Dear Family and Friends,
I truly hope you will support me as I commemorate the 20th anniversary of September 11th later this year.
With all that is happening in the country right now, the issues of the world and the events of 9/11 can feel distant and faded. But honoring this milestone and caring for our global citizens may be more important now than ever.
I am once again participating in Beyond the Bike — a very special bike ride from Ground Zero to Boston to benefit the phenomenal organization, Beyond the 11th <beyondthe11th.org>. The funds we raise will directly support vulnerable widows in Afghanistan — a population that was pushed out of the spotlight years ago and remains deeply disenfranchised.
Beyond the 11th began as a 9/11 widow's remarkable response to unspeakable loss. Shortly after Susan Retik’s husband David was killed on the first plane to hit the World Trade Center, my good friend opened her heart to Afghan widows. And her efforts have not stopped in the two decades since.
Susan’s peers in Afghanistan did not receive the initial outpouring of love and support that embraced her here in the United States. In fact, Afghan widows lose all social standing and have no insurance or safety net. 85% of these women are illiterate. Beyond the 11th has helped thousands of these forgotten women learn job skills so that they can support their families and educate their children—the dream of mothers everywhere.
The case for championing women’s rights in Afghanistan cannot be overstated. According to Time magazine (Dec. 8, 2018), Afghanistan still ranks as the worst place in the world to be a woman. After decades of war, terrorism, and insurgency, women and children still suffer disproportionately.
But there is good news to report. While the needs are enormous, the programs that Beyond the 11th invests in are working. Since 2003, Beyond the 11th has made over $1,000,000 in grants that directly assist Afghan widows in developing sustainable livelihoods.
This September, I'll be one of 40 cyclists who will spend three days riding from Ground Zero in New York City to Boston. We'll ride about 90 miles a day, ending our journey at Susan’s home in Needham, MA. Together, we will ride in honor of all the victims and rescuers who lost their lives that day. But we will also ride to celebrate the countless acts of courage and humanity that have, time and again, marked the past 20 years.
I would be honored and grateful if you would support me with a donation. Your gift is tax deductible and could be doubled if your company has a matching gift program.
I feel especially lucky to have helped Susan get this ride off the ground when we first planned and rode the route back in 2004 before inviting others to participate. Along with the PMC, this ride and cause are near and dear to me and I will continue to do whatever is needed, whatever Susan asks of me, to make it run smoothly. Thank you for being a part of this amazing journey.
Your contribution will go far… and will make every mile all the more meaningful.
Here is the url to donate:
https://www.pledgereg.com/3662/melstoler
If you prefer to send me a check, please make it out to "Beyond the 11th" and mail it to me at 9 Coolidge Street Brookline, MA 02446
Lastly, here's a piece from the inaugural ride that I'm proud to share!
http://archive.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2004/09/19/riding_behind_leading_the_way
Thanks so much,
Mel