Ortonville- Billy Flanders had his dream of seeing Shamu fulfilled when he was 4-years-old and terminally ill.
More than 20 years later, his mother, Hazel Flanders, still recalls how her son laughed as the killer whale splashed people in the front rows.
‘Everytime people got splashed he’d crack up,? she says, smiling at the memory. ‘It was a wonderful feeling to have his wish granted. I just remember the smile on his face.?
Billy’s wish was granted through the Rainbow Connection, a non-profit organization that grants wishes for children with life-threatening or terminal illnesses. On June 17, Hazel Flanders will be able to show her gratitude by giving back to the organization that made her son’s dream come true. She and her husband, Bill Flanders, members of local band, The Ortonvillins, will play at the Village Pub, the final destination of the 2006 Ride for Wishes.
The event is an approximately 55-mile motorcycle ride through three counties, with all proceeds benefitting the Rainbow Connection.
Tabethia Tiseo-Shell, owner of Premier Employee Insurance Benefits, LLC, organized the event and is doing it in conjunction with Cummings Harley-Davidson in Burton.
‘I am the mother of a child who is healthy, but there are a lot of parents who don’t have a healthy child,? said Tiseo-Shell. ‘I would like to take a proactive approach to raise money to help these kids.?
Billy Flanders was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia in April 1985, after complaining of leg pain and collapsing the day after Easter. Chemotherapy was begun, as well as numerous blood transfusions. Billy spent his third and fourth birthdays in the hospital and only a year after he was diagnosed, doctors told Hazel and Bill Flanders that their son wasn’t going to survive the cancer.
A few months later, the Flanders? were at the hospital with Billy when they would learn about the Rainbow Connection. Volunteers from the non-profit organization that grants wishes with life-threatening or terminal illnesses wanted to make Billy’s last wish come true.
Hazel Flanders thought her son might want a trip to Disney World, but what the little boy really wanted was to meet Shamu after seeing a commercial for Sea World in Cleveland. Within a month, in September 1986, Billy was there, with his parents and older brother Tony.
‘It was great,? says Flanders. ‘At that point, it was hard to go places because of his blood count, but they made arrangements for a doctor and hospital to go to if there was a problem.?
The Flanders? didn’t encounter any problems, however, just fun. Billy enjoyed feeding the geese, as well as the more novel experience of petting a beluga whale.
‘He thought that was neat and to see Shamu was really cool,? says Flanders. ‘He was a little ham.?
Billy Flanders died six months later, in April 1987. His mother says she will never forget that day at Sea World.
‘I don’t think people realize how many families have terminally ill children,? says Flanders. ?(The Rainbow Connection) is a wonderful gift to kids and their families. They can make a lot of dreams come true.?
Tiseo-Shell hopes they do just that with funds raised from the Ride for Wishes.
‘I am so excited,? she said. ‘I can’t wait to see all these people. We’re going to take over downtown Ortonville. I’m aiming for every two-wheeled motorcycle to show up for this charity ride.?

If You Go:
What: The 2006 Ride for Wishes

When and where: Registration begins at 10:30 a.m., June 17. The ride starts at 12:30 p.m., with an Oakland County Sheriff’s Deputies escorting the 55-mile ride from Cummings Harley-Davidson, 5350 Davison Road, Burton to The Village Pub, 411 Mill St., Ortonville. A buffet that includes grilled chicken breast, bratwurst, breadsticks, and salad will greet riders. Adult beverages are available, but not included.

Cost: $25 per rider, $15 per passenger; non-riders are welcome to join the festivities at the pub for a cost of $10. All proceeds to benefit the Rainbow Connection.

Details: (248) 431-3781 or visit www.premieremployeeinsurancebenefitsllc.com