Hello! My name is Patrick Tomlinson. I’m a 19 year old nursing student at Wayne State University. In addition to being an athlete on the Wayne State Fencing Team, I also enjoy the outdoors. I enjoy fishing, hiking, and hunting as well as running and bicycling. I’m also a hemophiliac. Being a hemophiliac has brought many challenges to my life. Whenever I get an injury, I can bleed internally, usually into my joints. I infuse intravenous medications to correct this. Administering your own medicine can be very difficult. I feel it is very important to learn about this with others who are in similar situations. The Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan (HFM) offers camping programs for children, teens and young adults with bleeding disorders.
Of the approximate 20,000 hemophiliacs in the U.S., 1,800 of them live in Michigan. Founded in 1969 by HFM, Camp Bold Eagle was the first camp of its kind in the United States. This unique camp provides a safe environment as well as a challenging and enriching program for children and teens who would otherwise be excluded from many summer camping programs.
Eagle Expedition allows teens between the ages of 15-18 with bleeding disorders to travel to Northern California to experience white water rafting and rock climbing. It further allows them to develop their leadership qualities while inspiring them to consider taking leadership roles in the hemophilia community as well as the community at large. I have been so moved by HFM’s youth programs that I am undertaking the biggest adventure of my life to raise money and awareness for the Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan.
Bicycling for Bleeders is a 3,200 mile solo bike ride from San Francisco to Boston. During the trip I will spread awareness of hemophilia as well as solicit donations for HFM’s youth programs. While I recognize the monumental work involved in this trip, I am determined to bike across the United States to honor my friends and campers who live daily with the effects of their bleeding disorders.
You can help. In order for me to complete my goal, I am in need of both monetary and in-kind donations. Attached is a wish list of items, branding opportunities and instructions for how to donate. All donations are tax deductible. Please be part of this journey with me.
Thank you so much for your time and contribution.
Sincerely,
Patrick Tomlinson
13 responses so far ↓
1 Lynn Leithauser // Oct 19, 2007 at 8:20 am
Dear Patrick,
It would be a privilege to support your journey. What a remarkable and challenging undertaking! You’re an inspiration. Good Luck, and know that I will be cheering you onward. Lynn
2 rod borillo // Oct 19, 2007 at 10:37 am
way to go Patrick! let us all support a good cause especially Patrick’s initiative and dedication…be safe, our prayers along the way!
rod
3 Paula Gaines // Oct 22, 2007 at 5:05 am
Dear Patrick,
Your strength and courage are an inspiration to all. I look forward to supporting your journey. you will be in my prayers, see you back home safely in 3,200 miles. Paula
4 Gary Gerson // Nov 26, 2007 at 12:14 pm
Pat- great inspiration for all of us, dude! As if fencing at the collegiate level wasn’t enough! All of us Gersons are thinking of you! GG
5 Anne Henler // Nov 26, 2007 at 12:18 pm
Way to go Pat! We’re all behind you 100%. You make Camp Bold Eagle proud!!!
6 Shelly Mattson // Nov 26, 2007 at 5:33 pm
Pat, you are so awesome!!! We all support you and love you and are wicked proud of you!!! Thank you for being such an inspiration–not only to the bleeding disorders community, but to the world!!!
7 Joe Walsh // Dec 2, 2007 at 1:02 am
Pat you had better ride through Philadelphia so you can pick up my check:-) You rock sir! I am very excited for you…although I don’t envy you the Rockies. You are riding for all the Hemos, and we are proud.
8 Shawn Pelon // Jan 1, 2008 at 11:32 pm
Pat,
All I am able to say is wow. Shortly after acquiring a hobby by simply pulling out a bicycle from the dumpster to bicycling across the United States is nothing short of amazing, and deserves acknowledgment. I wish I could bicycle with you the entire way for support. You are an inspiration to me and all individuals diagnosed with a bleeding disorder. May God accompany you on this incredible journey.
9 Cheri Bissett // Feb 25, 2008 at 9:50 pm
This is totally awesome, Patrick! Stay safe and enjoy the experience.
10 Jeff VanDeusen // Mar 4, 2008 at 10:10 pm
Pat! Just saw the article in the Times Herald tonight that led me to your website. What a fantastic and worthy journey you’ll make. We will all follow your progress with enthusiasm.
11 Jen Ducasse // Mar 22, 2008 at 9:05 am
We are hearing about you in Massachusetts! My six year old son, who has severe A, is calling you a hero! Good luck with all that you are doing and your trip! You are truly inspirational to all families and children affected with hemophilia and other blood disorders! Thank you for bringing awareness to our world!!
12 Karl Score // Mar 27, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Patrick,
I think this is awesome. So many people look for excuses to not do something. You are obviously not one of them. You are an inspiration to people with hemophilia everywhere.
Thank you
Karl Score
13 Tricia Harney // Apr 17, 2008 at 11:53 am
Patrick,
Wow! What an inspirational journey! Ride safely and well…
Here’s to Tenacity & Fortitude!
Tricia
Leave a Comment