Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Dream Hope Believe

On Saturday 9/13 a local ataxia family held a fundraiser at a local seafood restaurant. The event featured a silent auction, music, friends, drinks and as much crab as you could eat.

The event benefited the Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance and was organized by family and friends of Ashley Hartigan. Ashley is a 12 year old who suffers from Friedreich’s Ataxia. FA has robbed Ashley of the ability to participate in most sports, keep up with her friends and she struggles more each day to walk.

There were more than 200 people at this event and tickets sold out more than a month in advance. There is a lot of support for the Hartigan family in this community. The goal was to raise $25,000. I do not have the total at this point but by my estimation, the goal was reached.

The best part about the night was a presentation by the 20, 30 Club. Friends of the Hartigans had told Ashley's story and the 20, 30 Club decided to take action. They funded the purchase of a trike so that Ashley can ride bikes with her friends and stay in shape.


It was a great event and I am looking forward to next year!

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

It looks like a real good time and it's so cool that she rides a recumbent GREENSPEED - if she likes it only half as much as me, she have lots of FUN!
Spinner

Anonymous said...

Kyle, It look like a GT3 II (with the NEW steering that I've be longing for;). You have to get her to ride in the 2009 RAIII to Seattle!

Anonymous said...

Ashley has been on her trike nonstop and is really enjoying the comments by people about how cool her bike is while she rides by. She is training for Ride Ataxia III so hopefully will be able to make it at least part of the way. She is determined to ride with Kyle and Sean!! It is important to note how much support all of us FA families have in the community. We are blessed people!!
Vicki Hartigan (Mom to the girl with the "cool bike"