A more personal note to illustrate what a blessing AngelRide is to the families of the campers.

Moms want to move heaven and earth to make things better for their children, right? By “moms” I mean the ‘village’ it takes to heal a child.

A little background. Our daughter was injured at 7 years old with 3rd and 4th degree burns over 11% of her body leading to 5 surgeries in the first 6 weeks (plus 2 more years down the road), months of PT, pressure garments, tutors, and missed soccer games.

Our ‘village’ included a child therapist with trauma experience, a PT with burn care experience, and a very empathetic school staff. Our family and community were indispensable. The doctors and nurses at the hospitals and outpatient clinics were remarkable. We did everything possible to enlist the help of the most qualified to aid in her emotional and physical recovery…and we found such amazing people!

However, the experience that had the most significant impact on her recovery and life is The Arthur C. Luf Children’s Burn Camp. Kelsey had not known another child who had burn scars until she went to Burn Camp. She met counselors who were burn survivors, firefighters, nurses, and caring adults. They created this loving you-can-do-it, let’s-just-have-fun experience where she was not defined or limited by her scars, she was not different, she did not have to speak about her accident or how she felt…unless she wanted to. They simply provided a Camp where kids who had been through the same type of trauma could just be kids together. She gained emotional strength from that village because they knew firsthand what she was dealing with. Here we were ready to do anything, hire anyone to help her recover and this Camp was just what she needed.

Kelsey was a camper for 11 years. She is now 26 and returns to Camp every summer to be that loving, you-can-do-it, let’s-just-have-fun counselor for the younger campers. In a testimonial she wrote as a teenager, Kelsey shared: “As a kid, Burn Camp was the only place I was free from uncomfortable questions, staring strangers, and crushing insecurities. It is a safe environment necessary for many young burn survivors’ recovery and without a doubt helped me to become the strong, confident woman that I am today.”

We are grateful to the ‘moms’ who helped our daughter. The village of family and friends, emergency and medical professionals of all kinds, counselors, and campers too.

Over the past few years, Burn Camp families like mine have added another compassionate community to their village – AngelRide. Quietly devoting hours to training, volunteering, fundraising, and donating, AngelRiders are truly Camp ‘moms’. You make an immense difference in the lives of young burn survivors. You really do.

A heartfelt thank you,

Lynn Pandiani
AngelRide volunteer
Burn Camp mom

Time to spotlight another of our amazing team leaders! Sheila is a high school special education teacher and Unified Sports coordinator who is rising to the challenge of teaching her students online now that

“As a special education teacher, it can be especially challenging for students with disabilities who rely on that human interaction to make progress. I find myself not only teaching but also reaching out and connecting for the purpose of making sure my students are okay, letting them know we are all learning together…The parents need as much – if not more – support in the distance learning situation. I reach out daily and let them know how to contact me, in multiple ways…

…This transition has been exhausting from hours of learning technology, and we have all worked night, and weekends, meeting and learning- how to create a Google classroom and make pre-recorded videos and live instruction, for example. But it has also been wonderful because the teachers and administrators have pulled together in an amazing way. I am lucky to have such supportive colleagues. We have ‘breakfast’ meetings everyday with students, we see other’s kids, and pets (!) on screen and we’re virtually visiting each other’s homes. In a strange way, it’s brought me closer to my colleagues. The support is wonderful. But I miss being around them! I miss seeing my students and colleagues everyday and being in our school environment. In the meantime, I look forward to seeing them everyday on screen.”

Thank you, Sheila, for all you do to take care of your students & their parents as we all adapt to a different reality!

If you are involved in any aspect of the response to #COVID19 or if you know someone who is, please let us know! Email info@angelride.org. We would love to share more stories. 

We would love to shine a spotlight on another of AngelRide’s team leaders, who has also been involved with the

“As a medical technologist in a public hospital laboratory for many years, I helped maintain the computer database that makes the connection between specimen collection to lab testing and results – ultimately delivering those results electronically to doctors and their patients in an accurate and timely fashion. With the very sudden appearance of COVID-19 and a large increase in the volume of testing, I felt it was important to step back in and help! I have been working with the lab at my hospital to create a method in our database to process and post results to providers. It’s a process that is changing daily, as new testing facilities are needed and new tests are developed. I’m proud to be contributing in even a small way to help get us through this!”

