Laura Crossman
- National: 1564th
- State: 86th in NY
I'm Riding For
Elliot
Elliott is my cousin and is a 14 year old boy from Lacassine, LA who was diagnosed with High Risk Pre B cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) on November 27, 2015 at the age of 3. He spent most of December 2015 in the Children's Hospital of New Orleans. Elliott is in remission(Praise the Lord!) and finished treatment in 2019. Since boys can relapse in their testicles, they endure an extra year as opposed to girls. His treatment lasted a total of 3.5 years. He has had countless blood and platelet transfusions and several unplanned hospital stays due to fevers caused by viruses. The family has endured a lot in years since Elliott's diagnosis. He was Elliott’s Godfather and is missed tremendously. Childhood cancer does not only affect the child but the family as well. Only 4% of all cancer research funds are designated to Childhood cancer. There are HUNDREDS of types of childhood cancer but still only 4% funding.
My Story
Cancer has deeply impacted my family. We’ve lost two children to different types of cancer, and currently, my teenage cousin Elliot is in remission. He’s our survivor, and my biggest inspiration.
Beyond that, we’ve lost several adult family members to cancer: pancreatic, brain, breast, bone, kidney and lung. With such a strong family history, the fear that something could be found is always lingering. Just a year ago, we had a terrifying scare with our teenage daughter and an osteochondroma of her condyle. Thankfully, it turned out to be nothing, but it was a stark reminder of how close cancer always feels.
Every year, I dedicate my ride to my cousin Elliot! He’s fought and survived and that strength pushes me to keep going.
I ride in memory of my Uncle Bozo, who we lost to pancreatic cancer. From the moment of his diagnosis to when he passed, we only had a few short weeks. His sudden loss has driven me to push myself harder and ride longer than I normally would.
This year, I'd also like to shout out to one of the strongest women I know Brandi. Brandi has been fighting Stage 4 Metastatic Breast cancer, and her story is one of sadness and inspiration. I've never seen someone fight harder than her.
On long rides, I’m motivated by the companionship of friends who join me. Having someone to ride with, to talk to, and even to take a pull or two makes the miles feel lighter.
When I’m riding solo, I rarely have a destination in mind. I just let my legs take me wherever they want to go, making sure to pass a store or two for snacks; usually Sour Patch Kids and something to hydrate with. That little bit of spontaneity keeps it fun.
Know your limits—but don’t be afraid to push them. Have a backup plan, like a supportive partner who can pick you up if needed (shout out to my hubby!). But most of all, don’t get down on yourself. There's never a bad day when you're on two wheels.
Keep pedaling.
Keep searching for the answers.
Never let cancer win.
My Legacy
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Ridden$263 Raised2021
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335 mi Ridden$598 Raised2022
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850 mi Ridden$520 Raised2023
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1,737 mi Ridden$712 Raised2024
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1,520 mi Ridden$1,029 Raised2025
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678 mi Ridden$950 Raised2026
My Challenge
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43.3 mi ride - Lunch Ride - Monday, September 21, 2026
Logged this ride 18 minutes ago - View on Strava -
Elliot's the real super hero
20 Sep 2026Thanks to another member of the amazing GCC group a Hero's jersey was gifted to Elliot.
Im so incredibly thankful for the individuals who raise money and ride for these children.
Thank you Terri!
Posted 22 hours ago -
0.5 mi ride - ROUVY - Cool Down - IRONMAN 70.3 Gulf Coast - Sunday, September 20, 2026
Logged this ride 1 day ago - View on Strava -
49.6 mi ride - ROUVY - IRONMAN 70.3 Gulf Coast - Sunday, September 20, 2026
Logged this ride 1 day ago - View on Strava -
1.4 mi ride - ROUVY - Warm Up - IRONMAN 70.3 Gulf Coast - Sunday, September 20, 2026
Logged this ride 1 day ago - View on Strava -
Lost in montreal
19 Sep 2026The Ride Where We Were Never Lost… Except When We Were 🤣🚴♀️🚴♂️
So… here's the story, because apparently we went for a bike ride and accidentally signed up for a navigation adventure.
We met Gilles on the bike path.
That was the fast portion of the ride.
Actually, let me clarify—the only portion of the ride where we weren't lost. 😂
We saw some pro teams out practicing, which was pretty damn cool, so we stopped for a minute to take it all in.
First the mission: find the Champlain Bridge crossing to get to Gilles.
Simple enough, right?
Nope.
We asked a few people for directions.
Every single person gave us a completely different answer.
Eventually, after enough wandering around, we found our way to Gilles. He took us on a little loop and then showed us where we were actually supposed to cross in the first place.
Finally! We had a plan.
Gilles sent us back across.
And approximately 30 seconds later…
Jeff got us lost again.
