Nick's Battle
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This is to keep everyone up to date on what Nick been able to enjoy and plan on doing.
My Adventures 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
To meet Ronnie Milsap (Thanks to Dundalk Heritage Fair)
Click here to see photographs with Ronnie and Nick
July 2003
Sesame Place(Thank you to Lauren and Bill Amberman for the tickets.)
We had lots of fun.
August 9, 2003
Go onto field before Ravens Vs Bills preseason game, and watch game from The Advance Business System Suite ( Thanks to Believe in Tomorrow, Advance Business Systems , and the Baltimore Ravens.
August 30, 2003 (Click here to view pictures)
Spend an entire day with a NHRA team and crew. (Thank you Believe in Tomorrow's Hands on Adventures with NHRA and Rick Quezada).
Nick was able to meet John Force, Kenny Bernstein, Whit Bazemore, Troy Coughlin, Clay Millican, Cory McClenathan, Tommy Johnson Jr., Larry Dixon, Mike Edwards, Gary Scelzi, Mark Pawuk, Doug Kalitta, Scott Kalitta, Antron Brown, Angelle Savioe, Doug Herbert, David Baca, Darrell Gwynn, Tony Pedregon, Frank Pedregon, Cruz Pedregon, and Darrell Russell. I would like to offer thanks to all of the drivers that spent time with Nick. Nick does appreciate and enjoy talking with the drivers.
Nick was especially thankful to John Force, for all the time spent with him. Thank you to Mike Green, Crew Chief for Tommy Johnson Jr., and David Baca for allowing Nick a special treat of sitting in their respective cars and showing him how they work. Thank you to Whit Bazemore and the MATCO Tools team for the autograph car. This is something Nick and have to remember after his sight is gone. Trust me he remembers everything that was shown to him.
We would like for all the teams of the NHRA to always have safe and successful runs.
Special thank goes out to the Budweiser New Hampshire Clydesdale Hitch. Nick enjoyed everything you did.
We even had to go back and say bye to Louie the Dalmatian.
September 3, 2003
Baltimore Orioles versus Seattle Mariners.(Thanks to Believe in Tomorrow, Baltimore Orioles, and Cal Ripken)
September 15, 2003
NHRA - Lucas Oil Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway.
We would like to thank all of the over 40 drivers that signed the helmet. This helmet is going to be auctioned off to benefit Juvenile Batten Disease Research. A big THANK YOU to G-Force Racing Gear for donating the Helmet. Please check back for the auction date and place yet to be determined. It did rain that day so a couple of the Autographs were either light or slightly smudged. If you would like please email me at john@nicksbattle.com to be put on a notification list.
Drivers that signed, not in a particular order: John Force, Kenny Bernstein, Whit Bazemore, Troy Coughlin, Jeg Coughlin, Steve Schmidt, Scott Weis, Shawn Gann, Greg Anderson, Bruce Litton, Gary Densham, Kurt Johnson, Bob Gilbertson, Cory McClenathan, Craig Treble, Andrew Hines, Tommy Johnson Jr., Larry Dixon, Gary Scelzi, Mark Pawuk, Doug Kalitta, Scott Kalitta, Antron Brown, Rhonda Hartman-Smith, John Smith, Morgan Lucas, Don Prudomme, Bob Glidden, V Gaines, Doug Herbert, Scot Geoffrion, Larry Morgan, Geno Scali, Reggie Showers, David Baca, Tony Pedregon, Frank Pedregon, Cruz Pedregon, Tony Schumacher, and Clay Millican
September 23, 2003
Duke University to meet Dr. Rose-Mary Boustany MD
Nicks visit to Duke was a good visit this was an informational visit for both us and Dr. Boustany. We are putting Nick on an experimental drug called Flupirtine This medicine is available outside the United States. This will hopefully slow the progressing until a cure is found.
October 4-5, 2003
NHRA - Lucas Oil Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway
Back to Maple Grove for the postponed Lucas Oil Nationals. We were privileged to meet a very special person over this weekend. His name is Jay Blake. He is car owner and crew chief for Follow a Dream Top Alcohol Funny Car driven by Todd Venney. Jay was involved in an accident in 1997 that took all of his vision, his sense of taste and smell. He spoke with both Nick and our family. After which, he took Nick a put in him in his funny car. The advise that he offered us was taken to heart and we cannot thank him enough. Also, congratulations to Jay and his team on being Top Alcohol Funny Car runner-up.
We also want to give John and everyone at the Force Camp a big "THANK YOU!!" for giving us a place to "hang out" during the rain and everything at the track. This is something that is invaluable to us. This allowed Nick some freedom with his limited sight.
