Dear friends and family,
I hope you will support me as I commemorate the 20th anniversary of September 11th. I am participating in Beyond the Bike, a special bike ride from Ground Zero to Boston, to benefit the outstanding organization, Beyond the 11th.
Beyond the 11th began as a 9/11 widow's purposeful response to unspeakable loss. Shortly after Susan Retik’s husband, David, was killed on the first plane to hit the World Trade Center, she opened her heart to Afghan widows and her efforts have not stopped in the two decades since.
In the wake of 9/11, Susan was embraced by an outpouring of love and support; a fate in stark contrast to that of Afghan widows, 85% of whom are illiterate, who have no insurance or safety net and lose all social standing. According to Time magazine, Afghanistan ranks as the worst place in the world to be a woman.
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. Since 2003, Beyond the 11th has made over $1,000,000 in direct grants to assist these women develop sustainable livelihoods; all funds we raise will be used for this purpose.
Over 3 days, 40 cyclists will ride from Ground Zero to Boston in honor of the victims and rescuers who lost their lives that day. We will also ride in celebration of the countless acts of courage and humanity that have marked the past 20 years. We'll ride about 90 miles a day, ending our journey at Susan’s home in Needham, MA.
So what can you do?
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.
Thank you for being a part of this amazing journey!
Your contribution will go far… and will make every mile all the more meaningful.