtub. This year GABR paid to make Josette’s bathroom barrier free. It has a wheel-in shower! Josette is non-verbal, however, I feel I can speak for her when I say she craves independence in her daily routine and that her dream would be to live in a home that is accessible and barrier free. As a family, financial support is only one aspect of what GABR has brought to our lives. We feel we have found an organization that understands our needs and is reaching out to us, giving us strength to continue seeking ways to assist Josette in her quest for independence while at the same time, giving us a chance to fully enjoy and embrace Josette’s unique contribution to our family.Thank you for not only saying you care. You show that you care,
Pam Kolling, Mother. Josette Copenhaver  The Great American Bike Race (GABR) has helped Mitch in numerous different ways. Through GABR funds we have been able to attend the “Closing the Gap” conference that has educated us on the technological advances that are there to help Mitch. A handicap accessible toilet has also been installed, which has allowed Mitch more privacy and easier on my back as I don’t have to lift him. Finally, GABR has helped to fund a van conversion with a lift. It has made it much easier to transport Mitch from point a to point b. Now he’s able to get out in the community and hang out with friends more. It’s also been a necessity for safety. Since Mitch was four years old, I would have to manually lift him in a vehicle and he would ask, “Mom, does your back hurt?” He doesn’t have to worry anymore. Being able to use GABR funds has been a blessing to our family. Donalda Hintz, Mother. Mitch Hintz Donate Now!  Our family has benefited from the Great American Bike Race (GABR) in numerous different ways. Our son Jacob, who is now nine years old, has cerebral palsy. We’ve always used a power wheelchair, but now, GABR has allowed us the luxury of having a manual wheelchair for Jacob as well. Secondly, it has been a way for us to help out other families that are dealing with the same issues. Finally, believe it or not, GABR has had a positive psychological impact on our whole family in that being apart of the race has made us feel good about what we’re doing.  Zach was born premature at 28 weeks and is now five and a half years old. About a year and half ago, he was diagnosed with a mild form of cerebral palsy affecting his legs and feet. (running, walking and balance) Since than, the Great American Bike Race (GABR) has sent our family to “Closing the Gap” to see hundreds of exhibitors that educate those affected with cerebral palsy with all expenses paid. GABR has paid for everything beyond insurance including: three days of therapy per week, foot braces, botox injections, MRI’s and travel expenses to the Gillette Children’s Hospital. All things combined has made a positive impact on Zach. He’s walking, running and his overall balance has improved. Without the assistance of GABR, we financially wouldn’t have been able to have given the opportunity to give Zach this treatment.  "What does GABR mean to you?" Mike Haas, with the Medcenter One Foundation, asked me the other day. In contemplating his question, the same words came to mind time and time again: God Send. That's what the Great American Bike Race has been for us. A God Send. Having been born with a rare muscle disorder, our son Cole, has either been in a brace or splint of some sort, worn custom made orthotics, gone to physical and occupational therapies and had numerous doctor visits since his birth eight years ago. His muscle weakness has made it difficult for Cole to ride a standard two wheel bike, leaving him out of family bike rides. That is, until GABR purchased a specially designed, three wheeled bike for him. Now he's riding with the rest of us! All of these "extra" expenses, which insurance doesn't cover, can be and are very straining on a family budget. GABR has relieved that strain, having been an answer to prayer. GABR has been here for us since the start of this journey, not only financially, but emotionally as well. To feel the true sense of care and compassion from each person who helps to make this bike race happen, is a blessing indeed. And so we say with heart felt gratitude; GABR, you are a God Send.Sincerely, The Fleck Family: Kurt, Dana, Carlee, Caitlin, and Cole "...along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth." Isaiah 42:16
For more information on GABR, visit them at www.medcenterone.com/gabr Donate Now! |
