Story and photos by: Ricky J. Carrasco
Many outside of the El Paso biker scene do not know that Mark Barnett, son of Sherman Barnett and owners of Barnett Harley Davidson, battled leukemia. He says that he remembers that he must have used at least 30 units of blood, platelets, etc., back in 2003 while he was in a Houston hospital receiving treatments. He further remembers that his sister organized a blood drive for him. Republic and Mancuso Harley Davidson stores in the Houston area also organized blood drives for him. “Even the mechanics from Republic got on their bikes and came after work to help me!”
“When I returned to El Paso, I remember thinking someone must have sat there and donated of their time and their own blood. If our friends and family in Houston were able to run blood drives for me there, why not make a blood drive here in our own home?” Indeed, Mark says that every year, on average, United Blood Services and the local hospitals run about 2400 units short every year. Much of our blood supply routinely comes in from out of town. “When we had our first drive in 2006, we broke a record. We collected 360 units.” Mark keeps numbers of every year’s blood drive statistics on his wall. “Now, we expect between 600 and 700 units between the Las Cruces and El Paso stores. Other blood drives don’t compare.”
Mark is happy to clean out his office so the United Blood Services can have extra room inside the store to take donations. “It’s a lot of fun to have all these people come in and donate. We’ve managed to give out many goodie bags. For those who come out to donate, we want to make it worth their while, especially the bikers. Bikers bring in about 30-40% of the donations. When you think about it, many bikers unfortunately will probably need those donations back.”
LuAnn Wieland at U.B.S. says that the Barnetts have always been gracious with their drives. “They give a lot to the community and help out our cause a lot! Not a lot of business owners would clear out a portion of the sales floor and even their own offices to make more space for us, our equipment, and our personnel.”
As for Mark Barnett, he is happy to report that he is 100% in remission. He acknowledges that all the anonymous people who sat to donate of themselves is a huge part of his recovery.
In El Paso alone, there is a dire need for blood and and blood products such as platelets and plasma. Every day, there are traffic accidents, home accidents, cancer patients, surgery patients and many other people who need the gift of life. If you would like to donate, contact a Untied Blood Services office near you.
Category Lifestyles |
Photos by Ricky J. Carrasco
On August 21, 2011, the Mad Hatters MC hosted “Alex’s 2nd Annual Ride to Recovery. The proceeds from the run were donated to the New Life Restoration Center, a Christian based facility that helps recovering drug addicts. 2 years ago, Robert “Pit Bull” Alvarez and his wife, Sandy, lost their son, Alex, to a drug overdose at only 25 years old on September 6, 2011. 8 months later, Alex’s girlfriend, Erica, gave birth to their daughter Alejandra, named after her father. Only 3 months later, Erica also lost her life to a drug overdose.
“Alex’s Memorial Foundation” was established to raise money to benefit non-profit drug recovery centers. If you would like to help, contact Robert Alvarez or ask any Mad Hatter.
(Thank you to Sandy Raudry for providing the information for this story)
Category Lifestyles |
Story and photos by: Ricky J. Carrasco
On July 30th, the Combat Vets Motorcycle Association held a golf tournament to raise money for local area homeless veterans. “Tigerazo,” a unit leader, stated that CVMA would like to help the vets coming through in the local homeless shelters. “They (homeless vets) need help. We would like to help get them new bedrolls, tents, sleeping bags, clothes, etc.”
Tigerazo states that, during Christmas, he found many vets at the homeless shelter and saw a need. “I would like to do a swap. ‘Give me your bedroll and I’ll give you a new one.’ The problem is that from place they camp out, their stuff can carry bedbugs, which carry MRSA, a flesh-eating bacteria. They wouldn’t know that they’re carrying it until it’s too late.”
The CVMA understands that many homeless veterans, after many years on the road, and having been trained in survival skills, prefer living independent and outside. “My idea is to get them the tools they need to survive on their own. I would like to get them the military grade stuff, like army bedrolls and entrenching tools. Military grade equipment is tough enough to be used day in and day out.”
Tigerazo says that in order to help a minimum of 20 homeless Vets would require between $2500 to $3000 to get the necessary supplies. Other needs include underwear and male/female toiletries, and combs. “Edge Kawasaki is a sponsor and we’re the beneficiaries. We are hoping that there will be other such functions annually.”
Stephanie Sanchez, office manager at Edge and director of the tourney, stated that they were happy and proud to sponsor the tournament. Sergio, owner of Edge, is a disabled vet himself. “We wanted to give back to the community that has supported us for so long. A large chunk of our business comes from Fort Bliss. We are looking forward to a continuing relationship with the CVMA.”
Category Lifestyles |