October 13-17, 2003
Disney World
We spent an enjoyable 6 days in Orlando thanks to American Trans Air, Southwest Airlines, Joe Batten, Marianne at Fairfield Resorts.
We visited the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Disney MGM Studios, Blizzard Beach, Downtown Disney, and Universal Studios. We were also blessed by having my brother Dana's family (Dana, Anne, Thomas and Emily)there with us. Anne, my sister-in-law, took care of almost all the arraignments. This could not have been done without her. We had a great time there with them.
Please click here to see various pictures from the trip.
December 7, 2003
We took the family to Medieval Times for a our family's birthday celebrations. This was a wonderful experience. Nick used his binoculars to watch the action during the performance. He and his sister Addie were both knighted for their birthday celebrations. Thank you to King Alfonso for what you did with Nick. This just added to his memories.
We took everyone up to Ski Whitetail to go Snow Tubing. Nick was a little scared in the beginning. However, he loved going down the hills soon thereafter.
February 15, 2004
We went as saw Toby Keith in Concert at The Baltimore Arena. Thank you to TKO Management for the Greet and Meet Passes. Nick enjoyed meeting Toby and the Military. This was a very enjoyable time for him. Nick was evening standing up and dancing to the music.
June 2004
Nick was able to Ride along with Frank Giallonardo at Mason/Dixon Dragway
A Big Thank you to Frank, Denise, and Elmer. To see pictures click here.
July 15-17 2004
NHRA O'Reilly Eastern Conference Finals.
Click here to see Nicks Pictures
Click here to see pictures of friends at Bristol.
August 5-8, 2004
Nick attended his first Batten Disease Support and Research Association convention in Kansas City, Kansas.
He made many new friends while there. He had a blast and was very sad to see his friends leave. He will see them next year in Columbus, Ohio.
Click here to see Nick's Pictures.
August 8, 2004
Our family went to see the Steamboat Arabia where Nick was allowed to touch some of the Artifacts. He was also able to talk to Dave, one of the people that did the dig. We also went to Worlds of Fun later that afternoon. Nick had a ball at the park there were many ride that he wanted to ride , but when it came time to get on that was anything. He did enjoy riding the Monsoon, Grand Prix raceway with dad many times, Le Taxi, Autobahn, Red Baron, Woodstock Express, and Viking Voyager. He wanted to do the Thunderhawk until he knew it spun around. Mom and Addie went and rode the big rides(rollecoasters) A good time was had by all!!!!! (sorry no pictures someone left the camera outside)
Click here to view Pictures from Steamboat Arabia
August 20, 2004
Nick was crowned honorary champion of The NWL Wrestling League. This was held in conjunction to The NHRA Division 1 Championships held at Capitol Raceway.
Click here to see pictures of Nick's at Divisional's
August 21, 2004
Nick was given a ride in Josh Gamber's Junior Dragster. This was a very exciting time for everybody. Thank you goes out to Carroll and Lisa Gamber, Kim Cunningham and everybody at Capitol Raceway.
Guess what???? Nick had a hard time cheering the final race. He had two friends racing each other Josh and Phil Gulledge. Josh ended up being the winner for the entire day.
Click here for pictures from Nick's ride.
September 16, 2004
Maple Grove was rained out again. I got to say "Hi" to John Force again. I also had the pleasure of celebrating Jay Blake's, (from Follow-A-Dream), birthday with him. He even let me lick-off the spark plug. They used a sparkplug instead of a candle.
October 10 and 11, 2004
Back to Maple Grove for the Lucas Oil Nationals. I got to say "Hi" to the some of the drivers again. Some of which were John (Force), "Cowboy"(Mark Pawuk), Mike Green(Tommy Johnson, Jr's Crew chief). I also met Mike Dunn. He is a favorite driver of my friend Josh's dad Carroll Gamber. I think he had fun meeting Mr. Dunn.
I also got to hang a Follow-A-Dream. Jay even gave me a crew team t-shirt. It is so cool. They were eliminated by Frank Manzo in the semi-finals on one of the quickest runs ever at the track for T/A Funny Car.
October 16, 2004
Nick attended "Miles for Melissa 5K Walk & Run" in Turnersville, New Jersey. This fundraiser was for The Melissa Froio Foundation. Nick had a wonderful time and enjoyed meeting Melissa and her family. This was the first and he is planning on attending future ones. Click here to see pictures
October 17, 2004
Nick attended The 7th Annual Halloween Bash Junior Dragster Event at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park. This was a well attended event. A Chinese Auction was held to benefit Nick's Battle Foundation. There was over $2165.00 raised at this event. Nick also enjoyed a ride down the quarter mile on the Haunted Fire Truck, a hay ride, and a ride through the Lost Speedway on the back of a monster truck. " Thank You" Michelle!!!!!
