Those who know me know I am no fan of sitting in the car...I have been known to set up business trips from NYC to Hartford, CT and Springfield, MA the weekends of rugby tournaments just to avoid driving there! That being said, last year I drove support while a team of riders, Rooster Racing, endeavored to conquer the Livestrong Austin Challenge, riding 100 miles on bicycles...bicycles! Christ, I dont like to DRIVE 100 miles!! I was in awe of their singularity of purpose, their fortitude, their camaraderie. This year, I threw my hat in the ring. What an experience! Due to the remarkable donations from many of you, (we came in second in fundraising to a team with many many more members) the entire team was invited to a dinner the night before. If I hadnt been motivated before, this was the clincher. Since being married and particularly post children, I have become an emotional open book (sadly)...The stories of cancer borne struggle, victory and sadly death had me frequently welling up like a chubby kid that just dropped his ice cream. But what an amazing example of the strength of the human spirit, regardless of the physical condition. The ride was work, but it is something we can train for, we know what to expect and that we will be victorious if we follow the path, push hard and keep pedaling. Those fighting cancer are given no such guarantee, there is no way to prepare, no way to train...the day you get that diagnosis is a head on collision, leaving everyone dazed, confused and unsure whats next. I just cant fathom the depth and breadth of this reality. This is why what Livestrong does is so amazingly important. All we can really do is try to stay fit, eat right and hope our immune system keeps the cancer dogs at bay. Thanks again to all who donated, all who rode their asses off...And finally and most importantly, to all those battling cancer and their family/loved ones...You are amazing warriors and it is an honor to have met you, ridden with or for you, and I thank you for sharing your stories with me, as I am a lucky man for being able to be involved, and I will never take that for granted. Keep up the fight, were right there for you. #RRAustin14
Posted on: Wed, 22 Oct 2014 15:34:02 +0000