Bike Riding

Before surgery, Jessie was a pro at riding her bike. She learned how to ride a bike without training wheels when she was 4 years old. After surgery, we gave her bike away, and began work on a rehab tricycle.

Well, now we think that we may be able to teach her to ride a bike again, so this weekend we bought Jessie a new bike, and began the process of teaching her to ride again. Our Goal this summer is to teach her how to ride a bike again without training wheels. It may be a lofty goal, and we may fail, but you never get anywhere in this life without risking failure.

So, now we start over with training wheels, and a kid who can't grip with her left hand, or keep her left foot on the pedal. Her balance is shot and she is scared to death of falling over. Look out world here comes Jessie!!

First step is to try to get her comfortable on the bike again, then teach her to pedal again. Then depending on the training wheels for balance, steering, anticipation of turns, leaning, etc... Oh my gosh, what have we gotten ourselves into. Anyway, in August, we are going to San Antonio for a special camp called "Lose the Training Wheels". Where we will spend a final week and hopefully lose the training wheels. Check out their website. http://www.losethetrainingwheels.org/

Here is a short video of Jessie back on the horse...so to speak. She has a looooong way to go.

More Swimming

Summer is for Swimming

INAUGRAL DREAMS ON WINGS 5K TAKES FLIGHT

http://www.hemifoundation.org/

INAUGRAL DREAMS ON WINGS 5K TAKES FLIGHT

Jessie Hall (center) sounds the bull horn for the 5K race at The Hemispherectomy Foundation's Dreams on Wings event on Saturday, May 16.

The inaugural Dreams on Wings 5K in Weatherford, Texas held on May 16, 2009 dawned gray and WET. Despite a steady rain, runners and walkers laced up their running shoes and lined up to support The Hemispherectomy Foundation. Many thanks go to our major sponsor, Parker County Physical Therapy, for opening their doors to allow a dry place for pre-and post-race activities!

Pictures honoring the children were to line the race course but due to the rain, were placed throughout the therapy center.

Following the race, many runners and walkers gathered inside Parker County Physical Therapy to enjoy some great post-race food and attend the awards ceremony.

The Dreams on Wings 5K was a HUGE success! Proceeds raised will sponsor seven families for the July Hemispherectomy Reunion/Conference in Baltimore, a scholarship and camp tuitions! The BEST part is that ten special families from all over Texas and Oklahoma were honored at the event. Feedback from the parents has been incredible!

The rainy weather did not slow down these kids! Several “Hemi Kids” walked the Dreams on Wings 5K with family and friends.

The Dreams on Wings 5K started as a fundraiser. Instead, this event soared high and became much more than anyone could have imagined. Everything that happened on May 16, 2009 was a compilation of what the Hemispherectomy Foundation is all about: Supporting families by providing a setting where they can meet and talk to others that are walking in their shoes; providing a fun event that parents feel comfortable bringing their child to – where everyone understands issues and limitations; a vehicle for raising awareness of these miracle children in our communities; and finally, a fundraiser of monies to be used to support these children, to provide scholarships, camp tuitions, life aids, and research.
Special certificates were presented to our honorees.

A big TEXAS THANK YOU to all our sponsors that supported the inaugural Dreams on Wings 5K event. This race had, without a doubt, the BEST post-race food and goodie bags seen in North Texas!

Plans are already underway for the 2010 Texas Dreams on Wings 5K. If you are interested in learning more about hosting a Dreams on Wings 5K event in your area or would like to sponsor or volunteer for the 2010 Texas event, contact Kristi Hall at kristi@hemifoundation.org. Information packets will be available soon.

The Time to Sign-Up is NOW !!!!

Only 2 weeks til Dreams on Wings. On May 16th, You can walk it, You can run it, but DON'T miss it! It's early enough that you can do the race, and have the rest of your Saturday.
Click here and sign-up now : http://www.hemifoundation.org

We have a growing number of people that will be running or walking the race at home, and in other states. These are our "Virtual Angels" Some people will even be picking their own time to commit to 3.1 miles. So, there are NO excuses not to participate. Register NOW and come to Weatherford on May 16th or be a "Virtual Angel".
Check out some of the Hemi Foundation Kids that you'll be helping : http://hemifoundation.intuitwebsites.com/photoalbum.html

or Check out The Hemi Foundation YouTube Channel : http://www.youtube.com/user/Hemiadvocate

Also, check out our wonderful Sponsors for the race : http://hemifoundation.intuitwebsites.com/5k_Sponsors.html

And as a last thought : The best thing to fight a flu is to eat right, drink plenty of fluids, get plenty of rest, and exercise. Well, we can't help with all but the rest. The race will have plenty to drink, eat, and exercises, so come on out and say no to the Piggy Flu! :-)

Remember, register on-line at http://www.hemifoundation.org

God Bless,

Cris