Ride for the Roses Day 3

Today was another action-packed day.

The day started off with a group lunch for Region 7B (NYC and part of New Jersey) at Stubb's barbeque orchestrated by our fearless leader, Michael Wolf. It was wonderful to meet some of the other Peloton members who had worked so hard in our division. As I previously reported, our Region raised the most money of all (if I remember correctly.)

I ran into a fellow who had previously emailed me about the ride, and for the rest of the lunch he followed me around referring to me as the Queen. I'm not exactly sure why, but it's always nice to have people bow to you.

After lunch it was off to the convention center where a trade show was held in conjunction with the conference. There were exhibitors from the sports sector as well as the health care realm, so it was a very interesting mix.

At about 3 pm we assembled for the autograph session, where we were each permitted to have 3 items signed by Lance. I had a photograph and a poster signed, as well as a bike jersey number (I'm not exactly sure what these things are called) signed for my friend Steph. I told Lance about Steph and how I am so proud of her courage, and he told me to please tell her that he sends his best. So Steph, Lance is sending you very good vibes.

Next up was the yellow jersey reception, where all of the fundraisers who had raised $20,000 and over met for cocktails and were given awards from Lance. This was a lot of fun, and one of my favorite parts was speaking again with Bob Roll and admiring his leopard-print Virgin Mary belt. He told me he liked my admiring it. :)

Thereafter it was off to the Conversation with Lance program where I, along with about 10 other survivors, sat on a panel and asked Lance some questions after he was interviewed by Ann Curry from NBC. I got to the panel just in time for it to start, and I don't think the organizer was very pleased with me, even though I had warned her in advance I wouldn't be at the dress rehearsal. Ann Curry complemented my outfit in front of the crowd of 2,000, and I got to ask Lance about the impetus behind his starting the foundation. I managed to throw in that I had just started my own foundation too. Apologies to Betsy for misbehaving.

After the panel, we met backstage and chatted. The ever-gracious Robin Williams was back there and come up and chatted with each and every one of us, telling us how proud he was of us. That guy is so nice and I am so impressed with how down to earth and geniunely kind he is. Ann Curry also was very, very cool. Lance and Sheryl Crow were on the other side of the room separated by their omni-present security guy, and didn't really mingle much. I get the sense that Lance is kind of overwhelmed by the role he has been put in, because he hasn't actively participated that much in the weekend, which was kind of disappointing for a lot of people.

Again,definitely the best part of the weekend has been meeting the extraordinary people from all over the world who have come here to support cancer survivorship. It is very, very powerful.

Tomorrow is the last day of the event. It has been a very long weekend, but extremeley gratifying to be in the midst of such exceptional people.