Thank you, Carole, for all that you do and for sharing your story! Please #StaySafe as you continue your important work.

We are shining a spotlight on those in our community involved in the Coronavirus response, and who better to start with than the inspiration behind AngelRide herself- Angel! Angel is a survivor of childhood cancer, and her strength in her journey helped mold the mission of the ride – to ensure that children struggling with illness or trauma don’t miss out on the chance to be a kid.

Today, Angel is still involved in AngelRide as one of the team leaders who helps throughout the year to plan the ride. She is also an RN at a cancer center, and shared her experience with us:

 “I help manage and infuse many people’s cancer treatments. We are not on the front lines, but this is not an office that can be shut down. Our patients need their treatments. We have been doing everything we can to have ‘business as usual’ while keeping our patients and staff safe, including screening calls, no visitors, and wearing a mask all day. Our patients are so vulnerable, as they are all immunocompromised, and they look to us for calm advice and reassurance. I have to keep myself safe so I can keep them safe.”

Thank you, Angel, for all that you do and for sharing your story! Please stay safe as you continue your important work.

A different road brought each of us to AngelRide. Whether you were faced with the effects of cancer or knew someone who had been; whether you are a burn survivor or know someone who is, we join together as an AngelRide community to make a difference in children’s lives.

My journey began as a young child that suddenly went from a happy normal life and was thrown into the suffocating quicksand that is cancer. I spent three years in and out of hospitals across the country. I was constantly meeting with specialists and researchers all the while being bombarded with chemo, radiation, and a variety of chemicals that left me unrecognizable to those that had known me my entire life.

After going into remission adjusting to normal life was very difficult. With a delicate immune system, I was required to limit my exposure outdoors and often made to wear masks out in public. In the early 90’s school systems were unsure of what to do with me. At that time all their efforts to protect me and ensure my wellbeing unfortunately made me even more of an outcast. I was sinking into a very deep depression. Then I was invited to The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. A summer camp specifically designed for children that had gone through the same nightmare that I had. A camp of peers. I was surrounded by children suffering the effects of prednisone and chemo. Children who had similar scars and trauma. We were also surrounded by smiling counselors that were there to help us remember happiness and joy and what it felt like not to be judged. Over the next few years I attended similar camps and each one had the same core values. Give children the childhood they almost didn’t have.

25 years later I came across a bike ride that gave back to the camp that had given me so much. I had to find a way to become part of this. Through the help of a coworker, who also was a long-time rider, I embarked on my first AngelRide in 2015. Arriving back at camp more than two decades later left me speechless as the emotions took hold. It still felt like home, the smells, the sounds, and most importantly the staff. All the joys came rushing back. Being able to see riders and volunteers experience that same feeling was incredible. Then in 2018 AngelRide announced that this was the final ride, much to the dismay of many that had become part of this massive family of friends.

Later that summer I was invited to join in a small group for a tour of a new camp and potential partnership for AngelRide, The Arthur C. Luf Children’s Burn Camp. Our group was met outside by Kathlene Gerrity, Executive Director of the CT Burns Care Foundation. She was very protective of this special place and all that it stood for. We soon saw the reasons why. As we met the volunteer camp staff, I came to realize that many of them were firemen and women, medical and emergency professionals, and former campers who were taking time from their already hectic lives to give even more of their time and of themselves. The dedication of this special group of people was simply astounding.

The Arthur C. Luf Children’s Burn Camp was not designed to treat the physical injuries so much as the injuries to the mind and the soul. You could see the impact on every smiling face, the sparkle in every eye. As we walked the campgrounds, I saw none of the luxuries that I had become so familiar with. There were no AC units. There were limited power supplies, but also there was a beautiful pond that was made for swimming and fishing. It was nature with no barriers. Each activity we came across was designed to not only bring absolute joy to the campers, but also help them rebuild their confidence. Simple games and crafts were being used to reteach muscle groups to preform tasks that we take for granted every day. Even more amazing was the fact that at each group of cabins was a campfire. This campfire was kept going and reminded the campers that fire and heat are not something to be feared. I was amazed and can only imagine the trepidation that some campers must go through when first encountering this.

