SAMMYRIDES DAILY BLOG APRIL 8, 2011

Since cell phone service is quite poor where the riders are in Louisiana, I will post what I do know in regards to the meet and greet they had last night at the Washington Baptist Church.


Ana, Heather & Friend

 Pastor Louis Charrier warmly greeted the riders and the 25 congregants in attendance.  Patricia Fontenot coordinated the event and we want to thank her for all the hard work she put in to making the evening so special.
Ana Colgin, a 15 year leukemia survivor was there to meet the riders as was her mom, Ms. Heather Wager.  Heather shared the story of Ana, who was diagnosed at the age of 5.  She shared what all parents whose children diagnosed with cancer go through on a daily basis and how grateful she and her family are for Ana's good health and passion to help other kids afflicted with this disease.  After her talk, Ana was given a medal to show she is one of our heroes followed by both Ana and her mom receiving Sammyrides shirts.

It was a wonderful meet and greet and a delicious meal that everyone shared during the evening.  Michael described the people who came, as the nicest group of people to sit, break bread with and chat about the ride.
Michael did speak about what Sammyrides represents and why it's important to let people all across the country know how important supporting pediatric cancer research is, so that there will be many, many more Ana's who survive and live long and happy lives.  He then answered many questions the people in the audience were eager to ask.
The evening closed with Michael giving the final prayer.

Hearing stories like Ana's warms my heart.  It tells me that with greater research and better treatments, survival rates will increase in the years to come, but unfortunately, funds continue to be cut in this area each year.  Tomorrow, I will post the newest statistics that CureSearch just posted on their web site regarding how these cuts will affect research in the years to come.  Many families, approximately 50%, lose their health coverage and jobs because they need to be with their child who is seriously ill,  Very often they lose their homes and need to file for bankruptcy because the cost of medical care has skyrocketed.  However, when I think of Ana and her survival, I am optimistic and believe that each of us can truly make a difference in one way or another for kids in the future.

From Louisiana, Michael, Adolf, Mike B. and John, send their love and best wishes to you all!!!
     From Lois