Ron 10 #1 February 11, 2004 WWW.WalkAmerica.org/FedExTampa The Walk is April 24th. Well, OK. Most of the folks here think I'm cold harted. (and they might be right). The simple fact is while I might be a right wing guy that really cares more about facts than "feelings"....I do have some feelings. Because of this I am big into a few charities. One of them is the March of Dimes. In fact I am the local team lead for the March of Dimes for my work area. Its about taking care of those that can't...And I can't think of anyone more helpless than a newborn child. The March of Dimes has placed its focus on Prematurity. And since I'm about facts: March of Dimes has been helping Babies for over 66 years. Every day in the US 1,305 babies are born prematurely. Thats over 460,000 a year. Premature Births cause over 4,000 infant deaths each year. Premature Births cause over 1 Billion dollars a year in health care costs. Its the leading cause of newborn Death. 1 out of 8 babies are born premature. 76 cents of each dollar goes to helping the Babies and families that need it. More info about the March of Dimes can be found at www.MarchofDimes.com Which leads me to why I am breaking from my normal types of posting. I care about helping folks....Many may not like my style. But I am about making things safer for people.....Please help me make things safer for these babies. I never ask people for much, and trust me its hard. But this cause is worth it. So if you have learned from me....If you have ever offered to buy me a jump ticket, a beer, or anything else...(If it's a swift kicks in the ass, don't send that). Please don't buy me a ticket, I can afford my own. If you have offered to buy me a beer, I don't drink but thanks. Please send something to this link and consider us even: WWW.WalkAmerica.org/FedExTampa If I get enough of a response I will wear a DZ.com Tshirt during the walk. I will now go back to my regular posting. Don't become dependent on your AAD's and RSL's. Watch your wingload. Call your Mom."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nightingale 0 #2 February 11, 2004 what's the deadline on this?? I already donate to both March of Dimes and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital fairly regularly, although I don't have any extra cash to send at the moment. I will in about three weeks, though, so let me know if I can still donate then. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron 10 #3 February 11, 2004 Quotewhat's the deadline on this?? Good question...I should have included that, and I will add it right after I send this. The walk is April 24th. So everyone has plenty of time. Even if you just send a dollar it is something, so thanks. QuoteI already donate to both March of Dimes and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital fairly regularly, although I don't have any extra cash to send at the moment. I will in about three weeks, though, so let me know if I can still donate then. March of Dimes is one of the really good organizations out there.. FedEx also sponsors St. Jude a good bit. Charities that help sick kids are a weakness of mine. I also contribute to the American Diabetes Association (since I am a type II Diabetic)."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
littlestranger 0 #4 February 12, 2004 Hi Ron, Yeah, you've got quite a reputation for expressing your rather sharp opinions on safety issues. Having been on the receiving end I can attest to that, ouch! Fortunately for me I understand your motivation is because you actually give a damn. That's why your interest in the March of Dimes doesn't surprise me. You quoted some statistics about why the March of Dimes' efforts are so important. As someone that has benefitted from the research and development they have done over the years I'd like to put a personal perspective on why supporting this organization is so critical. My daughter Zoe is one of those preemies that wouldn't be here today without the artificial surfactant and high frequency oscillating ventilator they developed. Zoe was born 12 weeks premature. Her lungs were severely underdeveloped because of the premature rupture of the amniotic sac seven weeks earlier. The artificial surfactant, which is naturally occurring in full term babies, kept her lungs from sticking together as the oscillator pumped 600 tiny breathes a minute to gradually expand her walnut sized lungs. Without the efforts of the March of Dimes her chances of survival would have been zero. Today Zoe is a vibrant little seven year old who makes an impact on everyone who meets her. She loves hanging out with her buddies at SSM and can't wait to do her first skydive. So Ron, to bring things full circle, your posts, brutal as they may seem on the surface can only help all of us skydivers to become better at the sport we love, and might keep us alive long enough to see this kid graduate AFF. Blues, Teresa Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheAnvil 0 #5 February 12, 2004 St Jude is a GREAT organization to give $ to. When I was living in Memphis I used to give blood platelets to them. Unforturnately I can't give blood for a while now because of my travels to Africa and South America. I have seen one of my charities here in the forums and e-babbled. Cool stuff, Nightingale/Ron. Vinny the AnvilVinny the Anvil Post Traumatic Didn't Make The Lakers Syndrome is REAL JACKASS POWER!!!!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron 10 #6 February 12, 2004 QuoteYeah, you've got quite a reputation for expressing your rather sharp opinions on safety issues Yeah...Is just it seems like I am one of the few Voices of reason out there...And there is a sea of "It'll be fine" folks. Trust me, most folks that meet me don't think Im a BIG asshole...Maybe a little one though. I can live with that if it helps keep ONE person safe. QuoteHaving been on the receiving end I can attest to that, ouch! Uh....yeah, sorry about that...But did you learn anything? Did it make you think? QuoteFortunately for me I understand your motivation is because you actually give a damn. Someone gets me!!!!!.....I love you. QuoteMy daughter Zoe is one of those preemies that wouldn't be here today without the artificial surfactant and high frequency oscillating ventilator they developed. Zoe was born 12 weeks premature. Her lungs were severely underdeveloped because of the premature rupture of the amniotic sac seven weeks earlier. The artificial surfactant, which is naturally occurring in full term babies, kept her lungs from sticking together as the oscillator pumped 600 tiny breathes a minute to gradually expand her walnut sized lungs. Without the efforts of the March of Dimes her chances of survival would have been zero. Today Zoe is a vibrant little seven year old who makes an impact on everyone who meets her. She loves hanging out with her buddies at SSM and can't wait to do her first skydive. And this is what it is all about....About helping children. Question...Since many premature births have other lasting effects...Is Zoe in the wheelchair due to that? She is pretty as hell, and I am glad that things worked out. Just like I am on safety issues...I am a zelot about this. While I may not be able to save a guy from getting killed under canopy..I CAN do something to help girls like Zoe. (God, I sound like one of these guys on the telethons. What the hell happened to me?) Uh....Watch your wingloading!!!!...yeah..Wingload. Ok I feel better. Ron"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mjosparky 4 #7 February 12, 2004 Ron, You are cold hearted, opinionated and overbearing. So what so am I. I spent 15 years walking for the March of Dimes. You are right, there is nothing more precious then a baby and nothing more important than a baby that needs help. SparkyMy idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
