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Tournament of Roses
Six local youth, who have overcome life-threatening illnesses, participated in a five-mile victory ride through Pasadena during the 118th Tournament of Roses Parade on January 1, 2007. The float riders celebrated their inspiring recoveries and brought awareness to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California (RMHCSC). The float titled “Home Sweet Home” featured a large beehive and animated bees and was sponsored by the McDonald’s Operators’ Association of Southern California. The RMHCSC float was awarded the Isabella Coleman Award for best use of color and color harmony through floral use this year.
About the Float Riders
Emily Buelow, a 13-year-old from Calabasas, Calif. was first diagnosed with leukemia at 4 _ years of age and relapsed again at age 7 at which time she endured a round of chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. At age 8, Emily attended Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times for the very first time, along with her siblings Max and Ilsa, and has been going two times a year for the past 6 years. Because she was sick most of her childhood due to her highly sensitive immune system, Emily didn’t often get to interact and play with other kids. For the first time in her life, Emily enjoyed horseback riding, swimming and fencing at Camp while leaving the concerns of her illness behind.
Gregory Martinez, a 17-year-old from Bakersfield, Calif. enjoys playing golf and hanging out with his friends and family. He was diagnosed with Astrocytoma, a type of brain tumor, when he was 13. Greg was hospitalized when doctors surgically removed his tumor. During Greg’s treatment, the Martinez family stayed at the Los Angeles Ronald McDonald House and they were completely overwhelmed by the hospitality, accommodations and welcoming feel of the House. During their two week stay at the House, the Martinez family felt as if they were at home.
Cole Massie is a 10-year-old boy with spastic cerebral palsy from Atwater Village, Calif. Cole is a very motivated, dedicated and driven child who does not let his disability get in the way of his dreams. This year, Cole won a first place ribbon at the Special Olympics Tri-Valley Horse Show, played Oliver in a theater showcase and best of all: he earned his yellow belt in karate. Always by his side is Ilia, a companion dog, who knows 43 commands, including picking up dropped items and pulling open doors. In March 2005 Cole had an intensive three day treatment and his parents used the Pasadena Ronald McDonald House as a quiet place to sleep during the day while Cole was being treated.
Raymond McElawin, a 17-year-old from Auburn, Calif, has visited the Los Angeles Ronald McDonald House for approximately 10 years as he undergoes treatment for an immune deficiency disorder at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. He aspires to one day become a pharmacist and find a cure for cancer. Ray is a compassionate and positive person who never lets anything get him down. He enjoys skateboarding, snowboarding and playing music. Ray and his friends have formed their own rock band, Dim City Lights, and dream of one day performing on MTV.
Christopher Schoenmann is a 16-year-old from Lake Elsinore, Calif. He spent many holidays, even his birthday, at Orange County Ronald McDonald House since his diagnosis in July 2005. Chris was diagnosed with Burkitts Lymphoma, a very rare form of cancer with only 300 new cases a year in the US. Despite his illness, Chris has been very upbeat and positive about life. When Chris wasn't sick enough to warrant a hospital bed, doctors arranged for him to stay at the Orange County Ronald McDonald House rather than return to his home in Lake Elsinore which was too far away in case he had complications. Now Chris is very upbeat about his recovery and has made many lasting friends at the House.
Rob Shinn, a 14-year-old from Midway City, Calif. was born with Hypo Plastic Left Heart Syndrome which required a heart transplant. A month after he was born, Rob was fortunate enough to receive a heart transplant and has only suffered a handful of rejection “episodes” during the course of his life. Due to his condition, Rob is immune suppressed and has faced numerous hospitalizations for a variety of illnesses. In May 2006, Rob began experiencing problems with his current transplant and had to spend 57 days in the Loma Linda Children’s Hospital. During that time, Rob’s family stayed at the Loma Linda Ronald McDonald House until he was released. Rob is currently waiting for his second heart transplant. |
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