Faith's Monumental Visit to South Dakota

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When I received my niece, Sydnee's graduation announcement in the mail, I thought it might be the perfect opportunity to visit my brother and his family for the first time at their home in Spearfish. I also thought it would be the perfect opportunity to see Mount Rushmore, which I had never seen before!  My nephew in Nebraska was graduating that same weekend, and my sister Dawn and I tried to put together a plan where we could go to both of their graduation receptions. I knew though, that Faith would feel left out and would want to go, too. I also knew it was going to be difficult to find someone to look after Faith over Memorial Day weekend.  Our finalized plan involved Dawn traveling to South Dakota with me and Faith and then her flying to Nebraska by herself. Faith and I would then drive back to Bismarck by ourselves.  3 adventurous travelers  I must admit, as the trip got closer, I started to get a little anxious about how Faith was going to do with so much drivi...
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Great GABR Moments

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First of all, I'd like to thank the 2012 Faith's Fantastic 12 GABR Team: Becky Eske, Beth Kaylor, Cassie Brazell, Gwen Barone, Julie Jensen, Katie Huizinga, Kent Kaylor, Krysta Wrath, Rob Bousfield, Sarah Hoffman, Tanya Steckler and Brooke Schaff.  

Thanks for riding and for fundraising!

Also, a huge Thank You to all of you who donated to Faith's Fantastic 12:
  • Mike and Deone Lawlar (Grandpa and Grandma)
  • Cousin Vicki Hammond
  • Fran Dwelle
  • The Bitz Family
  • Tom & Diane Hahn
  • Michelle Stahl
  • The Sago Family
  • Peg Walth
  • Sandy Bauer
  • My dear college friends Janee Anez, Resa Hartl, Kristi Holzer and family
  • Faith's cousins, Sydnee and Kenzie Lawlar
  • Faith's auntie of sorts, Nicole Samuelson and family
  • Coworker Blaine Kincaid
  • Barrett Pharmacy & Variety of Watford City
  • Centennial Elementary School's staff and students
  • The mystery man from Marathon Oil
Also, thanks to my brother Todd of Todd's Consulting, Inc. - Onsite Oil Well Supervision and Directional Drilling, who sponsors our T-shirts every year!

One of my favorite parts about GABR is seeing many of those we have met along the way in our journey with Faith. I can see why many of the kids with CP and other disabilities compare this day to Christmas because it is like one big get-together with all of their favorite people! 

It is such a wonderful day and as always, we made many wonderful memories and had some great GABR moments including the announcement at the end of the race that they had already beat last year's total amount raised of $300,000!

Captain Cari, Faith and Coworkers from Coventry

Faith and friends from school, Ashley and Paige

The crowd got bigger and bigger throughout the day

Faith and Paige cheer on their kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Steckler

Cousin Beth her husband and Benjamin who loved the bike!

Hey Katie, isn't there a rule about riding and texting?

GABR Stars, Nathan Zent and Tyler Schwab getting interviewed on live TV

Faith's friend Brooklyn stops by to say hi

Rob pedaled the most miles on our team 7.44 which put him in the top 10%!

Faith and Dr. Kevin Murphy, her physiotherapist and GABR founder

Brittnee couldn't ride but drove all the way to Bismarck to show her support!

Krysta gets fanned to cool off after her ride

Thanks for a great day! Peace out!

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