During our lunch I was able to sit down and talk to several campers and although we were informed not to ask about their past, no restrictions were put to the campers. Being able to speak openly to strangers is a huge step. I was once again struck by the strength of these children and their willpower to keep moving forward. I also came to realize that just as Hole in the Wall Gang Camp changed the lives of all who attended or were blessed to work there and experience camp, so did the Arthur C. Luf Children’s Burn Camp. Each visit will at first, for a very brief instance, leave each of us in shock and most likely tears. However, that will only last for the blink of an eye. As you will soon be overwhelmed with the love and compassion that emanates from the campers and staff. Your vision is flooded with children laughing and playing. Your heart is healed. The shock is gone. You suddenly feel like a kid again and want only to go to camp and play.

The little girl stands in a clearing in the woods, her chin tucked to her chest, her gaze cast down on the sun-dappled forest floor. Beside her, her camp counselor leans close to see her face, searching for the words to ease the child’s fear.

The girl is named Nevaeh, heaven spelled backwards...

Read more at the Boston Globe…

It has been an honor and a privilege (although the tips have been a bit meager, the payback has been more than phenomenal – partially described below). I sincerely thank Fred and Lynn, all the mangers, riders, and other volunteers for such a deep set of life changing moments.

It has been an honor and a privilege (although the tips have been a bit meager, the payback has been more than phenomenal – partially described below).

I sincerely thank Fred and Lynn, all the mangers, riders, and other volunteers for such a deep set of life changing moments.

Since 1988, and before I became a baggage handler, I was a camper parent and volunteer at Camp. In one of my roles I was responsible for fund raising with a group of dedicated parents. In brief, we were not terribly effective (we lacked critical public recognition outside of the Camper and medical communities). About the same time I was called by Fred and Lynn (just before the first RIDE). That asked for some help with a wild idea. I had no clue what was about to happen. Did anyone?

The first year was small (37 riders if I recall), but it was also clear that failure was not an option, enthusiasm was sky high, and things were about to really develop. And it blossomed. Among the many things it did for the Camp (and therefore the kids and their families) as it grew and evolved was to turbo charge the image of the Camp. Each year as the riders rolled across the state as ambassadors of the Camp and its’ ethic, the image, stature and healing message of the Camp grew. It put the Camp on the map. I saw it. I felt it. Everyone did.

For me personally, there are many experiences I would love to share. Perhaps the most memorable two examples involve the 2006 and 2007 Rides and our two sons. Both involve learning moments (for me). In 2006, the younger son (at college at the time) decided he was interested in riding a road bike (no real experience, but it was only across Connecticut). He raised all his own pledges (a large number of them at a couple of bucks each from his buddies) and decided to ride for his older brother – who had attended Camp for several of the Camp’s early years. He joined the lead group as they rapidly peddled off in the wrong direction. After riding a total of 98 miles the first day and doubling up on some miles on Day 2 (to encourage some lagging riders), I complemented him and expressed my pride on his athletic performance (completing the ride each day with the first finishers). He rejected the compliment. Then proceeded to advise me that his performance should be expected from a college rower with little else to do but exercise, and that if I was going to be impressed, I should direct my compliments to the “older guys” that he rode with because they were special, and did not have a brother who had attended or benefited from Camp. For me, a truly an amazing epiphany. I recorded the Ride as a milestone event in the transition of boy to young man and a life lesson. “The Power of the RIDE”.

The second learning experience came the following year. By that time older son (and camper) was in his residency at Brown. He met me at Camp on Day 1 to make the RIDE to Mystic on Day 2. We were sitting by the craft shops when a woman asked if an EMT was available as her friend and rider was not feeling well. I said I had an “almost doctor” right there. I assisted in moving the young woman to the OK Coral and left them and ran to the theater to get the assistance one of the AngelRide doctors (thanks Terry!). I was then able to observe how those two worked together and took care of this rider, not just then, but throughout the night taking turns checking in on her condition as she rested comfortably in the infirmary. She was well in morning, and the sun was out. Of course it was … “The Power of the RIDE”. Another epiphany, the first time you get to see your son in action as a doctor!

And lastly, (if you are still reading this – thank you), the question is: “What have you learned about the Power of the RIDE? Many good things I am sure.

Half a league half a league, 1.5 miles
Half a league onward,
All in the hills and valley
Rode the two hundred:
‘Forward, the Bike Brigade!
Charge for the rest stops he said:
Onto the Hole in wall Gang Camp
Rode the two hundred.

