Tom Schultz
- National: 13th
- State: 4th in IL
- My Team: 2nd
I'm Riding For
Pat & Tim G & Tim C, and in honor of Scott
Three of my longtime friends, who left us too early, will be along with me this year - in my thoughts and with my music playing loudly. And riding in honor of Scott, who battled cancer in 2022.
My Story
I am back.
This September, I am taking part again - my eighth year - in the Great Cycle Challenge to fight kids' cancer!
Kids should be living life, not fighting for it.
This year again, I am on Team Kahleesi. Kahleesi is now five and was diagnosed with Hepatoblastoma when she was only 9 months old. She is currently in remission.
Who am I riding for this year? In the past few years, riding along with me were two longtime friends, who passed away too early. We lost Pat M. in 2020 and then Tim C. in 2021.We lost another great friend, Tim G., in 2023. They will all be along with me.
I will also be riding in honor of another kid again this year, our son Scott. Scott started battling Stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma in June 2022. He remains cancer free.
With your support over the past GCC seven years, we were able to raise close to $39k. THANK YOU!
My GCC goals for this year – continue raising awareness, funds, and prayers, while hoping this body allows me to ride a few miles. Miles? My goal for this year is 71 - matching my latest trip around the sun.
Your support will change lives.
This is not just an event - it is a movement to end childhood cancer.
Onward!
Tom
My Legacy
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300 mi RiddenRaised2017
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203 mi RiddenRaised2018
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223 mi Ridden$2,328 Raised2019
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206 mi Ridden$5,163 Raised2020
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202 mi Ridden$7,500 Raised2021
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201 mi Ridden$9,076 Raised2022
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124 mi Ridden$11,844 Raised2023
My Challenge
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Week 1 complete
7 Sep 2024It has been a busy week.
On Sunday, we participated again in Bike the Drive, an event we really enjoy. We were joined again this year by Kasey, Eric, Ava and Noah. It was a beautiful morning.
We were also informed that GCC Match Day will happen on Tuesday 9/10 for any online donations done on that day. If you know someone interested in donating, let them know about the match on Tuesday 9/10.
I am happy to report that now seven days into the month of September, I accomplished my goal of 71 miles this morning. This week had 5 days of riding, one day of "rest" and one day of watching little kids.
I started out this morning in the 40s (not my age, the temp). And the music was playing loudly this morning as I thought of so many things. I stopped by to visit my friend Tim, who passed away in 2021. He biked and golfed and did so many things with our family.
Oh yeah – and the answer to the question on your mind – YES, I will keep riding during September.
There are now over 20,000 riders across the nation registered for this challenge.
From my last note, eight more sponsors have joined our team, with a total of 44 now riding along with me.
Thanks for joining me on this ride!
Posted 2 days ago -
13.2 mi ride - Cool morning but completed first part of GCC goal - Saturday, September 7, 2024
Logged this ride 2 days ago - View on Strava -
12.4 mi ride - And return to Algonquin - Friday, September 6, 2024
Logged this ride 3 days ago - View on Strava -
11.6 mi ride - Down to Riverboat - Friday, September 6, 2024
Logged this ride 3 days ago - View on Strava -
8.1 mi ride - Thursday: golf, cut grass, yard work, and quick ride for my Great Cycle Challenge before the... - Thursday, September 5, 2024
Logged this ride 4 days ago - View on Strava -
11.6 mi ride - Exploring the newly opened Longmeadow Parkway, along with our favorite river trail - Monday, September 2, 2024
Logged this ride 7 days ago - View on Strava -
7.7 mi ride - Bike the Drive 2 South - Sunday, September 1, 2024
Logged this ride 8 days ago - View on Strava -
8.5 mi ride - Bike the Drive 1 North - Sunday, September 1, 2024
Logged this ride 8 days ago - View on Strava -
Yikes – my turn!
