Something I must share concerning a Princess Ride I managed...

[YamahaLarry]

First, let me say that I belong to an organization that is much larger than myself. It was created almost 2 years ago to support a 6 year old boy and his family from Ashville, AL His name was Thomas J. Sullivan, aka Superman, and he was a victim of childhood cancer. Thomas gained his heavenly wings on May 26th of last year and we have continued in his name to assist other children and their families, both financially and with spiritual and morale support.

 

Over the past couple of years, I have come to know some very heroic children, some with very sad endings. I get close to some, but I feel that if you can't get close to the families, you can't provide the right assistance.

 

I became very close to a little girl from Oxford, AL last year, and she is a true princess and has absolutely stolen my heart. My wife and I visit the family very often, and have become part of their extended family. This little girl is Emma Mitchell and she has become everyone's princess. Since June of 2012, she has had 3 brain tumor removal surgeries, 3 stem cell transplants, and a portion of her skull removed due to infection in the bone. Through it all, she has been brave and as sweet as a little (currently) 5 year old girl can be.

 

We have had many days of smiles and many days of tears. Emma was proclaimed for the first time to be cancer free a few months back. But sadly, the cancer has come back and a new tumor of a different type cancer in the front part of her brain. Surgery is out of the question now. She has received a lifetime of radiation and the chemo is having no effect. The doctors have told the family they have a few weeks to a few months with Emma. So sad and so heart breaking, but we are all praying for a miracle.

 

The organization of which I belong, Team Thomas J, just recently did a Princess Ride for Emma per my request. I, along with the family's church, put a ride together. The unfortunate part was a threat of bad weather that kept many riders from coming out. Their loss.

 

I just wanted to share the video of the bikes coming into the church. Emma was not able to mingle with people due to her immune system was feared to be a little low and the family didn't want to risk her catching some foreign bacteria. But due to my closeness to the family, I was able to spend time with them after the ride.

 

The linked videos are of the bikes circling to the back of the church where Emma was able to come out and wave at everyone as they rode by.

 

I placed myself at the rear of the ride coming into the church so I could stop and say a few words to her, but also, we have this special song between me and her mom that developed during Emma's Make-A-Wish trip to Disney last year.

 

I hope you enjoy. Just wanted to share. This is what we bikers are all about. The longer video is of all the bikes coming in and the other is a closer one of me getting my princess hug and princess kiss.

 

Turn up your speakers and listen to the music my RSV was playing coming into see Emma. I hope I got the links right.

 

 

Edited July 29, 2014 by YamahaLarry

[utadventure]

What a great event you put together!

 

Thanks for sharing. I think there is a little girl that likes purple.

 

Dave

[EasyRider]

Thank you for reminding us to be Thankful for Today and the company of family and friends. Wonder if we will hear the heavenly choir over the laughing and giggling of children with golden locks ... Think I'll sit with the kids awhile.

[jakester]

Thanks for sharing. Very nice thing you got going on.

Bill

[cowpuc]

Well done!

[Long Tall]

What a great event you put together!

 

Thanks for sharing. I think there is a little girl that likes purple.

 

Dave

 

 

DITTO!!!!!!!!

 

Long Tall

Lynchburg, VA

[YamahaLarry]

What a great event you put together!

 

Thanks for sharing. I think there is a little girl that likes purple.

 

Dave

 

Yes she does, purple and pink. I had the flags made in those colors as well and told all bikers that the colors for the day are purple and pink.

 

I also hired a "balloon guy" to tie balloons for kids at the church for free (we had an outdoor event there as well). I had him tie her a special balloon in advance and gave it to her shortly after getting off my bike. Her favorite princess is Rapunzel. Going to try to insert the image in this post. Rookie here so I may not get it right the first attempt.

 

In case you can't quite make out the balloon from this angle, it is Rapunzel on a motorcycle.

 

http://teamthomasj.com/images/emma/emmasmotorcycleballoon.jpg

Edited July 29, 2014 by YamahaLarry

[videoarizona]

Well done! Thank you for sharing...and love the song!

[KIC]

I tried to watch the whole video but suffered what i say is a severe allergy attack that affected my vision. Once my eyes clear I will try it again...

 

Great job !