3 years ago during the PMC, I was approached by a friend who asked if I might be interested in joining a 3-day ride called "Beyond the Bike." I'd heard of this ride from friends who had done it, but all I really knew about it was that it was somehow related to the 9/11 attacks, and that it started at Ground Zero in New York City and ended in Boston. After a brief conversation, I was intrigued enough to tell my friend that I was in.
Little did I know that I would emerge from those 3 days inspired, exhilarated, and newly connected to a group of amazing people and cyclists whose mission and vision extended far beyond the borders of the United States.
Fast forward to 2019. When Susan Retik, the co-founder and director of Beyond the 11th, the organization behind Beyond the Bike, asked me if I'd like to take part once again, I didn't hesitate. Susan, as well as her co-founder Patti Quigley, had lost their husbands in the attacks, and founded Beyond the 11th as a way to channel their grief and loss into something positive. What they have achieved, and are continuing to achieve, is remarkable.
One of the reasons I chose to do Beyond the Bike is the connection between the 9/11 attacks and the company I work for, Akamai Technologies. One of the founders of Akamai, Danny Lewin, was also killed in the attacks. In fact, Danny was sitting in business class on AA Flight 11 that morning, along with David Retik, Susan's husband. As Danny's spirit continues to inspire all of us who work at Akamai, even those of us who never knew him, I'm proud to honor his memory through my participation in Beyond the Bike. You can read more about Danny and his legacy here.
I am so inspired by the work of Beyond the 11th. In response to their own unspeakable loss, Susan and Patti reached out in sisterhood and compassion to train Afghan widows, who are among the poorest and most oppressed women in the world, in the essential jobs skills they need to become self-reliant.
Programs supported by Beyond the 11th teach these vulnerable women how to run small businesses to generate income. And how to organize Community Based Savings Groups (CBSGs) where they can save their earnings, and lend them to group members for essentials like school fees and health care for their children.
Fariba’s story is typical. Prior to joining a CBSG in her Kabul neighborhood, she was isolated and completely dependent on her in-laws. Accompanying her mother-in-law to meetings, she blossomed. She began to speak up, and participate in the group’s decisions. She took out a loan to start a small business. Perhaps equally powerful, she found a vital social outlet. “The CBSG released me from seclusion,” she said.
Since its inception, Beyond the 11th has provided close to $1 Million in support for these life-changing programs.
I realize that you support many causes, including my ride in the PMC. But I would be absolutely thrilled if you are also able and willing to sponsor my participation in Beyond the Bike with a fully tax-deductible donation. Any amount will help me reach my fundraising goal.
Thank you for your support – you’ll be with me every pedal of the way!
-jz
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