Contact: Tammy Schwartzer (608) 279-0822
Sun Prairie, WI– For years, 39 year old bicycling enthusiast, Jamie Dressel, of Sun Prairie, had one mission in mind– to complete the infamous Southern Tier Bicycle Route. Recently, Mr. Dressel discovered that he would be losing his job after that his employer of almost 20 years announced it would be closing its doors. He opted to view this life-changing event as an opportunity vs. setback and immediately began mapping his route. As he reviewed the trek ahead, he and his wife discussed wanting the quest to be about more than miles completed – they wanted to make a difference. It was then that Jamie reached out to a local March of Dimes chapter to discover how his planned journey could work to bring awareness to the organization’s mission – and change the future for families across the nation.
The Dressel’s were introduced to the March of Dimes and its mission seven years ago, following the stillbirth of a friend’s infant son. “There was no explanation for the loss. He just died.” said Dressel, “One day they were planning for him – the next day, he was gone.” Dressel continued, “It occurred to me that the impact of that loss spread well beyond just [our friends] and their immediate family. [Their employers] and co-workers, friends, friends of friends… we all felt it.” Following the loss of their child, the Dressel’s friends were introduced to the mission of the March of Dimes and formed a small family team that participated in the organization’s March for Babies event. Over the years, the team has grown in number as have the funds raised on behalf of the organization. “Every year they share what the group raised collectively, and share information on the research and programs we have helped support. It really helped raise our awareness of what the March of Dimes is doing, has done, and how easy it is for someone like me to really make a difference. And that’s what I hope to do.”
Dressel’s 3,092.5 mile trek will begin April 17 in St. Augustine Florida and will take him through Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona with a final destination of San Diego, California. He will continue to share updates with followers via his travel blog http://www.trainingwheelsnotincluded.blogspot.comas well as via Facebook and a designated fundraising page through the March of Dimes March for Babies site (http://www.marchforbabies.org/jdressel.)
The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.
“In the end, it’s just miles ahead of me or behind me. If some kid I’ll never meet has a chance to take a breath, laugh, play… or, ironically… ride his bike… then it was a success, right?”
For more information, contact Tammy Schwartzer at 608.279.0822.
