As you probably know, I have been racing bikes since the middle of college. It has brought countless friends into my life and I have become a stronger person, physically and mentally, through bike racing. But at the end of the day, it is merely a hobby, albeit one I am passionate about. For the past two seasons, I have been racing for a team called “ERRACE, presented by DSO Manufacturing,” which is made up of local amateur male and female racers. All of the team’s winnings go to ERRACE and we ride in support of ERRACE all year. Being a part of this team has made bike racing so much more than just a hobby to me. It is a way to inspire and promote healthy lifestyles and fitness, to be in control of one’s body in health, so that in sickness, we may have earlier detection and better chances for survival.
This season I ride and race for my friend Deb Barylski who is waging a battle against breast cancer. I met Deb when I was in preschool and we have remained friends ever since. I am racing for Dr. Michael Ross, whom I met in an EMT class at Bunker Hill Community College. When I asked him what kind of bike I should buy to ride around Boston, he said “buy a road bike, join the Boston University cycling team.” And so I did and my life was changed. Mike is waging a war against colon cancer. I ride to celebrate the victories of Nancy Lustyik and Geoff Sullivan and I ride to remember those who have not been as fortunate in their journeys.
Thanks to my participation with the ERRACE team, I was honored to attend the Ride for the Roses in Austin, Texas last fall at the Livestrong headquarters. There I learned first-hand the amazing work Livestrong does every single day to help those fighting cancer and their families. I learned how cherished is every dollar that we at ERRACE can share with Livestrong.
Thank you so much for helping me ERRACE cancer!
ERRACE—Everyone Ride/Run Against Cancer Everyday, is a one-day event will held at the Avon Cancer Center on Saturday, July 8, 2017and will include a 25, 50, or 100-mile bike ride, 15 mile mountain bike ride and a 5 run/walk. The beneficiaries are the Hartford Hospital Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Center of Avon, and the LiveStrong Foundation.
The ERRACE organization was created by a group of professionals with common goals. Together we strive to raise the awareness of cancer, raise funds for cancer research and to inspire the community to be active and health conscious.
We bring together our expertise from multiple aspects of business management, healthcare, community work, fund-raising and athletic endeavors. We are excited to share a fun, safe and inspiring event with the community for years to come.
We thank you for participating in our event and raising funds to ERRACE cancer forever!