After the incredible experience that I’ve had the last two years I will be riding in the 2008 Dam2Dam Bike Tour. In 2006 I was able to meet and ride with Greg LeMond, in 2007 Derek and I completed the 50 mile route on a tandem. This ride is extremely well organized from the check-in process to the ride support, rest stops, sag wagons and post ride BBQ. The experience has been amazing so far and to top it off the Dam2Dam will always be special to me since it is really what got me back into cycling.
So on September 27th 2008 I am going to make a difference in the lives of those living with spinal cord injuries. I will be riding the 50 mile route in the Mike Utley Foundation DAM2DAM “Thumbs Up!” Bike Tour in Wenatchee, WA. This is a great cause and I’m asking for your help in supporting my ride.
On November 17, 1991 Detroit Lions offensive right guard, Mike Utley (#60) was paralyzed during a game against the Los Angeles Rams. Mike’s courageous “Thumbs Up!” gesture has come to symbolize his fighting spirit. In his own quest to walk again Mike has focused all of his energies towards helping others living with this disability. The Mike Utley Foundation was founded in January 1992 and is committed to providing financial support for research, rehabilitation and education for spinal cord related injuries. If you would like to know more about Mike and his Foundation log on to his website at www.mikeutley.org
There are many reasons that I am committed to this worthy cause. A few noteworthy facts are as follows: the lifetime costs incurred by SCI individuals average $900,000.00 and can reach as high as 2.8 million depending on the level of injury; Most insurance plans have limits for durable medical of $1,500.00 or less; The initial cost of a wheelchair needed by SCI patients averages $4,000 to $8,000; quadriplegic patients frequently exceed $20,000; the Nation currently invests less than 1% of the costs of spinal cord injury into research that has the potential to restore function.
In 2006 I raised $1815 for the Mike Utley Foundation.
In 2007 I raised almost $1000 for the Mike Utley Foundation.
My goal this year is to raise $2000. Please join me in making a difference in the lives of those living with Spinal Cord Injuries. In addition to the donations I bring in I've recruited several of my friends to ride with me this year Brandon, John, Erick and Chuck and heck I may have missed someone, sorry if I did!
How can you help?
Please make checks payable to the: The Mike Utley Foundation
Checks may be mailed to my home address at: 895 Queens Street, Unit A, Milton, WA 98354
Or mailed directly to the Mike Utley Foundation at: P.O. Box 458, Orondo, WA 98843
Or donate online at www.mikeutley.org.
Please indicate on your check or your online donation that you are supporting me, Steve Bargelt.
The Mike Utley Foundation will receipt you directly and notify me that you have supported my ride. Thank you in advance for helping me to reach this very important personal goal!
Thank you in advance for your Support