Half a league half a league, 1.5 miles
Half a league onward,
All in the hills and valley
Rode the two hundred:

‘Forward, the Bike Brigade!
Charge for the rest stops he said:
Onto the Hole in wall Gang Camp
Rode the two hundred.

‘Forward, the bike Brigade!’
Was there a person dismay’d?
Not tho’ the bikers knew
Someone had blunder’d:
Theirs not to make reply,
Theirs not to reason why,
Theirs but to petal & fly,
Into the Ashford Camp
Rode the two hundred.

Plunged in the sweat soaked shirts
Right thro’ the line they broke;
Local and foreigner
Reel’d from the petal-stroke,
Shatter’d & sunder’d.
Then they rode onward
Almost all of the two hundred.

Sag wagons to right of them,
moto to the left of them,
poop out pick up behind them
petaled’d and thunder’d;
They that had biked so well
Came thro’ the jaws of killer hills,
Back from the mouth of Hell,
All that was left of them,
Left of two hundred.

When can their glory fade?
O the wild charge they made!
All the world wonder’d.
Honour the charge they made!
Honour the bike Brigade,
Noble two hundred!

My first experience with the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp was in early August of 1995 as a volunteer for a 10 day session.

I learned within hours that the ground on which I was roaming was hallowed. I worked with the oldest kids that summer and the first camper I met from my cabin was a 6’4″ 17 year old hemophiliac who ran immediately to the basketball courts where he would spend every free moment for much of his next 10 days. He was a good player, but he could only play the game he loved, the way he wanted to play it, for 10 days a year. The other 355 days on the court would risk a bruise or a scrape along with a trip to the hospital.

This was a real life “All Summer in a Day” moment, the 1950’s sci-fi-fi short story of life on Venus where the rain stops and sun comes out on a group of schoolchildren briefly for one day every 7 years. To see this on Earth was overwhelming, it was thrilling to be a part of. More importantly it made me proud that a place like this existed to make the rain stop and the sun shine for a moment on all its campers. This little Hole in the Wall in Ashford was truly hallowed, divine, sacred.

Over time for many of us it would also become angelic. This is why Angel Uihlein happens to have the perfect name. The Hospital Outreach Program is also a moment where the sun shines briefly for kids living on a rainy planet. Every story has become overwhelmingly heartbreaking and sometimes, with HOP’s help, heartwarming. But, those kids in the hospital rooms catch a glimpse of the sun with each visit.

I write this as an open thank you to the camp staff for allowing us the overwhelming honor of spending the night at camp. I will never forget that camp, the cabins, and those bunks weren’t built for us. Each year I use the walk back to our cabins at the end of Day 1 to be thankful for this: Just because we raise a little money and climb a couple hills, we are allowed to fill the bunks meant for those amazing children. No way are we deserving and it is deeply humbling. I will never feel entitled to this honor and I thank you all for allowing us to be part of the gift of camps light.

On Memorial Day Weekend I took to the roads with 600 cyclists and volunteers on a mission to help bring joy, fun and smiles to kids with serious illnesses by raising money for the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp’s Hospital Outreach Program. I pedaled…. I sweated…. I smiled…. and I will forever be grateful for this amazing experience.

Here is a little recap for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!

The Start

The Saturday start was at the Yale Summer Music School in Norfolk, CT. Beautiful. I got a ride to the start from my awesome husband and was all types of nervous. Where do I go? Where do we park? What do I do when I get there?. Advice to incoming newbies – Chill. Out. We got there at 6:15 AM and there was PLENTY of time to check in and figure out what was what. Your bags get sorted on the lawn based on where you are staying at camp, easy peasy. There is a big rack for the bikes. There is a big tent with a delicious breakfast for you to enjoy. All low stress and easy to navigate. I even met Lynn, who is in charge of the ride, while walking from the car. I also met Angel, (THE Angel) a former camper and current nurse who the ride is named for and who came up with the crazy awesome idea for this crazy awesome ride, while I was checking in. I bounced up to both of them like the giant golden-retriever-puppy version of a human that I am (minus the drool – I think) to say hi. They were so nice – theme of the weekend – everyone is beyond nice.

