Greetings from the Patterson household!
As most of you know one week after our Bama Gymnasts were runner up at the NCAA Championships David underwent a multi-level lumbar spinal fusion. We have known since late November that he would require surgery to alleviate his pain and restore his health. As you can understand David unselfishly opted to postpone the surgery until the completion of our competitive season choosing to place those around him ahead of himself. David, while facing a rather lengthy recovery is doing remarkably well these two weeks post operative. David has never complained about his situation nor did he nine years ago when he battled kidney cancer, he has always said these challenges are God's plan to make him a better person.
His main disappointment in facing another surgery of this magnitude was his inability to train and participate in the 2005 Camp Smile-A-Mile Ride of Love. David has participated in this fundraiser for Camp SAM for the past three years and helped raise over $100,000 to send children who have suffered from cancer to Camp SAM. In life there are always times to regroup, refocus and change direction......not David, he never once lost a sense of commitment and dedication to helping provide these children facing life's real challenges with his support. He even convinced the surgical staff to allow him to wear his red Camp Smile-A-Mile bracelet into surgery. This year our goal will be to drive David to Camp SAM on the shores of Lake Martin and be there June 7th when the 50+ bicycle riders enter camp on the opening day of Camp Smile-A-Mile.
I hope you will take time to reflect on how difficult it would be to have a child challenged by this disease.......and how fortunate they would be to have an opportunity to attend and enjoy the experience that Camp SAM can provide. I then ask you to take out your checkbook and donate whatever amount you or your business can to help make a difference in the lives of these special children. David Patterson may not be riding his bicycle in the 2005 Ride of Love but he is committed to seeing that these children continue to have the opportunity to experience the wonders of Camp Smile-A-Mile.
Thank you for your support and God Bless!
"The Tide of life is sometimes very rough, but each storm ridden through makes us a better captain of our soul." Anonymous.......and a quote David sent to former All-American Kristin Sterner after an untimely injury
Sincerely,
Make check payable to Camp SAM "Ride of Love" and mail to:
c/o David Patterson
Box 870393
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487
