The Spokesman

2000 CIRCLE OF CARE MEETS IN BOSTON IN JUNE

Once again I was privileged to represent Pedal-with-Pete at the Circle of Care Convention this June The Circle of Care gathering is held each year for groups and individuals with annual gifts of $10,000 or more to support research at one of the twenty participating hospitals across the United States and Canada. The 2000 event was held in Boston with many interesting physicians and guest speakers in attendance. Although my attendant Rose and I got caught up in the inevitable air traffic delays and lost luggage, that didn't overshadow the convention itself-it was fabulous!

The Thursday morning conferences were held at Memorial Hall on the campus of Harvard University. One very impressive speaker was Michael R. Hayden, M.D., and Ph.D. who is a world-renowned geneticist and author. His research focuses on genetic changes known as mutations in the development of Huntington disease and premature heart disease. This exploration is vital to the advancement of diagnoses, treatment, and prevention.

Another fascinating presentation was given by Robin Cotton, M.D. of Children's Hospital Medical Center of Cincinnati. Dr. Cotton was instrumental in building one of the world's premier centers for the diagnoses and treatment of airway abnormalities. He developed a surgical technique called laryngotracheoplast, a method of reconstruction of the airways using cartilage from the rib to rebuild the trachea. Children from around the globe have traveled to have this procedure done by Dr. Cotton. This procedure has given speech to many who would otherwise could not have uttered a sound.

The most dynamic speaker was a girl named Katie. She spoke about how Children's Hospital in Boston has changed her life. She was born 25 years ago, a dwarf, and had to undergo 13 surgeries at Children's Hospital of Boston. On May 13, 2000, Katie graduated with a major in English in hopes of becoming a motivational speaker while working on her memoirs.

Friday morning was topped off by a luncheon with the honorary chair: singer-songwriter, James Taylor. After a delightful afternoon of sightseeing and shopping, the day ended with a black-tie gala at the Kennedy Center and entertainment by another impressive singer, Charlotte Church.

Pedal-with-Pete IN PALO ALTO COUNTY, IOWA

The second Pedal-with-Pete Bike Ride for Cerebral Palsy took place in Emmetsburg, Iowa on September 24. Twenty riders ranging in ages from 8 to 47 braved the cool temperatures and raised approximately $540 for cerebral palsy research. Bikers chose between two routes-a 22.5 kilometer route or a 12.5 kilometer route. All completed their chosen routes in great time!

Following the ride, cookies and lemonade were served by the 4-H County council and prizes donated from local businesses were awarded. Plans are to make this ride an every year event and hopefully increase participation and awareness.

Pedal-with-Pete thanks Julie Naig and all who worked on the second Pedal-with-Pete Bike Ride in Emmetsburg. Your quiet dedication to making a difference by hosting this event is an inspiration to all of us. We urge other groups-large or small-to consider sponsoring a ride. Pedal-with-Pete will be happy to assist in any way.

ANOTHER GREAT BIKE-A-THON. . .
THANK YOU PEDAL WITH PETE SUPPORTERS!

Generous sponsors, enthusiastic cyclists, caring volunteers-all combined their efforts to make the 2000 Pedal to Make a Difference Bike-A-Thon one to remember! Bikes and riders began arriving at Fred Fuller Park in Kent shortly after 7:00 a.m. After signing in, receiving a T-shirt, a bottle of water, and a snack, 125 riders took to the route to ride 17 or 40 miles in support of cerebral palsy research.

As the cyclists returned to the start/finish area, Kent Mayor John Fender stopped by to offer words of encouragement and to draw the winning ticket for the viper red mountain bike donated by the Cannondale Corporation. Lucky winner was Toby Froman a student and part-time employee of Steinert Industries in Kent. Also winning special recognition was Sue Ferson of Pittsburg for the most money in pledges turned in on ride day, and the Kapco Team headed by Chris Palmer, for the greatest number of pledges collected.

More than $20,000 was raised by the event. Special thanks to all the Pedal Partners who "rode" with Pete by their support. Thanks also to our Millennium, Golden Spoke, and Silver Chain sponsors and the many who donated "in-kind" help of all kinds. A list of our supporters is enclosed. A GIGANTIC THANKS to every one of you!

FOUND following the May 20 event:
White foam Campagnio bike helmet, Size S/M; also a set of keys.
To claim, call 1-800-304-PETE.

2001 Event to Feature a Ride AND a Walk!

Tax deductible contributions to Pedal-with-Pete may be sent at any time to

Your gifts will help to make a difference.

Thank you.