The Ride (Saturday – 85 miles)

Saturday’s ride was amazing. And hot. Like, STEAMING hot. High of 95 degrees, in Connecticut, in May. I’m not sure why Mother Nature was trying to kill us. Thankfully, the team of tireless volunteers thwarted her best efforts. Take that, nature. The route was beautiful, scenic, and hilly. FULL. OF. HILLS. The Northwest corner of the state is no joke. The finish riding into the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp grounds with riders and volunteers cheering was emotional, and great on many levels. And not just because I was finally done. (Ok – a lot because I was finally done.) But also because I had made it! And my struggles for the day paled in comparison to those faced by the kids who would soon be at this very camp. It is humbling and inspiring.

Go bright or go home!

The Camp

The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp is a pretty spectacular place. Founded in 1988 by Paul Newman, it is a place for seriously ill children and their families to safely enjoy a camp experience and just be kids. I was super excited to finally be able to see the camp, since “outsiders” are rarely allowed access. What a special place!

We were treated to a delicious dinner, ice cream, and a show in the theater which included some volunteer recognition, info about the Hospital Outreach Program (HOP) we were supporting, a FABULOUS dance-off by two HOP/Camp alums, and a magic show (complete with a cameo by yours truly, who got pulled up on stage to do a rope trick. I’m a natural!). We slept in camper cabins and in a lodge used by staff when camp is in session. Very cool!

Oh-Oh-Oh it’s Maaaaagic… get my pun in the post title? get it?

Where I got to stay!

Outside the dining hall

Our fife and drum co. wake up

The Ride (Sunday – 50 miles)

Sunday’s ride as not nearly as hot or hilly as Saturday (Thank. God.). We met in the center of camp for some announcements, the National Anthem, and a group photo. The moto crew led us out again and 15-ish minutes later, we were off and rolling! The route was rolling, scenic, and on my home turf which was nice. The route into Mystic was on roads I ride often and know well, and it was nice to know what was coming. I also had a cheering squad at the lunch stop at Hopeville State Park! The last rest stop even gave us a set of wings to ride to the finish with.

Riding through downtown Mystic during tourist season can be a little hairy – be prepared to be in some traffic for this section. It’s short, but full of cars and pedestrians who are more interested in looking for Mystic Pizza and selfie ops than looking out for the girl on a bike in the middle of the road with a helmet full of fake daisies. (Seriously… you can’t miss me. Don’t pretend like you can’t see me). Once you’re through that mile, it’s cruise time into the Mystic YMCA for the finish line party!! We were again met with tons of great volunteers and a cookout You can also buy some AngelRide merchandise here, and the YMCA was open to use the bathrooms and showers. A very nice plus after a hot day on the bike. There is also a kid’s ride at the YMCA on Sunday which was great to see, and a 22 mile shorter option from Hopeville to Mystic for anyone not able or willing to do the full 2 days or the 50 mile ride. Lots of ways to get involved and ride!

The Volunteers

No recap would be complete without a huge THANK YOU to the volunteers. The Angel Ride volunteers were AMAZING. This dedicated bunch kept us safe, cool, fed, and smiling through some pretty challenging conditions. The moto crew was fantastic! They led out each day’s ride, manned every intersection, and maintained a constant presence on the route – making sure we were hydrated, safe, and had help if needed. The bike tech crew was there to help with any mechanical needs (thank goodness I didn’t need their help!). The “WINGS” support vehicles were everywhere as well, making sure anyone who needed help or a break with a quick lift in the car were quickly attended to. At every rest stop there were smiling faces cheering us on, directing traffic, cooling us off and filling our water bottles. All of these people gave up their holiday weekend to support the riders. The happiness all around was palpable. The cowbells were plentiful. THANK YOU, from the bottom of my heart. You made a great thing even better.

The moto crew

If you couldn’t tell, I loved every second of the ride and I will most definitely be back. If you are any type of recreational athlete, I encourage you to seek out some sort of charity event. Doing something you love and giving back at the same time? Priceless.

I will leave you with some parting shots (courtesy of the HOP website) that say much more than any words I could put together. This is why I ride. This is what your donation money supports. We are creating desperately needed laughter and smiles. And there is still time, if you would like to donate. Let’s continue to create miles of smiles, together. http://events.angelcharitiesinc.org/goto/carlyeisley