Gymnastics Coach to Participate in 2007 Ride of Love
5/14/2007 12:00:00 AM | Gymnastics
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. ?? This Saturday, for the fifth time since 2001, Alabama Gymnastics assistant head coach David Patterson will meet some friends at the Tuscaloosa IHoP on Skyland Blvd. where they will get on their bikes and take off into the early morning heat that is Alabama in May.
More than 150 miles later, they will climb off their bikes at their destination, Camp Smile-a-Mile, which is located on the shores of Lake Martin at Children's Harbor.
These cyclists, which come from all over the state of Alabama and all over the country, are part of a unique fundraiser called The Ride of Love, which was started in 2001 by Stephanie Wilkins, a counselor and board member at Camp Smile-A-Mile. In 2002 Patterson, himself a cancer survivor, joined Wilkins for the ride and the duo have been ??on the road' ever since helping grow the Ride and its impact.
For more information on The Ride of Love go to www.rideoflove.com and for more information on Camp Smile-a-Mile go to www.campsam.org.
"Last fall I celebrated my 10th anniversary since having kidney cancer," Patterson said. "I saw how my cancer affected the lives of my entire family, and can only imagine the emotions and difficulties involved in having a child with cancer.
"When I began participating in this ride in 2002, I had no experience as a cyclist, only the desire to help these children. Stephanie Wilkins founded the ride in 2001, and she allowed me to join her for the ride the following year. When things get tough in my training, I remember Stephanie's words in an interview she gave: ??We get to pick our challenges, these children and their families do not.'"
Camp Smile-A-Mile is an organization that gives children with cancer a place to go for camp. A place where they can be themselves and get treatment, go without prosthetic limbs and hair, and be around others who are like them for support.
Patterson isn't the only member of the Alabama Gymnastics family that has made the Ride. In addition to Wilkins, the Tide's nutritionist, assistant coach Bryan Raschilla has made the trek as well as team physician Jimmy Robinson. Former gymnasts Kristin Sterner and Whitney Morgan have also ridden for the cause.
"It was great to have so many members of the Tide family involved in the Ride," Patterson said.
Major back surgery kept him out of the 2005 Ride, but the drive he has to help the children of Camp SAM had him back in the saddle as soon as the doctors allowed. Through hard work and perseverance he was ready for the 2006 Ride of Love, making it the entire distance.
The ROL started in 2001 with Wilkins riding alone and raising approximately $12,200. In June 2002, Wilkins partnered with Patterson and together they raised approximately $21,500.
The numbers of both riders and money raised have continued to grow year-by-year. To date the Ride has raised over $250,000 and more than 800 children have been able to attend Camp SAM thanks to the Ride of Love.
Those wishing to support the Ride of Love can send donation payable to Camp Smile-A-Mile Bike Fund to David Patterson, Box 870393, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487.
