August 22, 2011

Crest On Cruisers

Charlie’s Diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy was not a surprise to us. But for our friends and family, it has struck a nerve. Several of our friends in Park City have decided to organize a unique fundraising bike ride to help pay for Charlie to attend private hippotherapy sessions at Park City’s National Ability Center. Needless to say, this has touched us deeply and we’re so appreciative.

The bike ride is called Crest on Cruisers and it’s quite silly actually. On September 11th, we’ll be riding beach cruisers from the top of Guardsman’s Pass (9,150' elevation) to the Wasatch Crest Trail along the top of Deer Valley Resort. The ride, although short, quickly gains 700+ feet of elevation over a steep dualtrack, culminating in the loose, rocky stretch to the top known as “Puke Hill”. An arduous task even for seasoned mountain bikers, this ride is intended to be impossible on comfort bikes. But the effort will be fun to watch and all attempts will be met with applause and gratitude.

Most importantly, we hope to make this ride an anual event, benefitting a different deserving party each year. When I was informed that we were to be this year’s beneficiaries, I decided to focus on making this a success for years to come in order to pay it forward.

To date (8.22) this amazing effort has raised $1840 online and we could not be more grateful for everyone’s kindness and consideration. Special thanks to Chris Petty, Stacey Zavadil, Joe Johnson, Carolyn Wawra and all those who have helped organize this amazing event. And thanks also to all those who have donated and registered for the event. We are truly humbled by your generosity.

August 16, 2011

“I Go”

Three mornings a week I drop Charlie off at Daycare. I typically carry him in while all the other kids his age walk in independently, mostly because I am late for work. Joe, my mom and I are all reading various books about parenting children with CP and one thing to note was that we need to adapt to create a sense of independence for Charlie. So today I brought his walker to school with us and placed it next to the car. He grabbed right on and charged towards the curb. With just a little help over the curb he was off and charging up the ramp to the doors. A very kind woman patiently held the door for him and he smiled as he passed her but didn't slow down as he headed down the hall. Without prompting he took the left to the door for his section of daycare. The left front wheel of the walker hit the corner and he just inched it around with such ease I almost started crying.

I learned something today. My little boy can be an independent toddler and get places on his own, with the walker of course, and I need to let him be that big boy. Even now, hours later, it brings a smile to my face and tears to my eyes to remember what an amazing job his did this morning. I know I am in for a constant stream of moments like this and I look forward to them. I also know there will be many more obstacles and struggles ahead. But just like you carry the weightless sensation of skiing a fresh line with you over the seemingly endless days of chopped up lines in between the storms; I am going to carry these feelings of pride and love with me through whatever comes next until he amazes me yet again.