Welcome to my fundraising page for PEDALS 2022! I'm very excited to be raising money and awareness for such a wonderul cause!!
The Susan Mast Foundation offers numerous services to patients and families including, but not limited to: meals, mobile carts, specific patient needs (ie- hand warmers, socks, clothing, etc.), medical equipment and supplies, support groups, building of ramps in homes for wheelchair access, etc. With all these offerings at no charge to the patients and families, the organization will be hosting their largest annual fundraiser, PEDALS on Sunday, September 25th. PEDALS is a 1-mile family fun walk, or 5k run and will be held at Dwight Lydell Park located at 4040 Leland Ave NE, Comstock Park, MI.
This non-profit organization was introduced to me by a colleague, Maribeth and is very near and dear to her heart, as her father passed away from ALS at the young age of 64, nine years ago. She is very passionate about this organization, as many people don’t understand the ALS Disease (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) and she continues to advocate for her Dad. Maribeth would like everyone to understand this disease is two-fold, as it not only effects the patients, but the family as well, and the family needs the support of the organization more than the patient. The below poem is something she likes to share about her go-getter Dad and his battle with ALS.
Let me tell you about the bravest man I know:
The Bravest man I know traded in his snow skis for a walker.
The bravest man I know traded in his beloved 10 yr. old Pontiac Vibe “the greatest pick-up Truck ever” for a wheelchair.
The bravest man I know has given up his dream of traveling on his boat, and a wooden dock is replaced by a wooden ramp to maneuver his wheelchair in and out of his home.
The hands of the bravest man I know that so lovingly; painted, tiled, flipped houses, built bunk beds and a long list of other projects for his children and friends, now lay idle in his lap. His hands have been replaced by the loving hands of others who tend to his projects with smiles on their faces and love in their hearts.
The bravest man I know, now wakes up every morning in his hospital bed with a smile on his face and “I love you” on his lips. He faces the day knowing every aspect of his personal care will be administered by someone else, yet thankful because “Today is the day the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it”
The bravest man I know is patient and kind with those of us who may “miss” and stick a toothbrush up his nose or a fork in his ear! He never has a cross word, only thank you’s, and occasional tears.
The bravest I know watches his grandchildren play around him, knowing he will never again be able to join in their fun and hold them in his arms.
The bravest man I know has a body that has betrayed him by a horrible wretched enemy, ALS. The cruelest of disease to attack a vibrant “energizer bunny”.
The bravest man I know chose me to be his daughter when he married my Mom and never called me anything else.
THE BRAVEST MAN I KNOW IS MY DAD….DICK VAN VLIET
Some of us on the team will be volunteering at this event, as well as participating in the 5k run/walk.
For more info on the event, please visit: PEDALS
Thank you in advance for your support!