Well, well, what have we here?  New meat for the animals.  Andrew Johnson, our new Junior Ambassador and latest victim, er. . . participant, of the ride joins the traveling circus along with his brother Aaron, the evening before.  He is in for a surprise.

Surprise!  A local television station would like us to be available for a morning live TV feed at O dark-thirty, which means before the sun comes up.  This looks like it will be the start of a long day due to the interviews at 6 a.m., visitation beginning at 11, and support group meeting at 6:30 p.m.  Rachel Edwards of HealthSouth worked hard to arrange this day for the benefit of their patients and we are extremely excited about being able to accommodate her.  However, Joe will somehow, someday, somewhere, pay for this long day.

After a predawn arrival at HealthSouth, we meet Lynn, the reporter, and Jim, the cameraman.  She remarks about being afraid of Kip.  It must be that early morning snarl that curls his lip. 

Riding through the parking lot, the group practices their formation. 

Andrew is preparing for his interview and working on that baby-face, mean man look.

After a short, easy ride through the streets of Mechanicsburg, the group, along with some local guest riders, arrive at the facility for the visitation.

Another warm and enthusiastic reception greeted us as we rode into the facility.  Patients, staff, people from the community, and others, welcomed us with handmade signs, applause, and plenty of flag-waving.  These receptions are very overwhelming.

Mark Leonard, a local member of the short-leg club, greets James and swaps stories of working in the emergency services field.  He is very active, positive, involved in his community, and quite an inspiration.  Thank you Mark for your generous support.

So much for losing pounds as we cross the country.  The facilities really provide plenty of sustenance for the group to assist us in maintaining our energy levels and keeping our clothes fitting as well as they did when we began. 

The riders enjoy having the opportunity to visit with the staff of the HealthSouth facility as well as patients.

Listening to the welcomes, presentations, and speeches, the attendees of the event hope to hear words of wisdom. 

Here they are still waiting. . .

. . . and waiting.  No really, the crowds have been very supportive and patient while the group shares their messages.  However, we have had to put Richard on a time limit.

One of the many signs of great encouragement and support.  In a couple of weeks though, we will have "Got 'er done".  Thanks for the encouragement!

Andrew gets right into the spirit of the visitations.  He has brought a very big smile to Mariann's face.  He really connects with the people. 

The day finished with joining the local Amputee Support Team, of which Dick Nickle is President, for an evening of sharing and socializing.  The dinner was very delicious and the snacks were more than we could eat (but we tried).  Thank you all for allowing us to join you for the day.  You are what the trip is about.  Keep up the good work and thank you for the inspiration.

Thanks to Colleen Hickey, chief administrator,

Rachel Edwards

Hanger Prosthetics  and John Williamson

American Diabetic Association

American Trauma Association

Hampton Inn

Homewood Suites

Hershey Foods

Lower Allen Police Dept

Drive Kore

Special Procedures Center for Pain Management for generous donation