DK Angels
Diamond Kid Angel--Ethan Andrew Murray PDF Print E-mail
Ethan cutie pieETHAN ANDREW MURRAY
August 1, 2008 to March 13, 2009

Diamond Kid 2010 is dedicated to Ethan Andrew Murray, a sweet little boy who continues to bless the lives of others from his new home in heaven.

Diagnosed early with a terminal grade of Cystic Fibrosis, Ethan began a series of surgeries at 5 days old which succeeded to extend his precious little life to 7 months.  His family treasures the time they were able to spend with him and will forever be grateful to the Ronald McDonald House for making this time with him possible.

Ethan's aunt, Diamond Kid friend Ashley Guinto, has initiated this DK charity drive in his honor so that with your help, Ethan's life can make it possible for other families to share precious time with their little angels, too. 

As a Diamond Kid, YOU can help.  It's easy; just pay a parking "fee" of donation items to the parking attendant when you come to race Diamond Kid.  The parking "fee" is required but does not have to be money.  You may bring whatever you can from the list below, with a minimum of 2 items.  We'll have a special prize for the Diamond Kid who donates the most.  All of you can help Ethan Murray make a difference.

 

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE WISH LIST FOR DIAMOND KIDS

 

 TABS
TABS

 CASH
PIGGY BANK

SNACKS
applesauce snack cups
fruit snack cups
pudding snack cups
cookie snack bags
cracker snack bags
chip snack bags
snack cakes
granola & cereal bars
dried fruit snacks
fruit roll ups
fruit snacks
mustard & mayo packets
sandwich bags
plastic spoons

 CLEANING SUPPLIES
small wastebasket trash bags
kitchen trash bags
large heavy duty trash bags
liquid antibacterial hand soap
bleach
dishwasher detergent (powder)
laundry detergent
PineSol
Lysol
Formula 409
toilet bowl cleaner
stainless steel cleaner
Tilex
fabric softener, dryer sheets
air fresheners, spray cans
    
PAPER PRODUCTS
paper napkins
paper plates
plastic silverware
toilet paper
Zip-Lock bags (1 gal)
PANTRY ITEMS
coffee
creamer
sugar
flour
cereal
chocolate chips
cookies
OFFICE
copy paper (letter size)
birthday & thank you cards
manilla folders
address labels, Avery 5160
post-it notes
3 ring binders, all sizes
ELECTRONICS
video camera
new computer equipment
computer backup drive
QuickBooks 2006 Windows XP
Quark Xpress for Windows XP
RMCD House
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Las Vegas
2323 Potosi St., Las Vegas, NV 89145  |  (702)252-4663  |  (702)252-7345 fax  |  http://www.rmhlv.com/
 
07 and 08 DK Angels, Don Albietz and Barbara Tronnier PDF Print E-mail

Diamond Kid 2008 dedicated to Barbara Tronnier

Diamond Kid 2007 dedicated to Don Albietz 

 Barbara Tronnier 

Diamond Kid 2008 was off to a respectful start this year, as announcer and Channel 13 news anchor, Nina Radetich, led an emotion-filled moment of silence in Barbara Tronnier's honor.

Barbara was a dearly loved wife, mother, and teacher who rode her bike to work, taught middle school, and loved to play and ride bikes with her family.  She has touched many lives in the community and is sincerely missed since her tragic accident on Thursday.  Just two days before her kids were going to do the triathlon, she was hit and killed while riding her bike to work at Caldwallader Middle School.  We at Diamond Kid were devastated to hear the news and immediately dedicated the event in her honor. 

Then the next day, on Friday, we learned the true strength of the Tronnier family spirit as we heard that they would still be coming to the race and that the kids would race in their mother's honor.  It was inspiring to see the kids race and to visit with Barb's husband, Dave, who handled the day with gratitude and grace.  It was as if he knew she was still there in heart.  Dave is such a fun guy, you can't help but smile around him, even in times of sorrow.  He has a way of making everyone around him feel good.  The children, McCray and Bryar, were an inspiration to us all as they were able to channel their courage into enough energy to win 1st and 2nd place in their divisions! 

They were each also awarded the highest medal of honor at the race, called the "Don Albietz Award".  Don Albietz is revered as a local hero, metro officer, and former Diamond Kid father who was also tragically hit and killed a few years ago.  His family (who was volunteering at the race) carries on his legacy with honor and grace just as the McCray kids do their mother.  We couldn't imagine a more fitting pair of kids for this highest of Diamond Kid tributes.  Bryar and McCray embody what every Diamond Kid does, and that's a spirit of strength and vigor and courage in the face of challenge.  You can see it in the face of every Diamond Kid as they round the final corner with such intense effort, then see the finish line, and instantly light up and sprint to the end with a great big, proud smile!

According to close family friend, Julie Willis-Leon, "Yesterday's [Diamond Kid triathlon] was the first critical step in this family’s healing journey.  Dave said, “I arrived here with a lump in my throat and hole in my heart and I left there with a smile on my face.”  For Dave and the kids to know that they are not alone in this devastation and that people (an entire community!) acknowledged and acted on their loss was a tremendous gift.   Several people approached him who had children in her classes and I don’t think any of us had any idea how far reaching Barb’s life would be." -Julie.

Diamond Kids (and anyone else) are encouraged to get sponsors for their recent race on the attached form.  Bank account information is also posted on the attachment.  Please call me (Heather Fisher, 274-0116) with any questions.

In the news interviews, Dave pleads with drivers to respect and acknowledge riders because cycling is a good thing "for the environment and our bodies and our hearts and these [kids], too."   Dave and his kids continue to lead the way, and ride on, even in this difficult headwind.

See these inspiring stories below, and we'll see you on Saturday at the Tronnier celebration!

Channel 13 News Stories

Cycling Advocacy:  Check www.saveredrock.com for things we are doing to try to make cycling and all kinds of recreation safer.  Email ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) to add your name to an email list for cycling advocacy if you don't already get emails from the saveredrock.com cause inspired by Don Albietz' life, and now Barbara's, too.  With the support of people like you on our advocacy list, we have been able to get a bike lane built through Red Rock Canyon and pass a state law prohibiting commercial trucking in the canyon.  We are currently working on designing a paved bike path for families (that will go through Red Rock from Summerlin to 160) and trying to stop rumble strips from going on Mt. Charleston.  We are also working on safer commuting and environmental cycling campaigns and lower speed limits.

2007 Diamond Kid Angel--Don Albietz