(08/20/09) - There will be a heroic story
quietly occurring amidst the cacophony of hundreds of bicycle riders in the LeBron’s
(James) State Farm King for Kids Bikeathon this Saturday, August 22 in downtown
Akron. Eleven year old Andrew Petrisko desperately wants to join the other
children, sporting ear-to-ear grins as they ride with the NBA’s premier superstar
from Akron. But his nearly life-long battle with kidney disease--- FSGS (Focal Segmental
Glomerulo Sclerosis) --- threatened to keep Andrew from the starting line this Saturday
morning with LeBron James and several of his own celebrity friends.
The NBA All Star from the Cleveland Cavaliers will host the popular family-friendly
fundraising event to recognize and reward Akron-area children who have achieved academic
success, improved their physical fitness and made important contributions to the
community. Registration is at 7:30 a.m., the eight-mile main ride, three-mile family ride
and the kids’ invitational ride begin at 9 at Canal Park. (For more, go to http://www.kingforkidsbikeathon.com)
While the race features more than 3,500 riders taking on
the streets of Akron, the Kids’ Invitational includes 400 children ages nine to 14
who have been nominated for their character, courage or acts of merit. Andrew Petrisko is
one of the nominees this year. Akron Children’s Hospital submitted his name as one of
five children who have displayed tenacity and optimism in their battles with chronic
illnesses.
Andrew became aware of the nomination during his hospitalization in the spring. His
father, Scott Petrisko, said, "Things became very scary," as Andrew’s
immune system sent his body spiraling toward kidney failure. At age six, doctors removed
both of Andrew’s kidneys. Then, his mother, Rebecca, donated a kidney to him.
His condition stabilized for the next several years, but this summer doctors at
Children’s Hospital had to come up with new ways to treat Andrew’s illness. But
the treatments put a stop to many of his activities. Rebecca Petrisko said, "Andrew
doesn't complain or waste time feeling sorry for himself. He’s a great role
model for other children." She went on to say that Andrew stayed engaged in athletics
during the summer by coaching his little sister’s softball team.
When it became apparent that his condition might keep him out of the bikeathon, LaTonya
Lewis from Children’s Hospital reached out for alternatives. City of Akron
Coordinator for Arts and Children’s Programs, Suzie Graham, agreed to research
possibilities for making the event happen for Andrew.
That’s when Rob Holl, formerly of Stark County and now a Florida resident, stepped
him. His ties to Children’s Hospital go back to the time they cared for his infant
daughter 23 years ago. Holl even designed what he calls the Carebike, for her to improve
the quality of her life and the experiences that are often missed by those who live within
the limitations of a wheelchair. The Carebike is a combination bicycle and wheelchair, and
Rob Holl jumped at the chance to provide one so Andrew could ride.
This morning, Holl was scheduled to leave Florida with two Carebikes in tow on a
journey back to Akron. But, as it turns out, Andrew’s treatments have begun to pull
him out of kidney failure. His strong recovery means he will join LeBron and the other 399
children at the starting line of the invitational ride on his new Schwinn Evolution
two-wheel bike.
And the Carebikes coming to Akron? Rob Holl is providing them to two other nominees of
Children’s Hospital, both of whom are fighting their own battle with chronic illness.
Through his generosity and inventive design, they’ll be in the ride, and Rob himself
will serve as one of the boy’s chaperones, riding him through the one mile course.
Saturday will be a day to celebrate heroes on and off the court.