🤣🤣🤣
At this point I said, “Next time, make a damn GPX file!”
Eventually, Jeff pulled out his phone and we slowed down so he could try to follow it.
Surely this would solve everything.
Spoiler alert:
It did not.
Somehow we managed to lose the bike path completely.
So there we were, walking our bikes across two medians, then scrambling up a little embankment separating the path from the road.
Naturally, we did this while running straight through the beautiful little wildflowers they planted to make the ugly-ass road look less ugly.
You're welcome, Montréal.
And of course, we made sure Bonnie and Seabiscuit got thoroughly decorated with weeds, dirt, and whatever else we managed to collect along the way.
Back on the bike path!
Success!
Except…
Jeff immediately decided we were lost again.
He pointed down the path and said we needed to turn around and go that way.
So, because apparently I have abandoned all ability to question these decisions, we followed.
Down the hill we went.
All the way to the bottom.
Toward the river.
The same river we had literally just crossed.
We get to the bottom of the hill and Jeff looks around.
“Hmm… nope. That's not it.”
Because, naturally, the path went nowhere. 😆
So back up the hill we went.
Again.
At this point, I was questioning not only the route, but possibly our entire decision-making process.
Thankfully, after that little excursion into the wilderness, we actually managed to stay on the right path.
I did question it.
Frequently.
But we made it.
And after surviving the Great Montréal Bike Path Navigation Disaster of 2026, we decided we had earned some smoked meat and proceeded to inhale salt-and-vinegar fries like they were part of our nutrition plan.
Honestly?
10/10 adventure.
Would absolutely do it again.
Next time, though…
GPX.
I said what I said. 😂🚴♀️💀
Posted 2 days ago -
74 + mile day. Who can resist.
19 Sep 2026Strong muscles, strong foundation, tough mind. 582 miles down this September while keeping the hammer down in the gym. Keep pushing through the hard days.
Posted 2 days ago -
74.8 mi ride - Lunch Ride - Saturday, September 19, 2026
Logged this ride 2 days ago - View on Strava -
23.0 mi ride - Afternoon Ride - Friday, September 18, 2026
Logged this ride 3 days ago - View on Strava -
6.5 mi ride - ROUVY - Manteigas Gravel | Portugal - Thursday, September 17, 2026
Logged this ride 4 days ago - View on Strava
My Sponsors
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Kick Cancer's Butt Day matched donation
“Here's your matched donation from a group of wonderful Children's Cancer Research Fund supporters. THANK YOU so much for your awesome efforts to kick cancer's butt!”
$301.77Received this donation 11 days ago -
Andrew & Tracey Styles
$135Received this donation 12 days ago
Laura
“To my scotland family Many thanks Until we see each other again”
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Gil and Deb Smith
“Great Job Laura! We really appreciate people like you who put forth the effort to raise much needed money to fight cancer. Pedal on!”
$129.38Received this donation 12 days ago
Laura
“Thank you Deb and Gill! always a pleasure to see you both. Until the next round of my really terrible golf game! Miss you. Maybe we will see each other before Arizona but if not I hope to see you there.”
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Jeffery LaBombard
“Hoping that today's donations will earn you your jersey!!! Always fun to go on this journey with you!!!”
$100Received this donation 12 days ago
Laura
“Thanks Jeff! You've definitely made the miles more enjoyable over the years!”
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John Phillips
$51.75Received this donation 5 days ago
Laura
“Hi John! Thank you so much for your support! I truly appreciate you and all you do.”
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T-Bone Watson
“Laura I wish I could do what you do! I celebrate vicariously through all of your efforts”
$51.75Received this donation 13 days ago
Laura
“Thank you Tony! You should go up Whiteface with me!”
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Facebook Fundraiser Donation
$51.52Received this donation 48 days ago -
Facebook Fundraiser Donation
$51.52Received this donation 45 days ago -
Jessica Fessette
$25.88Received this donation 5 days ago
Laura
“what do i say to my work-wife. TY for supporting my crazy!”
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Terri Nealon
“Laura, your ‘GCC Story’ is wonderful, as well as solemn. I too have lost two young cousins and numerous adult relatives to cancer and has my thyroid removed due to the threat. While I can’t ride very far at 65, I do try every year to raise around $2000 for this cast that’s near and dear to both of us obviously. I’d love to donate my super hero jersey to your dear Elliot, if he would like it. You could PM me on FB soon please if interested. (BTW-I donated a kids jersey last year too, so my pledge to do so is real and trustworthy.). Pedal on and God bless you, your ride, and of course Elliot. Sincerely, Terri.”
$25.88Received this donation 10 days ago
Laura
“Much love and admiration for you ❤️ 💛 💕 💓”
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Anonymous
$25.88Received this donation 5 days ago
Laura
“Thank you for your donation and help funding for childhood cancer.”