Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation

MikeYork5 · Feb 22, 2006

Every year the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation in conjuction with Cycle World Magazine and Honda Motor Corp. sponsers a series of fund raising rides (37 rides this year) across the country called The Ride for Kids (https://www.ride4kids.org/). I'm sure some of you have been involved in the past, as there are five in California alone. I will be attending the Ride for Kids in Torrance (Los Angeles) on May 7 and invite all to attend. I have been impacted by this insidious diease (my daughter Amanda), and it was categorically the worst time of my life. Please take a few moments to visit Ride for Kids site.

If for some reason you are unable to attend an event, could I still request your support? If you would take another moment to visit the (my) below site and help if you are able too. Again, it is for one of the best causes there is ---- THE KIDS!

https://www.firstgiving.com/MikeYork

Best Regards,

Mike York

Silver Penguin · Feb 23, 2006

Pleased to hear that Amanda is doing well. I am a PICU nurse and take care of many children who have this devastating disease. Over the last three weeks or so, I have been the primary nurse for a baby who is battling a brain tumor as well as numerous complications.

My hat is off to the families who stand by their kids during the toughest moments of their lives.

Jill

MikeYork5 · Feb 24, 2006

Thanks for the kind words, and even more, thank you to YOU. You have a job that must provide a high level of self satisfaction, but I don't know how you do it. The things you see and must feel, I can only imagine. I was with Amanda pretty much 24/7 in the ICU at CHOC for 3 weeks, and as bad as it was for us, there were many kids that I saw during that time that were much worse off. If you have your health - you have everything! Again, thanks to you and your profession. If it wasn't for the nurses I don't know how we would of made it. I don't know how you do it, but thanks for doing it!

Mike

grnarrowe · Feb 24, 2006

Mike,

For the past 6 years my wife & I have helped out at the Chicagoland ride. We enjoy doing the registration and meeting everyone who comes to the ride. Glad to hear Amanda is doing well and hope she continues to get better.

The last 2 years our club has raised $7000.00 for the PBTF. I hope we can raise at least 2K this year, not bad for a club with 65-70 members.

My wife and I also went to the 2nd St Louis run in 2004. It was our 2nd long trip on the FJR and the only one there that day, got a lot of people looking it over.

All the best,

Grnarrowe

Silver Penguin · Feb 24, 2006

Thanks for the kind words, and even more, thank you to YOU. You have a job that must provide a high level of self satisfaction, but I don't know how you do it. The things you see and must feel, I can only imagine. I was with Amanda pretty much 24/7 in the ICU at CHOC for 3 weeks, and as bad as it was for us, there were many kids that I saw during that time that were much worse off. If you have your health - you have everything! Again, thanks to you and your profession. If it wasn't for the nurses I don't know how we would of made it. I don't know how you do it, but thanks for doing it!
Mike

You're welcome, and quite right about the self satisfaction involved. Without that, the job would not be possible. To have a parent hug you, just a little bit too tightly, when there are no words to be said, is precious. There are volumes that are said without speech at such times.

This is a second career for me and one that has taught me to count, and appreciate every single blessing that I am fortunate enough to enjoy. I've learned to look for hints of happiness everywhere and appreciate every little speck of good news.

Staying with Amanda 24/7 is a true test of parenting. Not everyone is willing, or able to do that. You must be one tough parent, but much closer to your baby for it. My son spent a brief period in the PICU several years ago, before I was a nurse, and we got closer than ever during that time.

Here's wishing many years of health and happiness to your precious 'little' girl.

Jill