Nick even ran into James Blake from Follow-a-Dream. He even help Jim clean Jamie's carburetor at the end of the day.
A big "Thank You" goes out to the Lorenzo Family (JR Parts Plus) for putting together and running the Chinese Auction.
Click here to see picture from this event
December 6, 2004
I went back to Medieval Times with my family for my birthday. Once again I had fun.
December 10, 2004
We had a birthday party at the Edgemere Moose Lodge. I had a wonderful time with all of my friends.
I got to go on a Disney Cruise and got to meet with Snow White. I asked her to marry me. Make-a-Wish did this for me, and my family gets to go too. I had cool towel animals left every night on my bed. I play in the Oceaneer's Lab, and did I have fun in there. I played basketball, went down the slide, made new friends, played on the beach and got to interact with a dolphin named Andy. There was even a "Pirates in the Caribbean" Party. I had lots of fun. My parents want to thank everyone involved. They to had a great time. My sister even went parasailing at the beach.
April 16, 2005
Fun Run and Flea Market at Norwood Elementary School.
The run is for the students to win prizes. However, the Flea Market is for everybody. There will be tables for rent for people to buy and sell.
They raised $840.08 toward research for Batten Disease.
April 28, 2005
I went to Lincoln Tech in Columbia, Md to listen to Jay Blake of Follow-a-Dream. It was great to "see" Jay and his car. I even got to drive as they pushed the car out to the trailer. Guess what else???? Jay's Top Alcohol Funny Car, with David Ray as driver, won at NHRA O'Reilly Spring Nationals In Houston, Texas. This was Jay's first win at a National Event. CONGRATULATIONS to Jay and the entire team.!!!!!!
May 3, 2005
I finally got to race!!!!!!! Capitol Raceway had bicycle races today. I raced in the eight year old class. I did not win, but I was so close "I could taste it!" Thank you, Kim and everyone a Capitol Raceway.
July 14-16, 2005
NHRA O'Reilly Junior Dragster Eastern Conference Finals in Bristol, Tennessee.
I had fun with all of my friends. Congratulations to Zach Eyring 2005 O'Reilly NHRA Eastern Conference 8-9 Year Old Champion and Nicole Talbert 2005 O'Reilly NHRA Eastern Conference 12 Year Old Runner Up I also had couple of friends make it to the semi-finals, Joshua Kelley and Megan Culbert. Good Job!!!!!
I cannot wait until next year.
Click here to see the pictures
July 21-23, 2005
Batten Disease Research and Support Association National Convention in Columbus, Ohio.
I had lots of fun with my friends new and old. There was a even a Pirate Parade. I did not want to leave my friends.
Pictures to come soon!!!!
August 25-28, 2005
Cecil County Dragway
The Follow-a-Dream team came to Maryland. Jay was on WJZ's "Coffee With Segment". It was neat to listen to them interview Jay. He was also filmed at WBFF Channel 45 for their morning show. I rode up with Lyle and Jay to Cecil County Dragway. I spent the weekend with them. Great driving by Dave Ray got them to the finals. What a way to "Git 'er Done". Thank you to everyone one with Follow-a-Dream. I even have another girlfriend(Pam). She is a great cook, too. I had a blast and was wore out every night.
September 17-18, 2005
I went to Maple Grove again. I got to speak to Whit Bazemore thanks to Heidi from Don Schumacher racing. I spoke with David Baca. It was good to see him back here this year. I said, "Hi" again to Rick Quezada. I took Shawna over to see John (Force). I think she was thrilled. I know her mom was. John sat down and talked with me after he was through signing autographs. I just love being with my buddy, John. He is so cool.
I spent a lot of time at Jay's trailer with him and the crew. Thank you for letting me hang around. Sorry, you broke your engine, but I know you really tried to get it fixed in time. I had a great time with you guys. I can't wait to see Jay and everyone again. I will miss you until next year. I will keep in touch.
I "saw" lots of my friends here and thank you for coming by and saying "hi" to me. I am having a much harder time seeing things now.
I got my picture with Tony Schumacher with his "Wally". Thank you to Heidi and to Les Welch for taking my picture. I saw Chris (Hoffman) who took my picture last year in front of the Matco Tools car. I even got to play on the race track. John K from Maple Grove Raceway said he was enjoying watching me play on the track after the races. I had a ball and did not want to leave.
October 2005
My Grandpop Heuchan died. I miss him a whole lot. I was named after him. His name was Albert and mine is Nicholas Albert. I will always love you, Grandpop.
