Poker run

SCATV charity Poker Run to benefit Micro Preemie twins

By RICHARD A. ROSS

SMALLWOOD, NY — For nearly a decade, a sporting event in Sullivan County has been more than just a day of fun. This year, the Sullivan County ATV Association (SCATV) will host its 10th annual Poker Run on September 13 and once again a pair of ailing children will benefit.

Each year, the SCATV selects two children in Sullivan County in need of medical assistance, whose families could use help in providing for their child’s medical bills and other costs associated with their care. The children are located with the help of local pediatricians and word of mouth.

To date, SCATV has donated $131,000 dollars to local families. At the annual dinners for the past two years held to thank the numerous landowners who allowed their property to be traversed, two checks for $10,000 were presented to two children’s parents.

SCATV hosts two annual ATV Charity runs, the largest run held in September with up to 700 ATV riders. The courses are 55 and 30 miles in the summer and 30 miles in the winter. The event is coordinated with local law enforcement and town officials to ensure a safe and legal ride.

Tiny preemie twins are this year’s recipients

Mason and Madison Dunn are twins that were born at 23 weeks gestation, weighing just one pound, 12 ounces and one pound, six ounces on July 13, 2007. The children arrived via an emergency C-section and have fought for life every day. The first 127 days were spent in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in incubators covered, it seemed, with numerous wires, tubes and plastic.

Parents Robert and Jolynn first held their babies when they were 10 weeks old. This first 10 weeks saw numerous complications, including a collapsed lung and kidney failure. By three months old, each had each had laser eye surgery. With extensive training for the parents, the children were finally allowed to come home. The children are currently on oxygen 24/7.

A normal day consists of therapy and doctors’ appointments. Times get rough for the new young parents. With the help of relatives and friends, a team of 11 doctors, one nurse and six therapists, things seem to be improving each day.

This year’s event will be held at the Smallwood Mongaup Valley Fire Department. Registration will open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 10.30 a.m. The cost for this year’s event will be $75. Sign ups on the day of the event will be $100 cash. The ride is limited to the first 600 riders to sign up. To obtain a registration form call 845/794-2422. For more details visit www.scatvny.com.

Breakfast and dinner will be included. No alcohol is allowed on the ride. Helmets, registration and insurance are required.

Documentation of registration and insurance must be produced and a waiver must be signed on the morning of the event. An itinerary will be provided. Raffle and door prize tickets will be drawn when the first group returns, and tickets will be posted on a board.

Visit riverreportersports.com for pictures of the event. Read about it in the September 18 issue of this paper.