The Fundraiser
Ainsley’s Angels strives to build awareness about America’s Special Needs community by promoting inclusion through the participation in various endurance events and serving as advocates in the local community to educate the public about the special needs community. Sean Bates and his brother Taylor Bates have set a goal of participating and completing the famous Marine Corps Marathon in Washington DC with their Ainsley’s Angels family. To compete, they each have to reach a fundraising goal of $775 for the event. Your donation to Ainsley’s Angels of America (CFC #41252) will help Sean and Taylor realize their goal. Any donation amount is greatly appreciated. Read on to learn more about Sean’s story.
Sean’s Story
Sean Bates is the brother of Taylor and Erin Bates. He was born prematurely at 32 weeks and at one month of age, Sean experienced a near SIDS event that caused hypoxic encephalopathy and severe athetoid /dystonic cerebral palsy. Sean’s brother Taylor and sister Erin spent their youth participating in youth soccer and Sean spent many days travelling to their games. But once his siblings graduated, the family searched for an outdoor activity that Sean could be an active participant. After doing some research, the Bates Family came across a group called “My Team Triumph” that was inspired by Rick and Dick Hoyt. Rick’s book, One Letter at a Time, inspired Sean’s family to become involved in running. In 2014, the family fundraised Sean’s first running chair, called the Freedom Chair through Ainsley’s Angels. During their search for this chair, the family made contact with retired US Marine, Major Kim "Rooster" Rossiter. Kim’s daughter, Ainsley, was diagnosed with infantile Neuroaxonal Dystrophy, a very rare terminal disease. A physical therapist introduced Rooster and his daughter to running. Ainsley’s first race gave her a smile that her parents had not seen for some time. Running with her family provided her joy, at a time when the disease was taking away her freedom to move. Ainsley and her inspiring family’s story can be found at AinsleysAngels.org. With Sean’s chair in-hand, he and his parents met up with Rooster and the Ainsley Angel’s family in Lake Charles to run in the Sunset 5k on the 4th of July. Visiting home from college, Taylor became involved and raced with Denise Griffith a fellow Marine and friend of Rooster in a Half Marathon in White Rock, TX. Since then, Sean has participated in one full marathon (BMW Dallas Full Marathon), five additional Half Marathons including the Cowtown Half Marathon as well as various 5k’s and 10k’s with both My Team Triumph, Ainsley’s Angels and Team Hoyt Texas. Sean just recently purchased a Hoyt Running Chariot which he got to pick out himself (see picture). Sean and Taylor are training for the Marine Corps Marathon and greatly appreciate your help!