Click here to see about my Grandpop.
I joined Cub Scouts and earned my first patch (BobCat Patch). It is lot's of fun. We were suppose to go camping, but it got rained out.
I went and saw "Frankenstein" put on by the Pasadena Theatre Company. I enjoyed it a watch it a couple of times it was good. Oh yea, my sister was in it too.
Norwood Elementary School
The school is hosting a walk/run for Norwood students at 10:00 am.
There will be a 1/2 Mile Community Walk against Batten Disease at 1:00 pm. Pledge sheets will be available soon.
Jay Blake will be here with his NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car
There were over $2000.00 in funds raised. The car show was a hit. We had 46 cars with room for a lot more. We are planning to have this the same time next year. Thank you to all the people and business that sponsored.
May 6, 2006 - Capitol Raceway
I received a Double Seater Jr Dragster from some of the parents at Capitol Raceway. THANK YOU!!!!! I now feel like one of the team. I can now race with my friends and not just "watch". I love to race. I can now check everything on "my" car.
July 13, 2006 - Thunder Valley Dragway
I was in Bristol, Tennessee for The O'Reilly Eastern Conference Jr Dragster Nationals. I had a blast. Once again it did rain, but it would not be Bristol without it. It would like to Thank everyone involved for what they did for me. This is a memory that I will keep for a long time....
I filmed a segment about me for ESPN2 for their programming about Batten Disease and my Double Jr Dragster. Thank you to them.
July 20-22, 2006
I went to the BDSRA National Conference in Nashville, TN. I had a ball seeing all of my friends again. I cannot wait until next year in Rochester. Even some of the teachers from my school came to the conference. I enjoyed the pool.
August 12, 2006 - Capitol Raceway
I had the pleasure of meeting Bunny Burkett. What a wonderful lady!!! I hope Bunny make it through her surgery and has a speedy and good recovery.
I also met Amelia from 98 Rock. She is great! Sorry, about the Iced Tea.
I have two more girlfriends.
August 17-19,2006 - Mason Dixon Dragway
2006 Division 1 Jr Dragster Finals - Mason Dixon Dragway
I went to Hagerstown to watch everyone race. Guess what?? I got to race also. Steven Majstorovic, Zachery Eyring, and Tim Holtzapple drove me down the track. I had fun at the go cart track across the road. I actually received a trophy. A big "THANK YOU" to Bob Lang, Elmer, and Kim. Thank you to everyone that stayed to enjoy the celebration.
August 25-26, 2006 - Cecil County Dragway
Jay was back in the area with the team. I got to hang with them again. I was great to see everybody again. I had a ball. I wish we could have won. I showed everybody my trophy. I think they were surprised. I will see you at Maple Grove.
September 15-17, 2006 - Maple Grove
I will be at Maple Grove to see me friends run. I will stop by and see John, David, Jay, and all of my friends. This will be fun again this year. I hope it does not rain.
September 30-October 1, 2006 - Maple Grove
I returned to Maple Grove this weekend. What do we still have is rain. I stopped by a saw John, David, and Jay. I was sorry to see Jay/Dave Ray break on the line. David gave a great peddle fest with Brandon. John you are great!!!
2007
Race Schedule
Capitol Raceway May 19, 20 June 2, 16, 30 July 28 Aug 25 Sept 1, 8, 22 Oct 6, 20
Mason Dixon July 21 Aug 9-11 Sept 2
February 4, 2007
I had a luncheon Buffet at Outback Steakhouse Caton, 2400 Boston Ave, Baltimore, MD. I want to thank everyone, 135 people that attended. We raised $3600.00 to help with Juvenile Batten Disease Research. Thank You!!!
April 21, 2007
Capitol Raceway --- This was out first juniors race of the year. I have Conner Liptrap driving for me this year! I left him drive without me in the car so he can get used to driving. My friend Tim Holtzapple won the 13-17 age group today. Great Job to both!!
April 28, 2007
Norwood Elementary and Nick's Battle Foundation had the 2nd Annual Walk with Nick Pledge Walk and Car Show!!! Thank you to all that came by. Also Thank you to Mr. Berkey and all the teachers that helped and donated prizes for the students.
May 5-6, 2007
Capitol Raceway -- We race Juniors again this weekend. I rode with Conner both days. I had a blast!!!! Tim won again on Saturday and came in second on Sunday. Maybe that is why I won my Wally last year!!!
July 7-14, 2007
Thunder Valley Dragway I will be there for all the races even though I may have to watch some. I still have fun cheering on all my friends. I love being at the track
Bristol Motor Speedway, Bristol Tenn.
