This year, Team Pink Lightning rides to support Dr. Frank Accurso's cystic fibrosis research and to honor the loving memory of Elinor Newman and her unwaivering support of Bryan Warnecke's efforts to raise money for cystic fibrosis research.
"Nana" to her family and Ellie Newman to the rest of the world touched many lives all over the world. Her gifts of books and computers to the children of Negril, Jamaica over many years was enough to fill their library. Through a Fulbright teacher exchange program, she taught at a poor rural school outside of London and over twenty years in the Jefferson County Schools and Weld County as well as volunteering in schools after she retired.
For over a decade, she was an unwaivering supporter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, volunteering every year on the Gala committee. She was always there to support Bryan's efforts to raise money for Children's Hospital Colorado including bike rides and radiothons. We could not have completed the 2014 Pink Lightning Tour without her support and encouragement.
Nana passed in 2015 and her absence will be felt in many places but especially as we ride. As a last gesture of her big heart and generosity, she left a portion of her estate to support Dr. Frank Accurso's cystic fibrosis research and we will use that money to match all donations to this year's Team Pink Lightning Courage Classic ride.
Please join us in finding the cure and in honoring her memory and legacy!
Nana, we love you and miss you!