Everyone, meet Lilli. I was fortunate enough to take a ride with Lilli in a 2003 Ferrari Enzo. Lilli started going to the ER at 2 months old, when she was diagnosed with chronic hyper responsiveness and asthma, which is a form of COPD. Any little sign of a sniffle, whether caused by illness or allergies, requires breathing assistance with the help of a machine, to keep her airways open. In some severe cases, she is required to take oral steroids to stay breathing, which requires her to rest for a few weeks without activity. Luckily for both of us, the heat didn't affect her, and she was able to participate in the parade.

Lilli was so excited to be in the Enzo. With its space ship good looks, fabricated almost completely in carbon fiber, and it's 6.0L V-12 engine, made for a once in a lifetime experience for both of us. Of course I had to let out all 651 ponies at least once in second gear. She squealed with delight, or was that me...

The Ferrari and Friends Concorso always makes me an emotional mess, and although I may make it through the day without showing it, when I got home last night I cried. A combination of exhaustion and emotion finally got the best of me. Everyone involved works so hard to give these children an experience that makes them forget the toils of their everyday life, let their hair down (or out in Lilli's case), and just have fun. It is a very humbling experience, that makes me appreciate the good health of my family.

God bless you, Lilli and your family.

(Copied from my Facebook post)

 

This is Ashlyn, who had the opportunity to ride in the Ferrari 360 I sponsor, with driver Matt Pivnick, who is a Sales and Leasing Consultant at Valenti Maserati in Hartford, one of the Ferrari and Friends Concorso sponsors.

Ashlyn, now 17, was born 10 weeks early at the UCONN NICU, before CCMC had one available. She was diagnosed with Chiari malformation, cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus, and mthfr.

Chiari malformations are structural defects in the cerebellum, where it is pushing through the bottom of the skull into the spinal column. . That's the part of the brain that controls balance. Some people with Chiari malformations may have symptoms such as dizziness, muscle weakness, numbness, vision problems, headaches, and problems with balance and coordination.

Speaking with Ashlyn very briefly prior to her ride, she was upbeat, personable, just an overall fine young woman. I did not get to speak with her after her ride, but I sure hope she had fun. I know Matt did. He's still talking about the great time he had.

A very special thanks to all of my supporters:

Marcus Communications
Northeast Electrical Distributors
American Design and Manufacturing
Grafixpressions
Loco Perro Mexican Restaurant
My wonderful Aunt Sandra Butcher
and of course
Streamline Electric, LLC

(Also copied from my Facebook post)

 

Very cool, Brendon. I'm sure those kids had a once in a lifetime kind of day, and it's cool that you are able to be involved.

 

Josiah, I think you broke the Internet.

 

Morning and hoping everyone has a great 4th of July weekend.

 

Good morning everyone! Anyone have any big plans for the weekend?

 

Morning all. No plans here. My brother in law and nephew are flying in from California Saturday morning and staying the week with us. Just planning on laying low for the most part.

 

Sounds good Greg. We don't typically do very much for the 4th, but this weekend is almost completely spoken for. Friends of my wife roped us into working for a fireworks company this weekend. There's a huge show in Blaine, just north of the Twin Cities, and it's a two-day setup, so I'll be doing that on Saturday and Monday. I'm with the kids all day Sunday as my wife works another show in western Wisconsin. We may head out there and see the show, but not sure because Hannah is quite sensitive to loud noises.

Tuesday was gonna be a day for me to relax, but Hannah has been having more issues, so it's off to Children's for another MRI and visit with neurosurgery.

 

Hello Connecticut...enjoy your Thursday.

 

What can I say?