In a minute I would like to talk a bit about people. And about the ride.. But before that… Many of you realized that you can send me messages through my tracking link. First I want to make sure you all are aware that I can’t respond to them. I’m not ignoring you… It’s just a one way deal. And beyond that… Those messages are absolutely awesome! What a treat each and every time! Well aside from my lovely sister commenting on how fantastic her air conditioning is. And a special thanks to Roger for sharing some very timely information regarding the fish population of a lake I was passing. I’m not sure where to use it yet but I will know when the time is right….
We are all here, doing this ride, to help seek the cure for cancer. Tonight, I heard some things which I’d like to share. Apologies if they don’t come out in the eloquent manner you are all accustomed to from me (no comments please!)
Tonight we surpassed $1.8 million dollars raised. Take that, and multiply that by the 23×1 match. This group has collectively pulled together $41.4 million dollars. Just think about that. That is a HUGE number. Last year we raised $1.6 million dollars, and there was a 13×1 match.
But this research…what is it doing? Is it helping? It is absolutely true that some forms of cancer still are reliant on treatment methods from 40+ years ago. But there is more now. We heard stories of how survivors cope. But think about that for a moment. 40+ years ago there weren’t survivors. Cancer was a death sentence. Now, when asked “how long do I have?” The doctors can say, with honesty, that they don’t know. It may be decades. There really is progress.
People really make an experience. I’ve realized that today. For me.. I guess I’ve got a reputation of sorts. I got pulled into multiple groups today with people greeting me by name and just wanting to ride with me. So I’m a person. Then there is Terry. He is THE person. This ride was his idea. He did it on his own 10 years ago. His passion have made this what it is. Enough cannot be said about him. Who else? Charlie Livermore. Coach. He has coached Olympic champions. I got to know him after the ride last year and he coached ME. And he is a survivor. The catering crew. Two Trees was here last year too. These guys manage to feed close to 400 people, including the support team. And they do it three times a day. Coffee at 500 AM, breakfast at 530. Somehow they find time to make prepared lunches for us, ready at the rest stops. And then dinner at 530. Oh, and they need to move their entire operation 80+ miles daily.
Most importantly is you lot. Your donations have made wonderful things possible. Countless people have benefited from your donor dollars. And you support me. I’m not used to that and, admittedly a bit uncomfortable being in a spotlight. I like to believe that when I leave for this journey, I’m out of sight for a week. But people go out of their way for me. People watch my progress. Send motivational messages. And some are making their own journeys and meeting me all the way in Niagara Falls. Reflecting on “people” I see that this has evolved into something bigger than me taking a bike ride. My site visitors bolster this opinion. My story is going viral on LinkedIn. Unbelievable.
Cool! I got called out today in your update! New goal set to get a special shout out from you each day!!
PS… my A/C at home is just as good as my A/C at work. Maybe tomorrow I’ll trek you about my non- truck shower….