littlestranger 0 #8 February 12, 2004 QuoteQuestion...Since many premature births have other lasting effects...Is Zoe in the wheelchair due to that? It took 30 minutes to resuscitate her and she suffered brain damage resulting in cerebral palsy. She's one of the lucky ones though because it only affected her legs. She uses a walker most of the time, reserving the chair for long distances and when she's wearing her mermaid costume. She's getting stronger though and ran in the Fertile Hope Kids 1K on February 1st. There are pictures here: http://www.kreutzphotography.com/, but you'll have to dig for them. She was the last one over the finish line but she finished! You can find her on the last page of the "Fertile Hope Kids K Finish". Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
velo90 0 #9 February 12, 2004 QuoteCall your Mom. How often? Or does it depend on your wing load? At least this useless reply keeps your post at the top of the pile Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron 10 #10 February 12, 2004 Quote -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quote -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Call your Mom. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- How often? Or does it depend on your wing load? Yes it does..and if you have 100 jumps and are buying a Katana...I sugest you call her right now"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mjosparky 4 #11 February 12, 2004 BumpMy idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GARYC24 3 #12 February 12, 2004 I signed up for a 6mile walk May 15 Simi Valley, Ca. Donation giving is in the mail. I also am a child sponsor via Compassion International. And receive emails from the St. Jude hospital that others have mentioned here.. I donated around the Holiday from a post I made awhile back..just to let ya'll know (you know who you are) that I didn't forget and take this all to heart about giving, and being a joyous giver.. I do believe giving is a spiritual gift! Gary Calhoun Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron 10 #13 February 13, 2004 QuoteIt took 30 minutes to resuscitate her and she suffered brain damage resulting in cerebral palsy. She's one of the lucky ones though because it only affected her legs. She uses a walker most of the time, reserving the chair for long distances and when she's wearing her mermaid costume. Amazing work they do huh? QuoteShe's getting stronger though and ran in the Fertile Hope Kids 1K on February 1st. That is FANTASTIC!!! QuoteThere are pictures here: http://www.kreutzphotography.com/, but you'll have to dig for them. She was the last one over the finish line but she finished! You can find her on the last page of the "Fertile Hope Kids K Finish". That is great..... I am very happy to see these."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Paige 0 #14 February 13, 2004 If that doesn't get ya, I don't know what will. So glad your baby girl is doing well. She's so cute! Cute isn't the right word, she is beautiful!Tunnel Pink Mafia Delegate www.TunnelPinkMafia.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
littlestranger 0 #15 February 13, 2004 She's a pretty amazing kid, she cracks me up sometimes, she'll moan and groan about having to walk around in the grocery store, yet she'll do a 1K, no problem. Bump. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
meltdown 0 #16 February 14, 2004 March of Dimes is a great organization. I hope this thread will generate some donations. Good work, Ron. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron 10 #17 February 17, 2004 Well I got a check in the mail today. It really was not much, but it is a start. I would like to thank all those that have donated via the website so far and those that wanted to send a check PM me. Again thanks."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyangel2 2 #18 February 17, 2004 QuoteWell I got a check in the mail today. It really was not much, but it is a start. I hope that wasn't my check you're talking about. I told you up front that it wasn't going to be much. But heck, if everyone here that reads this post sends in that amount, you'll have a good donation.May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron 10 #19 February 18, 2004 QuoteI hope that wasn't my check you're talking about. I told you up front that it wasn't going to be much. But heck, if everyone here that reads this post sends in that amount, you'll have a good donation. No, it was not your check...But I did get yours today.And the amount people give is really not important. If everyone that had read this sent one dollar. That would be 207.00 for the kids. If everyone that learned something from me sent in a dollar that would be like 1.50 I owe. Really, I just thought that a bunch folks would throw in a dollar. Your donation was very nice, and more than I expected...But I didn't want to "out" anyone. PS did I over use smilies again?"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyangel2 2 #20 February 18, 2004 QuoteIf everyone that learned something from me sent in a dollar that would be like 1.50 I owe. But I haven't learned anything from you May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron 10 #21 February 23, 2004 There have been some amazing responses to this. One person (who I will not out, unles they let me) sent me a large check. It's not the size that counts (or at least thats what girls keep telling me ...Not about ME of course) But its the thought. I have to say that there are some very good harted folks here. So thanks to all...And keep 'em comming."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron 10 #22 March 1, 2004 Yes, I'm replying to myself. (How low will I go to get this message out?) I have gotten some AMAZING responses. But I never give up. I have gotten some donations from folks I have not seen in years...And some I have never met. I got a big donation from a guy that I have sparred here on many subjects. He said it was not to help me, but to help the kids. Like me? Send money. Hate me? Send more... I see how this works."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Luv2Fall 0 #23 March 1, 2004 Ron - My hat's off to ya. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
marcandalysse 0 #24 March 11, 2004 I just sent in my donation, can you tell more about the walk? How many miles etc... marc Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron 10 #25 March 12, 2004 QuoteI just sent in my donation, can you tell more about the walk? How many miles etc... Thanks... The walk is April 24th at the University of Tampa. I have been told 4-6 miles is the distance."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