29 Aug 2024All of you have done your part of the challenge by supporting me and donating to this cause.
With September almost here, it is time for me to start collecting my miles. There are over 18, 000 riders across the nation registered for this challenge.
There are now 36 sponsors on my list and riding along with me.
Current leaderboard info across all categories shows me/we are doing very well thanks to your help.
A little bit of trivia – of the top four fundraisers in Illinois, three are ex Motorolans.
When I first joined this challenge in 2017, my primary goal was to ride my bike more, along with raising awareness and donating a few dollars from Sue and me. I am proudly able to report that together over these seven plus years, we have now raised close to $45k. And still counting.
Another information note for you.
August 21st was Tribute Day for the Great Cycle Challenge. This was a day to remember those we've lost, honor those who are fighting to survive and celebrate the efforts of those who are riding in September. For 8 hours on a billboard in Times Square, pictures were displayed of those riding and those we are riding for. We were proud to have our pictures shown as part of that tribute.
Words cannot express how thankful and honored I am that you have supported this cause.
Posted 11 days ago -
$5,000 raised to fight kids' cancer!
I just hit $5,000 to fight kids' cancer! Thank you so much for your support.
Posted 20 days ago -
August already?
4 Aug 2024August is here and I am back for my monthly update.
In the last month, 5 more sponsors joined our team, adding over $500. We now have 28 sponsors for a total of $4560. Amazing! And the beat goes on……
Sue and I participated in another fundraising event last night - a late-night ride starting at 10:00 pm, going through the trails and streets of Crystal Lake. Fun to be together doing it.
I wanted to take some time here to give more background on how we got here.
OUR WHY
In 1979, 13-year-old Katie Hageboeck, from Minnesota, was nearing the end of her 16-month battle with leukemia. Before she died, Katie asked that the money she’d been saving for a 10-speed bicycle be donated to a little-known fund at the University of Minnesota called Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF). With that seed of support from Katie and her family, CCRF has grown to contribute over $200 million in funding of nationwide research, education and quality of life programs for children with cancer.
Katie never got the chance to ride her new bike, so now we ride to realize her dream of a world without childhood cancer. Since the first Great Cycle Challenge event in 2015, our community of riders from all 50 states has ridden a total of 33,817,103 miles, and together we’ve raised $72,646,876 in support of research to develop better treatments and carry-on Katie’s legacy.
THANK YOU for being part of it.
Posted 36 days ago -
2 months before the miles count
27 Jun 2024The official registration for this year’s challenge starts now.
As you know, I got a head start.
With your support, we now have 23 sponsors and donations totaling over $4100.
I thought I would share some information here on what we fund.
Innovative and promising research
We fund research at institutions nationwide, focusing on projects that allow researchers to prove their idea, then reach for even larger grants. Federal funding sources often don’t fund projects until much later in the process.
Enhance healing and care for families
We understand that when a child is diagnosed with cancer, it affects the whole family. That’s why we fund programs that help families find joy and support during and after cancer treatment, from peer support groups to camps to programs for caregivers and siblings.
Educate the world about childhood cancer
Through stories of families fighting cancer and researchers who won’t stop looking for answers, we educate the world about what we can do to create a world without childhood cancer.
Posted 74 days ago -
Hello Summer!
2 Jun 2024I’m back with my monthly update. The weather has allowed our bikes to find the trails more in May.
More in May? We added 4 more sponsors in May. Our totals are now showing 22 donors, contributing $4100. Although still early in the process, we still rank high on the leaderboards. Thanks!
Want to help raise awareness, resources and prayers? Feel free to share our information with your family and friends, through talk, text, email, social media.
Get out and enjoy this time of the year.
“Beginnings are endings. It is often said that every ending contains a new beginning, but the beginnings flow everywhere you look, and endings too. Every moment is a new chance to begin again, to do better, to do things differently.”
