Riley's journey/ Crappie for a Cause event....

[Midsouth Man]

I had the absolute pleasure of personally meeting Riley Lentz today and her family. From the get go, Riley was a very personable teenage girl with a "Face of an Angel" and I think you will agree after you view this picture:



When we walked in, Riley was unwrapping the Christmas decorations from the tree and I could tell, this family event was one that made her extremely happy. Her favorite ornament was the moped ornament shown in the picture.

After some discussion on Riley's progress ( for those of you who don't know, she has beaten cancer many times!), we discussed a little about the future and dr appointments coming soon.

You see, Riley has many side effects from the last round of treatments. Hearing loss and loss of appetite are just a few. But I was glad to hear from Melissa ( Riley's mom ) that she had eaten a few bites of real food today. When you have been stricken by a disease like this, small steps mean everything.

I was able to talk to Riley and get a picture of me and her with her favorite ornament:


This actually made me smile, probably more than Riley! What a blessing!

The winner of the event, walker733, obliged me in making the trip to visit Riley with me.?Mr. Walker showed no selfishness with his bid for the event. Substantial amounts of money was donated on this trip, not only by walker733, but by anonymous members of crappie.com.

As you can see, the smile on my face was matched by his in the following picture with Riley:

Walker 733 is a stand up guy who has a heart the size of Texas when it comes to this type of event. My heroes in the world include vets, teachers and people like him who unselfishly donate their time and money to those in need.

We ended the trip with a discussion with Melissa, who also has another child who is disabled, and thanked her for the opportunity to visit with her family.

I have met strong willed women before, but Melissa is one of the strongest women I have ever met. I can only imagine what she has been through and God has a special place for women like her.

I can only thank God for the will and strength to make this type of event happen. I can also thank God for people like Walker733 for without him, this would have never happened.

For all of you who bid on this event, I sincerely thank you, from the bottom of my heart. For those of you who who have the means, I challenge you! Get out and make a difference.... And yes, one person can make a difference!

Until next time, tight lines from team Midsouth.

[Crappie Greg]

That's an awesome picture and the smiles say it all, great job to the both of you and wishing the best for Riley!!!!!!!!!!!

[windstone]

unreal, wtg guys...

[hawgdog]

Awesome!! Great people make great things happen.... Period!!

Best wishes to Riley and family

[arkcrappie]

That's got to be the best smile I've seen in a while. Thank you Dennis for what you are doing! I'm sure God has a special place for you too!

Children like Riley are exactly why my wife and I donate our time and money to St. Jude.

[walker733]

All, I met Riley's mom when she was pregnant with Riley, I have known her situtaion throughtout her life. She is more than an Angel, she is a fighter, trooper and someone that will make it through whatever she is faced with! Her smile is contagious and will bring tears to them strongest of men/women. As Dennis mentioned she has a sibling that is handicapled also and her mother is problably the strongest person I have ever met. Please pray for their familly and if you have it within your heart to donate to a great cause contact me and I will get you their contact information so you can show how much this wonderful family needs our help.

To Dennis, your dedication to allow yourself and others to try to make a small difference in peoples lives that most of us do not know is beyond belief. Dennis you are a great person and I admire you more than you could ever know.

Here is a link if you would like to follow Riley's Journey and show your support. https://www.facebook.com/rileylentzjourney

Brett Walker
501-519-0045

[Harold]

My heart goes out to her.

[Gindog]

Thanks so much you two for what you have done for this young lady In sure she be talking about for a long time

[D10]

Dennis, you catch some awesome fish but this work far exceeds your other accomplishments. Great work!

[ski trip]

Awesome, Dennis and Brett! People like you really do make a difference. What a blessing this must be to Riley and her mother! Thank you for sharing this with all of us.