Germantown, Ohio, firefighter Michael Manning is just one guy trying to make a difference. Michael plans to ride his bike from Boston, MA to San Jose, CA, in order to raise $100,000 for the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors. He intends to start his journey, which he has dubbed “Feel the Burn ’07,” in May. He’s currently in the process of securing donors and establishing his itinerary, where he’ll be seeking shelter at firehouses across the country.
“I decided to do this fundraiser because of the great number of burn survivors who lose everything, both emotionally and physically, after a burn injury, ” Michael writes. “To generalize, burn patients usually are not well-off financially. A lot of these patients have insufficient insurance coverage, if any at all. Custom burn masks, neck splints and compression garments can be very costly, and yet they are essential for proper physical healing.
I see no reason why people need to suffer further pain in securing proper medical care/appliances in this land of plenty. I also know that World Burn Congress (WBC), sponsored by the Phoenix Society (PS), helps these survivors regain hope, love and courage. If nothing else, WBC gives survivors and other attendees a brighter outlook on the many things we take for granted in life. Every penny donated will go directly to burn survivors to help in their support or recovery. “
Michael estimates he will begin his ride on May 9 and finish on June 22, pedaling 70 to 140 miles per day, excluding rest days. He will be providing Fire Engineering with updates and photos from his journey. To get involved with “Feel the Burn ’07,” contact Michael via e-mail.
More info on the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors: www.phoenix-society.org
Read Mike’s blog: http://feeltheburn2007.blogspot.com/