Posted 99 days ago -
2 weeks = 2 years
28 Apr 2024Although it was only 2 weeks ago that I put out my announcement note that I would be riding again this year, I am happy to share that we now have eighteen donors on my list for a total of almost $3300. Amazing. Although still early in the challenge, these numbers place me second nationally, second in the state, and …... first in the 66–75-year-old category.
Some historical perspective. In my first 2 years, 2017-2018, of participating in this Great Cycle Challenge, I raised about $2700. Now in 2024, we have raised more than that in just 2 weeks.
Thanks for checking out my update and adding your names to my list. Keep the kids in your thoughts.
Posted 134 days ago -
$2,500 raised to fight kids' cancer!
I just raised $2,500 to fight kids' cancer and achieved SUPERHERO LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.
Posted 138 days ago -
$2,000 raised to fight kids' cancer!
I just raised $2,000 to fight kids' cancer and achieved LEGEND LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.
Posted 144 days ago -
$1,000 raised to fight kids' cancer!
I just raised $1,000 to fight kids' cancer and achieved WARRIOR LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.
Posted 147 days ago -
$500 raised to fight kids' cancer!
I just raised $500 to fight kids' cancer and achieved GUARDIAN LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.
Posted 150 days ago -
$250 raised to fight kids' cancer!
I just raised $250 to fight kids' cancer and achieved PROTECTOR LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.
Posted 150 days ago -
$100 raised to fight kids' cancer!
I just raised $100 to fight kids' cancer and achieved DEFENDER LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.
Posted 150 days ago
My Sponsors
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Anonymous
“For the Kids!”
$517.50Received this donation 147 days ago
Tom
“Dear Anonymous (MD), wow - thanks for your very generous donation in support of this cause and me, and of course, the kids. I am honored and humbled to have you on my sponsor list.”
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Mary Dempsey
“Go Tom Go!”
$310.50Received this donation 137 days ago
Tom
“Demps, thanks for your very generous donation to this cause and joining my list of sponsors again this year. We ride for those young ones who can't ride now but will in the future. It is friends like you who make this all possible. Your support of me for this challenge and all the support of us over all these years is so much appreciated.”
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Tip & BoYoung
““Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.” ― Albert Einstein Best of luck. Keep moving, brother.”
$310.50Received this donation 134 days ago
Tom
“BoYoung & Tip, thanks for the generous donation. I am honored to have you on my list again in support of this cause and the kids and families impacted by cancer. And I am very appreciated of your support of me for this, and support of all of us through so many items. And the quote - it ended up in my "book". Onward!”
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Karen Gillespie
“Thank you for all you do! Have a great ride this year!”
$274.28Received this donation 19 days ago
Tom
“Karen, thanks so much for your generous donation in support of this cause, the kids and me. I am honored to have the Gillespie family on my list of sponsors again this year. Tim will be with me along the way again. And how nice to see your donation on Tribute Day.”
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Viv & Alex Schultz
“Go Papa! We love you!”
$274.28Received this donation 20 days ago
Tom
“Viv & Alex, thanks for the donation from both of you to help these kids. It is so great to have you join my list again this year in support of me, the kids and this cause. And thanks for the picture of us on my page. Make sure Mom and Dad know you did this. Papa”
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Ann Simms
$258.75Received this donation 138 days ago
Tom
“Ann, with the systems error, I added your comments here: Tom, I'm grateful every year when I see that you're continuing to support this wonderful cause and allowing us to participate with you through our contributions. What an amazing legacy you've built! Ann, thanks so much for very generous donation. Year after year, you show your support and generosity for me, the kids and this cause. I am so honored to still be teaming with you through all these years.”
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CJS
“May the wind be slight and your seat un-chafed.”
$258.75Received this donation 133 days ago
Tom
“Bill & MC, thanks for the generous donation. I am honored to have you on my list again in support of this cause and the kids and families impacted by cancer. Hope the wind and my seat cooperate, along with the music slightly louder as I wander the trail behind your house. Maybe you can join me for a ride.”
