My name is Savannah Catano and I am almost 14 years old, living with Prader-Willi Syndrome. I started occupational therapy in the NICU and was diagnosed with PWS 2 weeks after birth. I began physical therapy at 6 months old and was diagnosed with scoliosis before my 1st birthday; when I began sitting with assistance. Shortly after, I began torso bracing, then moved onto torso casting every 6 months. I had my first spinal surgery at the age of 7 years, using MAGEC rods. In the summer of 2022 at the age of 11 years, I had full spinal fusion surgery. Since then, a whole new world of sports and freedom has opened up for me. I am so grateful for fundraisers such as these, that help individuals such as myself, that need some extra help.
I will be riding my bike in this years Tour de Palm Springs. I appreciate your love and support in my 1 mile bike ride, with my friends; to raise money for nonprofit organizations in the Coachella Valley. Each year the organizers hope to support more than 100 local charities. My first spine surgery as well as my specialty bike, was funded by in kind donations such as these. Your generosity is greatly appreciated, to help others experience the growth that I have.
Tour de Palm Springs in Coachella Valley
Annual charity cycling event in downtown Palm Springs
The Tour de Palm Springs in Coachella Valley is a charity event started in 1998 when Tim Esser cycled from Palm Springs California to Jacksonville, Florida, raising money for local charities. Today, the Tour de Palm Springs is one of the largest events of its kind in America. Up to 30,000 spectators will visit our event located in world famous downtown Palm Springs while cyclists ride between 5 & 100 miles. Every year the event entertains a diverse group of 5,000 to 10,000 cyclists from 46 different states and 4 countries. Since 1998 the Tour de Palm Springs charity event has distributed nearly $4,000.000.00 to over 150 local nonprofit organizations.