When I first signed up for the Great Cycle Challenge in 2020, I saw it as a cool opportunity to challenge myself biking while also raising money for a good cause. This year I’m joining the challenge again, but with a different viewpoint and life experiences. In 2022, I watched my dad battle cancer for a year, having thought we beat it and he was in remission, only to lose him four months later. I sat with him at his chemo appointments weekly, and although his spirits remained high, watching him lose strength and his body breaking down was hard. My other big life event was becoming a father this year. In just a few short months, it’s crazy how much you can love a child and she’s got me wrapped around those tiny little fingers.

Becoming a parent and going through some of the challenges you will, it gives you a greater understanding of what other parents may be going through. Our daughter was in the NICU for five days after being born, and those were the most anxiety producing, stressful five days of my life. Before that, I had known other parents whose babies had been in the NICU, and I understood that it must be hard, but had no idea the feelings other had experienced, especially for longer and more intense stays.

In 2020, this challenge raised over $14,000,000 to In 2020, friends and family helped raise $730 and I attempted to match that many miles biked, including a 125 mile bike ride to Green Bay to match my sister’s donation. Having a four month old, I’m not going to be able to match the miles, but instead want to have our daughter be a part of the challenge and see how many miles we can walk pushing her in the stroller. Life experiences have also taught me how important time with loved ones is, and savoring these beginning months of her life and involving her in this challenge seems most fitting. My goal is to beat my donations from 2020 and raise $1,000 for this great cause. If you are willing and able to contribute, please see the link below. Thank you!