May 1st Fundraiser
Louisiana
Results

Dr. Tomatsu & Mike Lewis

Ryan the Winner of the Bike

Dane Lantier
Dr. Shunji Tomatsu
Mike Lewis

Hello Everyone!

Just a word to let you all know that "Bikes for Mike" was a success! We made a little money, quite a few friends, and even got some recognition in the media. (We may even get more recognition, as there were at least two representatives from the media at the UCM Museum during our event!)

Attached is a picture of Mike Lewis (on drums) and Dr. Shunji Tomatsu, lead Morquio research pediatrician from St. Louis University. The second picture is of the Grand Prize bicycle, Schwinn Sting Ray (as remade by Orange County Cycles), with the winner Ryan E. and Mike Lewis. (If you are going to publish this, I do not know Ryan's last name, but may be able to give you more information. You may call me at (985) 871-4201 for more details.)

We would like to thank everyone who made this day a success--beginning with John Preble and Ann O'Brien, because without their UCM Museum, we wouldn't have had an event at all! Also, a special thanks goes out to Dr. Shunji Tomatsu, who came all the way from St. Louis to be with Morquio patients and their families. And to the donors of prizes, sundry items and writers of articles, thank you. Without your support, to a person most of you have never seen before, we would have made no money! Finally to those people who purchased raffle tickets, bid at our silent auction, ate jambalaya, burgers, and hot dogs, and to those who allowed their kids to play games, thank you for coming! It was wonderful to see old friends and meet new ones! Thank you all for your support! We hope to see you again soon!

There were two Morquio patients at the event. Mike Lewis, after whom this event was named, is a first grade student at Lyon Elementary School in Covington. Dane Lantier, the other attending Morquio patient, is a fourth grade student in Broussard, LA. Louisiana's Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco honored him as a "Young Hero" on April 28 of this year. Both young men have had surgery to help them live more normal lives.

We hope that Dr. Tomatsu's research will one day help not only them but all of the children and adults that have Morquio Syndrome. Dr. Tomatsu found the gene that gives these children problems and created the enzyme that they are missing. He is now at a critical stage in his experiments trying to ensure that this enzyme targets the patients' bones.

We do hope to see all of you again soon! Thanks for everything!

Michelle Lewis
(Mike's mom)