Kudos to Nathan

Since, I been here in Iraq, over four weeks now, my grandmother sent me a letter every week now. This last letter, I received a newspaper clipping concerning my cousin's son, Nathan. I thought I would share it. I hope all enjoy. Kudos to Nathan Fleecs. This is an insert from the North Platte Telegraph.

Boy rides in memory of cancer victim
By Mark Young, The North Platte Telegraph
09/11/2007

HERSHEY — Only 10-year-old Nathan Fleecs knew if he was going to have the legs to complete his 20-mile bike ride, but no one can doubt that his heart was big enough to finish his honorable vision.
In honor of a classmate he barely knew, Nathan set out from Hershey Saturday morning to pedal his way along North River Road all the way to North Platte.“It’s the furthest he’s ever ridden, that’s for sure,” said Greg Fleecs, Nathan’s father, the night before the ride. “This will be a stretch for him, but he’s been working hard getting ready.
”The fourth-grade student at Sutherland School got his inspiration from a fundraising event performed by The Connection’s Executive Director Ron Snell who poled his way down a stubborn Platte River to raise money and awareness for North Platte’s homeless shelter.
“I saw that article about Ron and thought I would like to do something like that,” said Nathan. “I came up with the idea to ride my bike because I like to ride my bike.”Nathan saw the piece written on Snell around the time a classmate by the name of Justin Svejkovsky fell victim to leukemia and a brain tumor. Nathan felt the need to do something special for his fallen classmate even though they did not know one another that well.“Nathan saw that article and said, ‘Mom, I want to do something like that for Justin,’” said Susan Davis, Nathan’s mother. “Nathan didn’t know Justin very well. They didn’t hang out together or anything like that, but Nathan’s heart just went out to him and he wanted to do something.”Initially, Nathan’s plan was to establish a memorial in Justin’s name, but Justin’s mother thought Nathan’s efforts would be better served by donating any monies raised to needy children.“So Nathan is going to make this ride in honor of Justin and donate all the money raised to help buy Christmas presents for children who would otherwise go without,” said Davis.Nathan had already raised more than $200 before even climbing on his bike and expected to raise even more upon completion of his journey.Accounts have also been established in Center’s Bank and Adams Bank of Sutherland and these will remain open. The account names are Nathan’s Bike Ride and the money will help some children have a very merry Christmas this year.Sponsors jumped on board pledging dollars per mile and made additional pledges should Nathan be successful, of which the young boy had no doubt.“We might have to stop a couple of times to rest,” Nathan admitted the night before his ride, “but I know I can make it.”And make it he did.Nathan was initially going to ride Highway 30 from North Platte to Sutherland, but safety concerns forced him to change his route along North River Road, beginning at Stockman’s Veterinary Clinic, just north of Cody Park all the way to Hershey, which is an equal distance from the original plan, if not a little further.The route was changed again at the last moment to make the ride from Hershey to North Platte, according to Greg, who said they wanted to put Saturday’s breeze at Nathan’s back.“I think what he’s doing is pretty cool,” said Fleecs. “I’m really proud of him for doing something to help somebody else.”Nathan had some company from family and friends who joined him during his ride.His mom told a story that best summed up Nathan’s compassion for his fellow human beings:“We were at the Sutherland-Hershey football game the other night and Sutherland came back to beat Hershey in the last moments of the game,” she explained. “Everyone was cheering except for Nathan who looked upset. I asked him what was wrong and he said he felt bad for the Hershey football players because they must be sad.”As for Nathan, he’s happy he was successful while raising money to help out other children, but is happier the adventure is over.Finishing the last of the 20-plus miles, Nathan climbed off his bike and said, “I’m sure glad that’s over. I’m tired.”Nathan concluded the journey by raising more than $400, ensuring a merry Christmas for some needy children this holiday season.

©North Platte Telegraph 2007