Prayer request - friend down....

[yzernie]

Those of you here at ATM who know me have experienced my personality and know I have a zest for humor and life in general. I rarely ask for anything form the ATM family however, in this case, I bring some sad news and simply ask for your compassion for another dirt biker.

A pretty good friend of mine, Dave Stephens, is a Pirelli/Michelin dealer and is responsible for an aging mx'er (me) and many other mx'er's and Supermoto riders receiving tremendous sponsorships for tires. Dave recently ventured into an agreement with his employeer where, in addition to his mx dealership, he has taken over the west coast SuperMoto supply for the company(s). Dave also works for Home Depot as an estimator for their home rebuilding department. Dave also has a special needs daughter who travels with him to every race/event he attends. Needless to say he is a busy man.

A couple weeks ago Dave was diagnosed with cancer. I'll forego all of the nasty details but he is currently unable to work while undergoing intensive radiation treatment in preperation for chemotherapy treatments. At this point, the doctors do not know if he is cureable but they should know within the next couple of weeks. As a result of his new position with his employeer, he has no medical benifits yet.

I gave Dave and his family my entire overtime check for November because I figure he has saved me at least that much over the years. I'm not going to ask for any donations but, if you are so inclined to assist please PM me and I will get you info.

What I am going to ask of you though, is that you say some prayers for Dave, his family and the medical staff treating him for this terrible illness.

Thank you, Ernie Kopasz

[char393]

E,

You can absolutely count on our prayers.

[MotoMan]

You can count on prayers from Indiana my friend.

[Big Maico 393]

Erine:

All you need to do is ask & you shall receive!

Prayer's sent!

[Motodad393]

Ernie,

Check your PM's and send me the information requested. I will keep Dave and his family in my thoughts and prayers.

[b-bike393]

Big "E",

I will keep Dave Stephens before the Lord in prayer.

We can relate to what he is going through.

[mnewmanfla]

Prayers from Florida for Dave and everyone around him through this difficult time. God Bless.

[911_Racing_Dad]

You can always count on prayers from Ohio. We will keep everyone involved in our prayers and thoughts.

[Imahoot393]

Wow Ernie. So sorry to hear this about your buddy. Prayers from Calif too.

[Florida 393]

Ernie,
After all the prayers and thoughts you have given me over the years this is the least I can offer. Dave and his family are on my prayer list as long as it takes. I'll get up with you by P.M. next week. Please keep us up to date on Dave's treatment and his needs. After all you have done to keep my spirits up helping a friend out is what we need to do.

Bill

[joe346CBMX]

YZ E,

Prayers from Illinois for Dave, his family and his doctors.

Attitude/faith and prayer are key. I have a friend/co-worker who has survived 10 years with cancer. It's not been easy but he's lived 10 years longer than the doctors thought possible. Butch has said many times he has no doubt it is the Grace of God and the power of prayer that has kept him alive and given him the strength to go on.

We will pray for your friend.

God Bless, Joe

[KKXR400R]

Ernie,
Prayers will be going out for Dave and his family. If there is any way we can help please let me know.

-Kevin-

[Mainjet2001]

Ernie....
Prayers from Surf City.
May Dave be comforted and thank you for your request.
Many of us can relate in one form or another.

[Keetoman393]

Prayers from North Texas.

[yzernie]

Thanks to all of you who have sent your prayers, well wishes and sent donations to help out Dave and his family. I want all of you to know how much I appreciate what you are doing. This whole situation with Dave just tugs at my heart. he and i are very close in age and when things like this happen I realize how truly fortunate I am to have my health and friends like all of you here. I plan on seeing Dave on Monday and telling him of the prayers and donations. I know he will be very appreciative.

[robertc]

Originally Posted by Keetoman393

Prayers from North Texas.

make that 2

[tatonka]

Ernie - prayers are on the wing from Colorado.

[Motodad393]

Hey Ernie - Watch your mailbox - I sent you a little something on Friday. All the Best for Dave and his family.

[Dirtbikindad393]

Ernie,

Thoughts and prayers from our family to Daves. Please tell him we wish him well!

Dane, Deb & Jack

[yzernie]

I didn't get to go see Dave on Monday as planned because I have been down the last several days with some type of bug that has me afraid to eat. I was also afraid to pass that on to Dave. The good news is that through some very generous donations from some very kind and compassionate folks here at ATM I will be able to present Dave and his family with a substantial sum of money. Thanks again to those who donated.