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Marc Weisenburger
“Happy to participate and we are thankful for you efforts to pay forward.”
$258.75Received this donation 103 days ago
Tom
“Marc, thank you for your generous donation in supporting me, this cause, and the kids again this year. Happy to be back in the lineup with you. And you know well about paying it forward. Friends like you make all this possible. See you soon Pudge!”
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Mark Valentine
“Best of luck on year #8!”
$258.75Received this donation 118 days ago
Tom
“Chris and Mark, Thanks so much for your generous donation in support of the kids, this cause and me. My year 8 and you have been on my list for most of those. Friends like you make all this possible.”
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Anonymous
“Well done, Tom. Glad to support you!”
$258.75Received this donation 142 days ago
Tom
“Dear Anonymous (K), thanks for your generous donation and joining my lineup again this year. It is helping out a great cause, as we also remember our good friends. Also, thanks for your ongoing support in all areas. Onward”
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Mark Valentine
$230.81Received this donation 10 days ago
Tom
“Chris & Mark, thanks for your 2nd generous donation for this year. It is helping out a great cause, as we also remember our good friends Pat and Tim and Tim. Onward!”
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Mike Shanahan
“Best of luck with year# 8 Tom. May your journey be smooth and ride like the wind (hopefully at your back) my friend. Doughboy”
$207Received this donation 144 days ago
Tom
“Doughboy, thank you for joining my list of sponsors again this year with your very generous donation. Always want a smooth and safe ride. The wind? If it is in my face, the music goes louder.”
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Amy and Neal Levin
“Good luck Tom!”
$155.25Received this donation 146 days ago
Tom
“Amy and Neal, thank you so much for your support and generosity for me, the kids and this cause. How great to have your names on my list again this year. Friends like you make all this possible.”
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Gary and Janet Lyons Anderson
$124.20Received this donation 65 days ago
Tom
“Janet & Gary, thank you so much for your support and generosity for me, the kids and this cause. How great to have your names on my list of sponsors. Your names will be along with us as we ride. Yes, Sue does most of the rides with me.”
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John &patty gehron
“Ride like the wind!”
$124.20Received this donation 147 days ago
Tom
“Patty and John, thanks for your donation and joining my list of sponsors again this year. I truly appreciate your support year after year. You are giving the kids, and their families hope for a better future. Ride like the wind? I hope it is always at my back. Onward!”
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Larry & Liz Hogan
“Tom, Thank you for all the years and miles you have completed in riding for childhood cancer. You are making a difference in helping these kids!!!”
$124.20Received this donation 9 days ago
Tom
“Liz & Hoagie, thank you for supporting me, this cause, and the kids year after year. I am truly grateful for your friendship, and I am so honored to have your names on my sponsor list. Friends like you make all this possible. Onward!”
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Lindsay Deignan
“Thank you for all that you do! Dad was lucky to have a friend like you”
$124.20Received this donation 3 days ago
Tom
“Lindsay and family, thanks again this year for adding your name to my list of donors. Your dad remains in the thoughts of many, whether on the bike trail, on a golf course or anywhere as his memories are brought up. Onward!”
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Mike Mullen
“Go for it, Tom!”
$124.20Received this donation 33 days ago
Tom
“Hi Mike, how great to have you back on my list of sponsors again. You continue to show your support and generosity for me, the kids and this cause. Thank you!”
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Nancy Wiltgen
“Happy riding!”
$124.20Received this donation 17 days ago
Tom
“Nancy, thanks so much for your generous donation in support of the kids, this cause and me. Friends like you make all this possible.”
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PJ Cullerton
“Have another great year Schultzie ! Onward !”
$124.20Received this donation 52 days ago
Tom
“PJ, thank you so much for your support and generosity for me, the kids and this cause. How great to have your name on my list again this year. Great year? Yep, the body is still moving, as I try to keep up with Sue on our rides together.”