This September, I am taking part for my 8th year, in the Great Cycle Challenge to fight kids' cancer!

Why? Because right now, cancer is the biggest killer of children from disease in the United States. Over 15,700 children are diagnosed every year, and sadly, 38 children die of cancer every week.

Eight years ago when I signed up for my first ride, I was looking for motivation to keep me on a healthier lifestyle track and to do something productive for the community. I couldn’t have found anything better than combining my love of cycling and children. Cancer is a horrible thing for any person to have to endure, but for an innocent child it is unimaginable . At the time I had no personal connection with anyone dealing with cancer. By 2020 that all changed. My daughter-in-law Kelly, my friend Barb, both diagnosed and luckily both through the results of research and new treatments are doing well today. My younger sister Patty was not so lucky, she passed away last spring a victim of ovarian cancer. Last summer while riding my bike and getting ready for the 2024 challenge I was knocked off my bike by an inconsiderate motorist. The result was an ER visit and an x-ray that detected a small tumor. So 7 years after starting this journey, I became a member of a club that no one wants to join. I count my blessings that I have been one of the lucky ones whose spread of cancer was halted through surgical intervention. This has only increased my desire to help raise awareness and funds for cancer research.

Children are the most innocent and vulnerable. They should be playing with friends and going to school. They should be living their best lives, not fighting to live in a hospital bed.

So I am asking for you help. Please support me by making a donation to give these kids the brighter futures they deserve.

Your support will change little lives.

Thank you.