May 15 — Germantown Ohio Firefighter Mike Manning is making his way across America on a bicycle trek to raise funding for burn survivors. Mike left from Boston on May 8th from Shriners Hospitals for Children in Boston.
By the time he left the city limits of Boston, Mike’s “Feel the Burn Ride 07” had already raised nearly $10,000!
The event was a huge success with incredible support from the Boston Fire Department, who provided an escort out of the city for Mike. Staff members from Shriners joined in as Mike began his 3,100 mile journey. Mike also had his own cheerleading squad, comprised of children from Shriners who autographed Mike’s bike as a sign of support and good luck. “Riding from Boston to San Jose will mean riding against the wind, but it is symbolic to show in some small way the spirit all burn survivors possess every day,” Manning said.
Mike has received great support from every fire station he visited. Right from the begining when he made stops in Branford and Hartford, Connecticut, where he was greeted by fantastic escort, warm food, and firefighters willing to help in any way.
The trip has not been without some challenges already. Mike has had to deal with a broken bike and an injured leg while making a stop in Hartford. It has delayed him by one day, but hasn’t dampened his spirit; he is back out on the road right now. Next stops are Dalton, and Canton, Pennsylvania, as Mike makes his way toward his hometown: Germantown, Ohio.
Mike is riding to raise $100,000 for the Phoenix-Society for Burn Survivors, which is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. “Mike’s efforts will do so much to help benefit the entire burn community and help us to support worthwhile and meaningful events like World Burn Congress and the other programs our 30-year organization is committed to,” said Amy Acton, Executive Director of The Phoenix Society.
Mike is expected to arrive in San Jose, California, on or about June 22nd. He’s welcoming fellow firefighters to join him along his route and ride with him as a sign of support. To track Mike’s progress and find out how you can join him on the road, go to Mike’s exclusive blog at feeltheburn2007.blogspot.com. Mike is also asking that his fellow firefighters touch base with him and post a message on his blog, which he is reading as often he can. Mike will be staying at 40 fire stations across the country to avoid using any donation money for food or lodging. The support he is receiving is overwhelming and gives him the energy and determination to finish his ride.
Mike is asking for your support to help him reach his $100,000 goal. For donation information, please go to www.phoenix-society.org.
