Angelman Syndrome Foundation    Bill Burke's Training Partner - Ollie Fundraising Page
Page Creator: Everest Inspired

On Monday, May 25, 2009 Bill Burke reached his goal of climbing the summit of Mount Everest. This feat made him the oldest known American to make it to the summit. To honor this accomplishment and those who inspired Bill's journey, this page has been created. Join us in honoring Bill Burke and Ollie Dillon's accomplishments by helping to fund research for Angelman Syndrome. Thank you!

The Angelman Syndrome Foundation seeks to improve the lives of individuals with Angelman Syndrome (AS), and their families. Through education, information exchange and support for research individuals, families, healthcare and education professionals benefit from a greater understanding of AS and improved therapies and treatment. Our ultimate goal is prevention and cure.

In Honor Of Bill Burke's Grandson Ollie

Fundraising Target: $2,500.00
Total Raised So Far: $2,205.00


My Personal Message

MY TRAINING PARTNER --- Oliver Dillon, my grandson, is my inspiration and my hero. He is 8-years old and is disabled. We do not have a definite diagnosis, but Ollie displays many of the symptoms of Angelman Syndrome.

I have assumed a large role in Ollie's life, helping him to receive the care and treatment he needs. He, in turn, has changed my life forever. He has made me sensitive to the needs of the disabled and our obligation to assimilate them into society and help them to realize their full potential. He has helped me put everything in perspective and appreciate what is really important in life, with faith, family and friends at the top of the list. He has made me a better person in ways that are too numerous to describe.

Ollie is in a special education school and receives intense physical, occupational and speech therapy at school and from private and public therapy service providers. His doctors, teachers and therapists are wonderful. He climbs his own Mt. Everest every day of every week. I have such enormous respect for his courage and stamina. Ollie reached a very significant milestone on his trip to the summit when he started to walk on his own in December of 2006--my best Christmas gift ever.

Ollie is helping me train for Mt. Everest. On Sunday of each week, we take 40-50 mile bicycle trips in the mountains and along the coast. I pull him in a trailer behind the bike. We love spending this time together.

Ollie travels with me to every mountain I climb, in the form of a photograph. God willing, should I stand on the summit of Mt. Everest, Ollie will be standing beside me. -- In Bill Burke's words excerpted from EightSummits.com

 
Online Donors To Date
Display Name Comments Date
Anonymous Congratulations on an amazing accomplishment! 5/28/2009
Michael Wow! I don't know them, but here's to Bill and Ollie! 5/28/2009
The Ford Family Congratulations and thank you for sharing this journey with us all -- The Ford Family 5/28/2009
Stacy Stone Congratulations on your successful Everst climb. You and Ollie are truly an inspiration to us all! The Jeff and Stacy Stone Family 5/28/2009
The Tester Fam Go Ollie Go! xo! your friends from the park 5/28/2009
Trish Steele Bill, congratulations. What an achievement!! We are honored to make this small donation in your honor. The Steele Family 5/29/2009
Loren Kleinrock Dear Bill, Thanks for your commitment to raising funds for the Foundation. We have two grandchildren with Angeleman's Syndrome, and we certainly relate to your emotions. Your words are truly inspirational for us. Loren and Sandy Kleinrock 5/30/2009
Carol Gaetano Ollie and Bill, you both are an inspiration. 6/1/2009
The Lindt Family 6/1/2009
Sherry And Jay Haber We are honored to contribute to your cause. Congratualtions! 6/1/2009
The Macdonald Family Loved sharing your adventures and accomplishment over the last 3 years. Congrats! 6/1/2009
Anonymous A warm welcome home. We were all routing for you. 6/7/2009
Art And Lorna Wardwell Congratulations! What an accomplishment! What an amazing bond with your grandchild! 6/8/2009
Nancy Best Congratulations Bill! It has been so exciting following your adventures over the years. We are so happy for you and Ollie! 6/8/2009
Rivera-san Bill and Ollie -- you have both been an inspiration in my life. May God continue to watch over your entire family. Love u, in Christ Jesus! 6/19/2009
Joe & Kathy D'Amico Bill...you are an inspiration to all. My friends all followed your trip and we spoke often about you. We loved following your blog and we know the best is yet to come in your life and in Ollie's. God bless. 6/19/2009
Michael Boeckmann Bill, this is not the speediest response in recognition of your amazing accomplishment but it will bring you closer to your fundrasing target neverthless. Have a wonderful summer reviewing all the pictures and videos and planning your next adventure and spending time with Ollie. Congratulations again Michael Boeckmann 7/3/2009
Total Raised Online: $2,180.00
Amount Raised Offline: $25.00
Grand Total: $2,205.00
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