I had a ball. Met a new friend Jamie Cable from VMP. We are going to have to get together so he can ride in my car. My friend Nick Chiles won the 15 year old age group. Way to go Nick!. Tim Holtzapple made it to the Quarter Finals. I wanted you to win!
July 23 - Aug 1
Summer camp at Maryland School for the Blind. I always have fun and also learn things to!!!
I had fun again this year. I saw Jamie Cable there. I met him last week in Bristol. He was there to cheer his brother on racing.
August 9-11
NHRA Division 1 Championships at Mason Dixon Dragway
I had a fun time again this year. I did not bring Conner to drive for me, but maybe later.
August 27
School Started and I am having a good year so far.
September 9
Capitol Raceway Anniversary Race
We raced today. My motor went boom. Miss Kim let dad put on Steven's motor. Boy was that fun!!! Conner really did a burnout and we went fast. It was great. Now I need to get a engine that can do that.
September 30
Maryland International Dragway - IHRA 2007 President's Cup
We went and enjoyed some racing. I got to meet a new friend Wayne Hoffman from Connecticut. I just missed him going down the track. He was wonderful I got to sit in his Top Dragster. He talked with my dad and I before he left for home. He said it was a long drive back. I hope to see Wayne again, and maybe his wife will be there, too.
I stopped by and saw Clay Millican after he won his race and set the world speed record(IHRA). He said he remembered me from Indy. He signed my driver card and gave me his Torco Hat. I wished him Good Luck next week in Richmond.
I also got to see the Extreme Machine - Jet Powered Freightliner go down the track at 220 MPH. Pepi and Dan were so nice to stop and talk with me. I will remember them.
November 11
Race against Juvenile Batten Disease at Mason Dixon Dragway. Start time 9:30 am.
Nathan Jacobson is organizing this race for a school project. This is a pledge race. That means you can get pledges/sponsors and if you raise more than $25.00 the entry fee will be waived. Everybody is also working on different things along with this too.
I want to thank Elmer and Kathy for allowing this to happen. Please let everybody know. Nate and everybody raised over $4500.00 to go toward research. We were even on FOX 5 DC news. Click Here to View. I raced with connor and lost in the second round, but had fun.
Oh, yeh my sister won!!!
2008
July 7-12, 2008
NHRA O'Reilly Eastern Conference Jr Dragster Championships - Bristol Dragway
I went with my family again this year. We had lots of rain!!! But we still did the water fights! My friend Tim (Holtzapple) won the 16-17 age group. The Nick Isenhower who was parked next to us from Indianapolis won the 13 year old age group. It was cool that Tim won. He let me hold his "Wally". My sister made it in to the forth round. She was doing very well.
July 13-18, 2008
Camp New Hope - Glendale Springs, NC
My family along with the Eyrings and Valerie Williams went to Camp New Hope NC. The is a retreat lodge for families to regroup. I got to go on many trails with my sister and mom and dad. We also went fishing, canoeing, rafting, blueberry picking at Old Creek Orchard, camped out in a tent, and did a couple of campfires. Thank you for Allie (Brown) for allowing me to come to your birthday party. I even got to see a doe with two yearlings. I did not even play a single video game the entire week.
Thank you Miss Randy (Brown) for the wonderful week. I had a great time and I know that my parents did too. I want to thank Mark and Will Adkins for such a wonderful place. I want to go back again.
August 7-9
NHRA Division One Jr Dragster-Capitol Raceway
I had a fun weekend as always. I did not get to race though. We had some mechanical difficulties with the car. We did get the other motor back on the car and Addie drove Kirstin Woodard in my car she also wanted to race. She has Cerebral Palsy and has difficulties in walking. I am glad she could enjoy the ride. I like when other kids can also ride in my car.
August 16-17
Toyo Nationals - Maple Grove Raceway
We went up on just Sunday this year. I stopped by to see John and say Hi! I also let him some of my t-shirts. I really like just being able to sit and relax somewhere safe. I know mom and dad really appreciate this. I want John to keep going. Hey how about winning Indy and showing everyone you are still a Force to be reckoned with. I know you are trying your hardest.
Jay was not there this year but his team was. I was told he fell and hurt his leg and had to stay home. I bet that really was no fun. I missed you Jay. Good luck at INDY!!!!
October 19, 2008
2nd Annual Junior Dragsters against Juvenile Batten Disease - Mason-Dixon Dragway Hagerstown, MD
Mason/Dixon Dragway has asked to host again this race. We are already working on things. The format will still be the same with drivers collecting sponsors to pay the entry fees. We are working on door prizes and many other things
Updated Aug 20, 2008