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'Cowboy for a Cure' Rides through South Whitehall

Johnny Warnshuis is riding horseback across country to raise awareness for Guillain Barré syndrome.

A funny thing happened on a drive along Tilghman Street Tuesday afternoon.

Patch came across Johnny Warnshuis, a Cowboy for a Cure, as he rode his horse east -- and led another -- along Tilghman Street, crossing into South Whitehall from Upper Macungie. 

Warnshuis, 45, of California, is riding horseback across the country to raise awareness for Guillain Barré syndrome, a rare disorder that attacks the peripheral nervous system. It is characterized by an increasing weakness of the legs and arms.

Warnshuis began his journey from California in March 2011 with $40 and some supplies, after his mother was diagnosed with the condition. So far, he has travelled 4,300 miles, relying on the kindness and support of strangers.

He hit a snag in the summer when he broke an ankle while travelling through the Hershey area, then resumed his trip Oct. 5.

Stopping briefly to talk to Patch, he said he is making his way to Times Square in New York, where he plans to marry his fiance, Sherree Hogg.

Hogg runs the "Cowboy for a Cure" website and manages donations.

Warnshuis said he planned to spend Tuesday night at Willow Brook farms in Northampton, before continuing on.

According to his website, he plans to reach New York by Nov. 8.

Ann Wlazelek October 24, 2012 at 07:01 pm
How cool! I saw him too yesterday. Thank you Mary Ellen for sharing his story.
Susan Koomar (Editor) October 25, 2012 at 01:25 am
Great job, Mary Ellen! Cowboy for a Cure rode right past my apartment house in Catasauqua last evening.

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Ann Elizabeth Schlegel June 1, 2013 at 02:13 pm
www.facebook.com/AllentownArtSquawk see you on Sunday !
daniel dan danny June 1, 2013 at 03:11 pm
heard this was canceled due to lack of interest
Tom May 7, 2013 at 01:11 am
I contacted LVHN several months ago about volunteering with my son (8 years old) at the AndersonRead More campus. I would stay with him at all times and supervise him. I was told that they do not accept children. I think its a shame that the hospital will not accept him a a volunteer. I am trying to teach him how to give back to his community . Apparently the hospital does not want our help. I think several patients, especially older ones, would like getting assistance from a young child.
Karla Bachl May 7, 2013 at 03:14 pm
Tom, LVHN does not have an Anderson Campus. I believe you are referring to St Luke's Health Network.Read More LVHN is not able to accept volunteers under the age of 16 years old. There are many mandated reasons that young children are not allowed to volunteer in a hospital setting. Volunteering is a wonderful thing to teach your children. There are organizations in the Leigh Valley who are willing to utilize families. Please visit the Volunteer Center of the Leigh Valley for other opportunities in your area. www.volunteerlv.org