This September, I am taking part in the Great Cycle Challenge to fight kids' cancer! Gary Pfeiffer has been doing this for several years and last year I decided to join him instead of just giving money towards his ride. Gary is truly an inspiration in how he sacrifices his body for others!

I have MdDS which makes me feel like I'm on a boat all the time. Riding a bike does tend to trigger symptoms, but so does just standing for a few minutes. I vividly remember the struggle to do this last year, including the fear of dogs (and one intense chase), but while my struggles are real, there are children who fight bigger battles than me every day. Their strength, perseverance, and courage to keep fighting instead of just giving in to a disease that wants to kill them...honestly, it makes me feel weak. So, I'm riding for them. I don't personally know any kids going through this right now, but I'm learning about some of them through this challenge.

I do know some adult warriors who have truly amazed me through their health battles, cancer or other. So, my rides are to honor or remember them as well: Amy Noel, Margaret Tallent, Carol Wintringham, Mary Goodenow, Helen Sullivan, Richard B. Sullivan, LouAnn Farmer, Holly Dyer, Joan Beardmore, Lacy Reinhart, Stephanie Barnes, Jill Schlarb, Kelly Rickle, Connie Weaver, Debbie Roerhle, Velma Miller, Matt Miller, Kristen Lindsay and so many more.

Cancer is the biggest killer of children from disease in the United States. Over 15,700 children are diagnosed every year, and sadly, 38 children die of cancer every week.

Kids should be living life, not fighting for it.

I am raising funds through this challenge to help these kids and support Children's Cancer Research Fund to allow them to continue their work to develop lifesaving treatments and find a cure for childhood cancer.

Please support me by making a donation to give these kids the brighter futures they deserve.

Thank you.