Following is an excerpt of a letter written to the Push America office from Sue Hamilton, a volunteer for the north team in Grand Island, NE.
My name is Sue Hamilton and I am one of the parents who help to Sponsor the Push America cyclists when they come through our city each year. We were lucky enough to meet Jason last summer. I am not sure if he ever mentioned Brittany to any of his friends but she is our "daughter" who came to us through foster care when she was 10 weeks old. She is now 5. Brittany has shaken Baby syndrome and cannot see. Her father abused her. Anyway, Brittany doesn't take to strangers well, but when she met Jason, they immediately connected. They spent the entire evening together. After that we kept in touch with cards and emails. Our last contact with Jason, he was telling us that he was excited to tell us that he was coming to NE to ride with the Push America guys into Grand Island and spend some time with Brittany. We were all excited that he was going to be able to make it out here.
You know sometimes in life you are lucky enough to meet a special person that touches your heart. That person to us was Jason Tirado. We could see it the first time we met him last July, and we continued to see it in his cards he sent and in the touching gift that he sent Brittany last Christmas.
He was truly an inspiration to all and even though we are hundreds of miles a part, we also feel the loss of a friend.
Jason will truly be missed by so many people. He impacted the lives of hundreds of people during his time with Push America. A memorial fund has been established in Jason's name at Push America. To make a contribution, please send checks to the Push America office, made payable to Push America. Please indicate in the memo section "In memory of Jason R. Tirado."
"A Warrior for Good."
