Many of you have supported me in my past fundraising bike rides for cancer treatment and research, and I'm very grateful -- and very much hope you'll be willing to help again with a donation to Bikes Fight Cancer.
I've always told folks that I'm riding in memory of my Dad, who we lost to colon cancer more than 30 years ago... it still feels like yesterday, but that particular disease is much easier to diagnose than it was when he got sick, and the treatments today are far more effective, and that's because of the many advances made by those who were willing to fund cancer research.
I've been raising money for cancer treatment and research for decades, because I want to keep that progress going for the next family who faces a cancer diagnosis, in every small way that I can... but little did I know that would mean my family, again, as my Mom was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer earlier this year. She's been fighting through the treatments, her spirits and health are pretty good right now, and I am inspired by her strength and her persistence -- and her particular type of cancer, too, would have been an almost instant death sentence a few decades ago... but today, new treatments offer much more hope. That's why I ride, to keep that hope growing.
And it's not just my parents, of course -- as time passes, I have more and more friends and family members who are facing a cancer diagnosis of their own, so the list of folks I'm keeping in my heart as I turn those pedals keeps getting longer and longer. I'm sure you're the same, everyone is touched by cancer in some way, at some point in their lives.
I will be joining some friends and family members as we bike through the Pioneer Valley to raise money for Bikes Fight Cancer. 100% of all the gifts from generous supporters like you will support valuable cancer care services to patients, families, and caregivers, as well as funding hospitals who are focused on advancing cancer research.
I know that cancer is scary, and that it always feels like a cure is far away, but my own family's history reminds me of how much better things have gotten. Let's keep the wheels rolling.
I'd love to have your support -- even a small gift helps a lot, thanks for considering!