Ride For Life

RIDE FOR LIFE 2009

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Day 1: Monday, May 11, 2009 - submitted by Phyllis Silver

Our new sign truck with the theme, “An ALS Cure is Blowin” in the Wind,” started our frst day on track-by patients rolling in their wheelchairs, caregivers and volunteers walking and riding.

A delicious breakfast was provided by the East Hampton Teachers Association, with thanks to Priscilla Campbell. The park setting was beautiful. The weather cooperated by being sunny and breezy so we really felt like we an ALS Cure was Blowin’ in t he Wind.

We hope you heard WALK radio this morning make an announcement about the start of the Ride with Christine Pendergast’s comments about this being the 12th year of the Ride and the necessity to keep going to bring awareness of this horrible disease to others and the need for funds to help find a cure. Across the street from the park, after our breakfast, the entire East Hampton Middle School consisting of 5th-8th graders came outside. No, this was not a fire drill. The purpose was to give us a rousing send off with the Principal, Dr. Tom Lamorgese, Assistant Principal Mr. Chris Tracey and the teachers joining the students in wishing us well.

And so thus began the procession with patients Chris Pendergast, founder of Ride for Life, Richie Kornack and Marc Charest leading us forward.

Breakfast gave us energy for the morning, but after much travelling, we came to Bridgehampton. We stopped at the Bridgehampton Community House for lunch which was sponsored by the family of Patrick Cunningham, who died from ALS. The food was donated by Paul’s Italian Restaurant in Southampton and it was so good.

Later on we arrived to a great welcome at the Southampton Intermediate School. As the band played, the students cheered as patients and the entourage approached. The colorful hand made signs held proudly by the students inspire us and the students are inspired and motivated by Chris as was mentioned by the Principal, Mr. Tom Frazier. In her words of greeting, the Assistant principal, Ms. Wright was warm and appreciative of our stop at this school. It is the Ride for Life family-PALS, CALS and volunteers who appreciate the reception we received.

Day 1 ended not with fatigue but with a little suntan, plenty of fresh air and already looking forward to Day 2. It was a good feeling that we covered 13 miles today. Thanks to the East Hampton Town Police and the Southampton Town Police for our safe escort. Thanks to the Atlantic Hotel in Southampton for our 2 nights of accommodations. Also, thanks to Patty, Southampton Union President, for taking the time to join us for dinner at LaPizziola and picking up the tab, compliments of the Association. Last but not least, thanks Sam Post for all your behind the scenes effort.