Letter from Nick
Dear Visitor,
My little sister Neely is fighting cancer. Two years ago, when she was seven, she was diagnosed with a rare type of kidney cancer called Wilms’ tumor. The tumor was removed and she had radiation and eight months of chemotherapy. After being cancer-free for a year, our family was devastated to find out that it has come back in one of her lungs. She is now nine and is facing more radiation and chemotherapy.
Doernbecher Children’s Hospital
Neely is incredibly brave. The strength and courage that she has shown inspired me (and my friend Tony) to do something to help people in similar situations. Neely is being treated at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, and Tony and I have organized a fundraiser to benefit the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital Foundation. The funds we raise will be reserved for cancer treatment at Doernbecher to help cure children of this horrible affliction.
It has taken hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of surgery and treatment, not to mention an incredible amount of courage and strength from Neely, just to get this far. Fortunately our family has health insurance and the resources to meet this financial burden. For many families however, this is an impossible task without the help of outside donors—especially in these tough economic times. We're collecting donations of any size to help save kids’ lives at Doernbecher.
The RideSouth.org Fundraiser
In September a group of us will be riding motorcycles from Portland, Oregon to the bottom of South America - Tierra del Fuego - and collecting donations for the Doernbecher Foundation. It’s a promotional tool like a walk-a-thon, but on motorcycles.
Our journey will cover about 15,000 miles and take us about 3 months to complete. We are still planning the finer details of the trip, and will likely revise our packing list and route up to the day we leave, so I'm not including many details in this letter. You can take a look at our planning and progress on our website, www.RideSouth.org - check back frequently for updates.
BMW Motorcycles of Western Oregon (located in Tigard and Eugene) has sponsored our project, and is helping us promote the fundraiser in the Portland and motorcycle communities. We’ll have a tent and display at their semi-annual open houses on April 18th in Eugene and April 25th in Tigard, so if you’re in the area, we’d love to have you stop by and say hi.
Make Your Donation
100% of all funds we raise go to the Doernbecher foundation. The motorcycle trip is a promotional tool and will be funded entirely by Tony and myself, not from donations. Donations are tax deductible—so donate big! There are a few ways to donate:
- Online: To make your donation online go to our website, www.RideSouth.org, and click the 'Donate' link. You will be directed to a page on the Doernbecher Foundation web site where you can securely make your donation.
- By Mail: If you would prefer to donate by postal mail, please complete the included form and mail it to the listed address with your check. Checks are written to the Doernbecher Foundation, www.RideSouth.org in the memo field.
- By E-Mail or Phone: If you'd prefer to make your donation by e-mail or phone, my contact information is below. Shoot me an email or give me a call and we’ll make sure your donation gets to the right place.
Help Cure Cancer in Kids
Cancer in children is horrible—but it’s a part of life that we must deal with. We don’t know why Neely developed cancer. Doctors don’t know how to predict or prevent Wilms’ Tumor, but 80% of the time they can successfully treat and cure it. I believe that Doernbecher is the best pediatric cancer care center in our region, in large part due to the support of donors. With your help, we can give Neely and many other children a second chance for healthy, productive, and normal lives.
Thank you in advance or your support! 100% of all donations go to Doernbecher. Donations are tax deductable.
Sincerely,
Nick Buck-Niehaus
E-Mail: Nick@RideSouth.org
(503) 804-4927 – Call if you have any questions!
P.S. We have a web site up to post Neely’s progress. Visit www.NeelyFrancesca.com to check in on her.