Big Laugh? Big Smile!

If you told me back in 2017 that I would participate in a challenge for 9 years to log close to 1700 miles on a bike while raising over $66,000, I would have laughed hard.

As the month of September concludes, we are nearing the end of the 2025 Great Cycle Challenge. And thanks to you, instead of laughing, I have a big smile!

As I complete my ninth year in taking part in this challenge, I reflect on how we have raised awareness, prayers, and funds to fight kids’ cancer while allowing me to “get on my bike and ride.” I am blessed to have so many wonderful and amazing friends, family, and supporters! Yes, $66k in nine years.

Current totals for the overall 2025 challenge – 17,135 people joined the movement, raising over $6.8m to fight kids’ cancer and pedaling over 1.6 million miles.

For me in 2025, keep the number “72” in mind.

I turned 72 yesterday.

With a miles goal of 72, I achieved that.

With a sponsor goal of 72, I am so proud and honored to share that 74 joined me this year.

Together we raised $15,210.

For the ranking of donations across the nation, our numbers show: 16th across all the participants, 8th in the 66–75-year-old age group and 2nd in the state of IL. Looking at the 11 years of the GCC and all the participants joining the cause, we rank 30th in terms of total donations.

I hope you understand how much I appreciate your support of this cause and me. So no matter how our paths have crossed - family or friends, knowing me when I was born or I knew you when you were born, Emilys to Viators to Mary's to Cary, through our kids and new kids and little kids, MOT or Allstate or IHM, golf or bike or swim or travel, over "sodas" or in a hospital - thank you for thinking of me.

Will I do this again next year? We can sort that out later.

Onward!

And the beat goes on........

We are finishing up the third week of the Great Cycle Challenge for 2025. This is that time where friends and family are probably tired of my GCC posts. As the kids with cancer and their families never give up, I will keep at it until the month is up.

The 17k participants involved in the total challenge this year have donations of $6.4 million, with over 1.1 million miles pedaled across the USA.

And me? Besides my overall goals to raise awareness and prayers….

• Funds – Raised $15,210, exceeding the goal of $12,216

• Sponsors – Currently at 74, above the “age” target of 72

• Miles – Odometer shows 72.3, above that 72 number

So check/check/check thanks to all of you.

The picture attached? Our niece Caite made this flag for us in 2023. It is proudly displayed near our front door.

Keep thinking about these kids. And anyone struggling with health issues.

Week 2 update

It has been a busy week and month so far.

Overall, 16,981 people have joined the movement, raising over $6 million, while pedaling over 750K miles.

Last time, I stated my goals for this year - one more than 2024 –

72 miles, as I turn 72 soon

• Only at 50 but I will get there and then some

72 sponsors

• Currently at 73 – thank you

And one more dollar

• Currently at $15,174, well above the goal of $12,216

Current leaderboard info across all categories shows me/we are doing very well thanks to your help.

Every hill we climb and every mile we pedal will be to honor those lives we've lost and stand with those brave kids still fighting to survive. These kids won't give up, and neither will we.

Hello “YES” People - GCC & Match Day

I am honored and humbled that you decided to say YES.

YES – to this cause, these kids, to the memory of Pat, Tim and Tim, in honoring Scott and to my many notes.

As many of you know, 9/10 was Match Day for the GCC challenge this year.

As a team, we started the morning with 30 sponsors with donations around $6500.

During the 24 hours on Wednesday, more than 40 people decided to say YES, donating around $4700.

On 9/11, we were told an additional $3800 has been added as part of the match.

Now with over seventy sponsors, you have helped us with a total of over $15,000.

In the spring, when the goal was established of getting one more dollar than we did in 2024, I really felt it would never come true. But you did it and then some. Amazing.

As our paths have crossed and we have become family – Schultz, Sughrua, Viators, Marys, IHM, Cary, TCGA golf, Motorola, Allstate and all other – THANK YOU!

Kick Cancer's Butt Day

Today, Wednesday, September 10th is Kick Cancer's Butt Day.

This is the day where we stand together as one and take action to Kick Cancer's Butt.

Thanks to a generous group of donors, ALL online donations made on 9/10 will be matched (up to $1,500,000)!

But remember, this is for only 9/10!

Many of you have already joined our team.

Maybe you know someone else who would like to support this cause?

Send along a note to them to have them join us.