Skylar's Fight: Battling Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) through education and fundraising

 

Skylar William Bahrenburg
 

skylar and Liz in Hawaii

 

Click here for updates on Team Reach for the Sky blog: Clicker here to goto 2011 Reach for the Sky Blog Site

 

Donations to the 2011 Reach for the Sky campaign: 

or donation can be made by check to Families of SMA, and mailed to:

925 Busse Road, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 (please mention 'Reach for the Sky' campaign).

 
San Diego Sharkfest Swim - October 9, 2011
Reach for the Sky

Wow – what a race, what a weekend, what a wonderful way to celebrate the life of Skylar Bahrenburg!

This past Sunday, team Reach for the Sky successfully completed the San Diego to Coronado Sharkfest swim.  All team members made it safely to shore. And nary a shark was spotted in the process, although a few swimmers did report seeing a mean-looking halibut near the finish line.

Team members ranged in age from 11 to 58, and in swimming skills from former state record holders to “I just hope to finish the race” novices. Teammates Maggie Matthews, Mark Matthews, Brooks Bahrenburg, Chris Kellerman, Hannah Kang, and Francine Grimmer all earned medals by finishing in the top three of their age groups.

But the swim wasn’t about winning medals.  Our purpose was to have fun, finish safely, and raise money to help find a cure for spinal muscular atrophy.

And that’s where you came in.

As you may recall, we set a goal of 500 donors and raising awareness of SMA. So far, we’ve achieved 82% of that goal (donations are still coming in), and have raised nearly $30,000 along the way.

On behalf of Team Reach for the Sky, thank you for your contribution to FSMA. One day, researchers WILL find a way to overcome this terrible disease, and your contribution brings us one step closer to the cure.

In his short life, Skylar had a profound impact on those who knew and loved him. We are grateful for your part in allowing us to honor his memory in such a meaningful way.

 

All We Really Need to Know...

 

A note from Jennifer, Skylar's 1st grade teacher:

In thinking about Skylar I came up with this list that I wanted to share with you. He taught me many lessons. You know I was told I'd have a handicapped kid in my class. After the first few days I realized I didn't have a handicapped kid in my class at all. I had a child in a wheelchair and that's the only difference between Skylar and the rest of the kids. What I had was 17 different kids, all special in their own ways. I applaud you both again for raising a wonderful child.

What follows are a list of the lessons that Skylar taught me, and I think everyone in the class...

All We Really Need to Know, we Learned from Skylar

 

 
The Bahrenburg Family

A letter from Liz about the Bahrenburg family, May 2002

Read Letter

________________________

"Swimming in Hawaii" written by Skylar while staying at the Kailua Beach house June 2008 (Introduced by his Uncle Doug and supported by his cousin, Kelly)

Video Gallery

View this montage created at One True Media

Team Sky's
2007 Escape from Alcatraz event

Skylar Talking - Family

Skylar's Memorial - June 28, 2008
Skylar's Passing

Skylar passed away in his sleep peacefully on 6/21/2008. He will always be in our hearts and prayers. Read Skylar's Obituary.

Learn more about SMA

 

 
SharkFest 2003      Wannabe Cup 2004   Sharkfest 2005      Wannabe Cup 2005   Skylar Bahrenburg   Skylar Bahrenburg   Wannabe Cup 2006   
Skylar Bahrenburg                   Skylar Bahrenburg and his SMA-fighting pug