Let's Roll TEXAS! - Benefit and Fun Run: Ride Free for Cristy

April 16, 2012
Colorado, USA

Biker Fun Run and Benefit
Saturday - April 21, 2012
For: Cristy "Calvert" Withers (daughter of Ray "Tex" Calvert)
Fish Fry/Fun Run - Silent Auction/50-50 Drawing
American Legion Post #202 - Wichita Falls, TX
1101 Scott Ave - Phone #940-322-8600
Registration: 10 am - First Bike Out 10:30am
Lunch (included): 12:30 PM
$15 solo - $20 with passenger
Cristy needs a double lung transplant
"Tex" is a Senior Ride Captain with Patriot Guard Riders

I call this event Ride Free for Cristy because that is the name I attached to a digital art poster I designed to generate funds at the benefit auction - Ride Free. Actually, the benefit is sponsored by American Legion Post #202 and North Texas Patriot Guard Riders.

Download and Share Flyer for Cristy Fun Run & Benefit
Please Feel free to print and post or download and share this flyer.

Why I am involved:
Cristy "Cris" is the daughter of close friend Ray "Tex" Calvert. Ray and Laura Calvert are the type of friends who are more family than family. Here's a word for you - they are Framily. They are about as tight with the Folks (Ted/Frosty and Inez/Nezzie) as two can get and always there with a helping hand, a shoulder to cry on and are generally in the thick of whatever fun and mischief is afoot. Those qualities make them Framily in my books.

Make a note: Framily = friends who are more family than family.

Here is the situation:
Cristy "Cris", age 43 is Ray's daughter. She married Brent Withers in 1992. They live in Midland, TX. Cris is mother of two lovely daughters - Nickelynn (23) and Brooke (18). Prior to this illness Cris was employed in real estate sales.

Cris fell ill in the Fall of 2011. Her condition was initially diagnosed as bronchitis and then double pneumonia. She was hospitalized in October 2011 and has twice survived a deadly attack of ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome). Cris has severe scarring of the lungs due to pulmonary fibrosis. She has miraculously survived being put on a ventilator, drug-induced comas and several risky procedures.

Her condition is severe and she is in dire need of a double lung transplant. At present, Cris is vigorously working through rehabilitation trying to get healthy enough to get transferred from a Midland, TX medical facility to Baylor University Hospital in Dallas, TX.

Here is the purpose:
To help Cris and family with medical, living, alternative housing and travel expenses or whatever else they need during this time of crisis.

It is inevitable that some defeat will enter even the most victorious life. The human spirit is never finished when it is defeated... it is finished when it surrenders. ~~ Ben Stein

If I knew nothing at all about Cris, I would know from those closest to her how special she is in their hearts and their lives. By all accounts she is loving, considerate, generous, compassionate, and caring to a fault. Add to that a visual most commonly mentioned - she has a beautiful smile and engaging sense of humor.

But, what gets my attention is this young woman's courage and tenacity in the face of seemingly overwhelming odds. I speak often of our brave and heroic veterans on this blog, but there are other more exemplary and perhaps more humbling examples of endurance beyond all belief.

Nothing is more life-affirming than triumph of the human spirit.

No surrender! Good for you Cris! We have your back, Miracle Girl.

We are keeping a good thought for Cris, her family, her friends and especially our friends Ray and Laura. We ask that those of you who happen upon this post do no less. We know you will.

FYI: This post will remain in a prominent position through April 21, 2012 after which links to updates and donation pages will be updated and posted on the side bar and in future posts.

Link to an article about Cris and family in West Texas publication. Emboldened by family's love, woman prays for lung transplant - Mywesttexas.com

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This is the digital art poster "Ride Free" I created exclusively for this benefit auction. (Those of you who make it to the Fun Run - know that a framed 16x20 version is up for grabs at the silent auction). Click on the image to see a larger version - poster will not bear the white © Wayfaring Stranger watermark as does the post image.

This is the first time I have created digital art for such a purpose. Stay tuned because I plan to make the benefit poster available on Our Harley Days soon in an on-going effort to benefit Cris and family.

So - Save the date - April 21, 2012! Grab your biker babes and buds and rumble in to Wichita Falls, TX for a little fun and fish in support of a great cause. Thanks again and please feel free to leave your thoughts and wishes for Cris and family - I will share them.