PARTY ON, RONNI STEVES

October 19th. Everyone knows a great party has three key ingredients: good friends, good food and good music. Ronni Steve’s party had all three and was memorable in more ways than one.

With Bon Jovi blasting in the background, upwards of 100 people helped celebrate a milestone together with Ronni and her family. With the lines blending between family, friends and volunteers, all gathered on a beautiful fall afternoon to witness a gift of love from many hearts. All eyes were on the fifteen year old energetic mechanic as she accepted a 1969 Dodge Charger presented by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Although missing the necessary engine and motor, it was Ronni’s desire to receive this vehicle, (the same as the General Lee in the 1980’s hit Dukes of Hazzard t.v. show) so she and her father, Henry, could restore it together.

Henry proudly lifted Ronnie from her wheel chair and gently placed her in the driver’s seat, where she happily beamed while smiling for pictures. There was no doubt in anyone’s mind that she would be working with him side by side as soon as she was able.

Director of Program Services for Make-A-Wish, Cheryl Unger, was also part of the presentation.

“It took nearly a year to find exactly the right vehicle” she explained as cameras flashed illuminating Ronni’s face as they were taken.

“There was never a second choice for Ronni, and we wanted to get her what she was asking for. We didn’t want to let her down.”

Make-A-Wish serves 17 counties in New York State. Ronni was diagnosed with leukemia 18 months earlier. Having already received a bone marrow transplant from her sister, Jilly, aged 14, there are high expectations for remission as she continues to get stronger.

She has been traveling to Bethesa, Maryland every month for monitoring and treatments, and to maintain her continued growth. Some of the costs connected to travel and other critical expenses have been alleviated with the help of the members of the volunteer organization Wayne County Children’s Cancer Society.

Member Bill Bolling explains that they are not exactly like Make-A-Wish, but are similar in their intent.

“We offer financial help and services when things are tight. Some families don’t sign up with us in the beginning, because they are still in somewhat of a shock. We offer help in many different ways, making sure the entire family is included and informed.”

They hold two fundraisers a year; this year a Steak Roast at Captain Jack’s in Sodus on April 5th, and a Golf Tournament at the Sodus Heights Golf Club on August 10th. Both events typically earn over $10,000 every year.

Friends from as far away as Bethesda were also on hand to share in the presentation. Beth & Billy Mulcaire and Bobby Burke drove from their neighborhood near the Bethesda National Institute of Health where Ronni is treated.

“We all got to know the Steve’s family during their visits here in Bethesda” said Beth.

“They are a wonderful family, and we felt it was important to be here with them.”

Linda and Henry Steve wanted to recognize the literally hundreds of people who have been involved with their family during Ronni’s journey.

“We are so grateful to Make-A- Wish and the Wayne County Cancer Society, but also to the people of this community. The participation and outpouring of love has been overwhelming and we can’t begin to explain how we feel. From the fire departments and ladies auxiliary who held pulled pork dinners, to Williamson High School’s International Cook Book which was dedicated to Ronni and our family, and the many area churches who have continually prayed for strength and healing, we are so grateful and we thank you.”

Ronni Steves wants to own her own mechanic garage when she is older, and can think of no better way to get started by restoring a vehicle with her dad.

As the last words of Bon Jonvi’s “I Will Love You, Always” faded in the background, there was no doubt the love for Ronni and the Steve’s family from this community will be strong for a very long time.


To contact Make-A-Wish call 716-810-WISH or http://www.westny.wish.org/.
To contact Bill Bolling call 315-576-0698 or http://www.waynecountykids.com/