2008 ALS H.O.P.E. Race Honorees:
Leonard "Pee-Wee" Infinger
Leonard Infinger was born November 1st, 1954 in Summerville, SC weighing only 2 1/2 pounds. The nurses began calling him "Pee Wee," and the name has stuck ever since. Pee Wee grew up in Harleyville, SC and graduated from Mims Academy in 1973. He has been married for 30 years to his wife Cheryl, with whom he has two sons, Curtis and Chad. Both sons also live in Harleyville, and Pee Wee is blessed to see his family, including daughter-in-law Angie and his two grandchildren, Jonathan and Cohen, on an almost daily basis.
Pee Wee worked at the Holcim Cement Company for 33 years. He is a family man and loves spending time with them, especially his two young grandsons. He takes an honest, straightforward approach with everyone he meets. Pee Wee has been known to say, "If you don't want to hear the truth, don't ask my opinion!"
When he was able, Pee Wee's favorite hobby was golf. One of this favorite courses is the Foxboro Golf Course in Manning, SC, where 137 of his friends and family held a golf tournament in his honor in 2006. Pee Wee is a die hard Gamecock football fan. His favorite book is written by retired coach Lou Holtz, and he counts current coach Steve Spurrier as one of his inspirations.
Bernie Martinelli
Bernie Martinelli has been a lover of life since 1947, when he was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He attended both high school and college there, and is a graduate of Sacred Heart University. He married his wife Sandi in 1970, and they have three children together, BJ, Sara, Jessica, and one grandchild, Brodie. Bernie loves to spend time with his family. His favorite place to visit is Charlotte, NC because all of his children now live there.
Bernie is retried from Unilever, where he served 28 years as the Director of Information Technology. His motto in the workplace has always been, "when the fun ceases, I'm out!" Bernie loves to have fun, enjoy himself, and always makes sure his friends and family are doing likewise. He and Sandi moved to Mount Pleasant, SC in 2006 to be closer to their children and because they love Charleston and all of the fun and beauty it has to offer.
Bernie counts his hobbies as playing golf (his favorite course is Yeaman's), watching NASCAR, and music. In his younger years he was in a band, and is able to play the saxophone, clarinet, flute, piano, and trombone. He loves listening to good music, especially while in the company of family and friends. His favorite artists are the Eagles, though he also enjoys listening to "doo wop" and country music.
Bernie wakes up every morning knowing that there are people helping to defeat ALS. He is inspired by his friends and family and would like to thank them for their constant prayers and support. He would also like to thank his doctors and nurses at the MUSC ALS Clinic for their excellent care.
George Jarriel
George Jarriel, 62, is a resident of Johns Island, SC where he resides with his wife Linda. George was born in Charleston, SC and attended high school locally as well. George and Linda have been married for sixteen and a half years. George also has a daughter, son, and step-daughter, as well as two granddaughters and a grandson.
George received his undergraduate degree from the University of West Florida, then earned his Masters of Science from Troy State University and a Masters in Health Administration from the Medical University of South Carolina. In 2006, George finished his nursing degree and become an RN.
George has served others through various positions in the medical field. He is retired from the Air Force where he served as a medic for 24 years. He was an insurance physical examiner and opened his own business, Physicals by George, Inc, which he ran for five years. Most recently, George worked at Sandpiper Rehab and Nursing for 10 months as a registered nurse. George enjoyed being a nurse and caring for others, and would still be doing so today had he not been diagnosed with ALS.
George's favorite places to travel are Disney World and Europe. He enjoys reading, tennis, bicycling, line dancing, ballroom dancing, golf, and cooking. His favorite restaurant is Subway, where he once lost 39 pounds on the "Subway diet." George's favorite phrases are "Whoop-ti-doo" and "Jeepers Creepers." George is also an avid Carolina Gamecocks fan.