Tri for Inclusion – June 29 – Go Team Jared!

Tri for Inclusion at Parkland High School on June 29, 2013 at 8:30 am

Mikayla’s Voice Tri for Inclusion is much more than a race. It is a priceless opportunity for all children and young adults and an important message for our community. Kids of all abilities have the opportunity to compete side-by-side and together in something they had likely not dreamed possible or ever planned to do. Kids are able to sign up to compete in the swim, bike and run ~ or just one event as part of a relay team. Their efforts show our entire community that there is always a way to include everyone in everything.

If you’ve been to Coca-Cola Park recently you may have seen a video with Lindsey and Morris who have joined Team Jared and mikaylasvoice.org to raise money for this meaningful event.

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and then talking to Jared on a couple of occasions and in 2010 he was included in an IronPigs’ team set as the All-Star Kid.

While contemplating this post I arrived at the conclusion that it would be impossible to type the words explaining how Jared and his family have affected my life as a parent and a human being in the few times I’ve had the pleasure to see him.

You see Jared is one of the most amazing people I have met – ever.

Through all the adversity he’s always wearing his patented ‘Jared smile’.  Here’s a young man who has experienced what most of us can’t imagine, yet he makes sure less fortunate kids receive Christmas presents – his presents!  Jared is truly an awe-inspiring kid with equally amazing parents.

This past Sunday afternoon I found myself at Coca-Cola Park in front of a television with Jared (smiling of course) and his family watching a wonderful Service Electric piece detailing how Lindsey Knupp and Morris Morioka of The Lehigh Valley IronPigs are not only participating in the Tri for Inclusion but are also raising funds for this great cause.

Whichever IronPig employee raises the most for charity gets to ‘smush’ a pie in the other’s face and that itself may just be (almost) priceless but not nearly as much as witnessing the expressions of joy this event will bring to all the participants.

So, why not take some of that beer money or put that new golf club purchase on hold and give a couple bucks to help make sure that no child is left out of this experience for any reason. It’s something they will certainly cherish forever.

For donations to Team Lindsey – click here.

For donations to Team Morris – click here.

For further information about the Tri for Inclusion – click here.

Kudos to the IronPigs – especially Lindsey and Morris!

Thanks to Mikayla’s Voice for all the great work they do.

Most of all, thank you Jared for touching not only mine but countless other’s lives with your unyielding positivity and compassion for others!

Go Team Jared!!

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Don’t forget this afternoon at gates open at 5:30 pm. Before the IronPigs finish off the Rochester Red Wings the Miracle League exhibition game will take place followed up by the IronPigs’ Miracle League Jersey auction along with an EriK Kratz bobblehead giveaway! Click here.

“How do you like all that?”

DiPro’s Dish
@JasonDiPro