Jimmy Mandala, FEI Steward & Global Facilities Manager Battling Cancer, Gets Back Dodge Pickup Rebuilt With Funds from Dressage Supporters

8 years ago StraightArrow Comments Off on Jimmy Mandala, FEI Steward & Global Facilities Manager Battling Cancer, Gets Back Dodge Pickup Rebuilt With Funds from Dressage Supporters
Jimmy Mandala at the wheel of the sparkling Dodge pickup rebuilt with contributions from dressage supporters as a symbol of hope for the Global dressage facilities manager and FEI steward battling pancreatic cancer. © 2016 Ken Braddick/dressage-news.com
Jimmy Mandala at the wheel of the sparkling Dodge pickup rebuilt with contributions from dressage supporters as a symbol of hope for the Global dressage facilities manager and FEI steward battling pancreatic cancer. © 2016 Ken Braddick/dressage-news.com

WELLINGTON, Florida, Jan. 8, 2016–Jimmy Mandala was given the keys to his 15-year-old pickup Sunday that was completely rebuilt by contributions from dressage supporters as a gesture of hope for the Adequan Global dressage facilities manager in a long battle with pancreatic cancer.

Rebuilt from the frame up and finished in midnight blue with flake paint, the Dodge 2500 that has carried the popular facilities operator and FEI steward to work and volunteer at show grounds around the country, was turned over to Jimmy at the show grounds.

Michael Barisone, a Big Tour competitor and trainer, who organized the campaign drove the truck on to the show grounds for the turnover where many contributors cheered the emotional response from Jimmy.

Jimmy Mandala's reaction on seeing his Dodge pickup after a year-long rebuild organized by Michael Barisone. © 2016 Ken Braddick/dressage-news.com
Jimmy Mandala’s reaction on seeing his Dodge pickup after a year-long rebuild organized by Michael Barisone. © 2016 Ken Braddick/dressage-news.com

Some clambered into the back to be driven by Jimmy, 47 years old, with his wife Annie Cizadlo sitting beside him for a tour around the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center Stadium complex where dressage is staged.

Contributors were Allison Brock, Fritz and Claudine Kundrun, Scott Hassler, Laura Thomas, Steffen Peters, Arlene “Tuny” Page, Robert Dover, Kasey Perry-Glass and Dana Glass, Katherine Bateson-Chandler, Lauren Sprieser and Vera Kessels. All the work and artistry was performed by Freddy Gerner of Loxahatchee.

Jimmy Mandala at the wheel of his rebuilt truck with Scott Hassler, a personal supporter during the battle with pancreatic cancer, and Michael Barisone, who organized a campaign to raise funds for the project. © 2016 Ken Braddick/dressage-news.com
Jimmy Mandala at the wheel of his rebuilt truck with Scott Hassler, a personal supporter during the battle with pancreatic cancer, and Michael Barisone, who organized a campaign to raise funds for the project. © 2016 Ken Braddick/dressage-news.com