Crystal

My dear friend Crystal who is an experienced rider and author on all things biking (among other things) has admonished me against ever riding without a helmet. To ensure compliance (and also because she rules) she even sent the helmet! And a lot of cool other bike stuff too.

I wanted to show Crystal that yes, I am biking with my helmet. However, I'm not certain that on this particular outing sporting the helmet resulted in a net gain in overall safety, as I was taking pictures of myself wearing the helmet while actually riding the bike. In fact, I'm pretty sure not. Sorry Crystal!



Fundraising days remaining: 28
Fundraising goal: $20,000
Raised to date: $16,585
Amount to reach goal: $3,415

Donations are really picking up! I'm so excited and thankful!
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO DONATE

The Kindness of Friends and the Generosity of Strangers

This fundraising is difficult. I never realized how hard it would be to raise money, even for a cause that is so important and a foundation that has a very high profile. Yet, I am happy to do it and it warms my heart when I receive donations from friends, telling me that they are proud of what I have accomplished and want to contribute on my behalf.

I am so moved, though, by donations that I have received from people I do not even know, wanting to help, simply because they believe in the cause and believe in me...just a girl who has fought a battle and so far won. This gives me a lot of hope. There are good people out there and I am proud to say that they have touched my life, if even in a simple and intangible way. It means a lot.

Thank you.

Fundraising days remaining: 29
Fundraising goal: $20,000
Dollars raised to date: $15,935

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO DONATE

The Bond of Survivorship

I actually had an irreverent (irrelevant?) post written for last night. Then I went out with one of my "cancer friends," as we affectionately refer to one another, and the evening ended with my accompanying her in an ambulance to the hospital. A really terrifying experience. However, what transpired made me think, once again, about just how much I treasure the friendships I have formed with fellow survivors, and just how deep and unique a commitment to one another we share.

I have a very special group of young adult cancer survivor friends. We all met in a post-treatment support group through a program that receives support from the LAF. We see each other through thick and thin and understand each other in a way that I don't think it is possible for people who have not had the cancer experience to share. Last night at the hospital I felt how true this was and what a profound, unspoken bond having weathered this experience imbues in a survivor. This may be the root of my commitment to raising money for this cause (I've been trying to figure that out lately too.) In any event, I'm incredibly thankful for the LAF and its dedication to promoting and supporting survivorship, and for having the foresight to understand how critical this aspect of the cancer journey truly is.

Fundraising days remaining: 30
Fundraising goal: $20,000
Dollars raised to date: $15,685

Please help if you can! CLICK HERE TO DONATE

Thank you for your support.

This time, it is About the Bike

So, I've gotten a few chuckles and rolling eyes (well, I think they were rolling, it was over the phone) about the 1967 Schwinn Breeze that I'm taking with me to the Ride for the Roses. I'm going to post a picture so you can see just why I'm so fond of this bike:

Cute, no?

I have never really had a bike before, since I never lived in a neighborhood where I could ride, but now I do, so I am really enjoying it. A funny thing has been happening the last few days on the bike path though. I keep riding by people who look to me suspiciously like members of the TdF Peloton. I'm not sure if this is a case of too little sleep or too much of The Cyclism, but in any event it's weird.

This strange phenomenon kind of fits in with another odd thing that has been happening lately: reality TV show sightings. In the last month in my neighborhood I think I have seen Ian from the Bachelorette (pretty sure), Jesse the Bachelor (really sure), and one of the made over guys from Queer Eye (definitely sure). I have no explanation for all of this. TV and reality are becoming increasingly blurry for me. And what does this have to do with anything? I'll have to get back to you on that...

Yellow band sighting tally on the bike path today: 4
(honorable mention to the wacky guy marrying that wacky Britney Spears...wearing yellow band in this week's US Magazine.)

Thank you all for your continued support. I have 31 days left for fundraising and am inching toward my goal. Please help if you can!

Amount raised to date: $15,385
CLICK HERE TO DONATE
XOXO

It's Official!

Lance Wins Six!











Yes, I am a huge dork. I captured these screenshots from the live television broadcast (which I'm going to pretend was an ephemeral broadcast...it's a copyright lawyer thing. But hey, I had to bring it to you here first.

And just a note, since this is a new blog, you can post comments below by clicking on the "comments" link. Or is that painfully obvious?

A Short Introduction to a Very Long Tale

On October 15, 2004, I will be travelling to Austin, Texas and riding alongside the incredible SIX time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong (and a few thousand others) in the Eight Annual Ride for the Roses charity bicycle race. The race supports the Lance Armstrong Foundation and its work on behalf of those whose lives have been affected by cancer. What is this all about? Been noticing those yellow bracelets lately? Please read on…

In November 2002 I was diagnosed with Stage III colon cancer and fought a battle for my life. Through some true medical miracles and a lot of support, I am here today, striving to flourish, put the pieces of my life back together and live in a more meaningful way. I have learned that living without cancer presents as many challenges as living with cancer.

As part of my recovery, it has become very important to me to help others less fortunate than I have been. This year I have chosen to support the Lance Armstrong Foundation, an organization that has personally helped me in numerous ways throughout my illness and its aftermath. I honestly can not think of a more deserving or relevant cause.

Founded in 1998 by Lance Armstrong after his personal battle with testicular cancer, and now symbolized by the ubiquitous yellow LIVESTRONG band, The Lance Armstrong Foundation promotes the optimal physical, psychological, and social recovery and care of cancer survivors. The LAF is working to identify and improve cancer survivor services and facilitate the delivery of those services—and a large dose of hope—to the patients, their families, and other loved ones touched by the disease. The money you donate will help to aid those affected by cancer through programs, advocacy, research and survivorship support

I have pledged to raise $20,000 this year for the Lance Armstrong Foundation as a member of its Peloton Project, the Foundation’s grass roots fundraising effort.

Amount raised to date: $15,360
PLEASE HELP ME REACH MY GOAL: CLICK HERE TO DONATE