Scarlett

Meet Scarlett Dowell. She is the little freckle face cutie on my right. This was a lunchtime selfie when Scarlett was in 6th grade at Mendive MS. Scarlett is in 8th grade now, and recently diagnosed with skin cancer. I’m not at Mendive this year, but was so proud of her for coming out of her shell last year as a 7th grader. She is always smiling, and that always made me smile when I’d see her in the hallways. 😊

Scarlett also has Downs Syndrome, and was recently shown on a news segment for Downs Syndrome Day. It made my heart happy to see her on the news, and saddened me to learn shortly afterwards about the cancer. She will begin treatments in Vegas soon. This must be very scary for her and her family. I’ll be praying for them throughout this journey.

Today I rode for Scarlett. I’m sending positive energy and strength for her throughout this time. I hope the treatments are successful. You’ve got this, Scarlett! Stay strong! 💪❤️

Logan Wheeler

Meet Logan Wheeler. Logan fought two different kinds of cancer beginning in October 2023. He beat Ewing Sarcoma in January 2025, only to be diagnosed with leukemia in March 2025. He was only 22 years old when he died this past summer.

Logan was from Solvay, NY. He played baseball and basketball, in addition to video games. He had his first job at 15 at a Carroll favorite, Twin Trees Pizza. He moved on to Camping World, a place he strove to make a career out of. I am sure the staff there miss him and his contributions to the company.

I didn’t personally know Logan, but I ride for kids and young adults like him all month. Thirty-eight kids a day get the dreaded cancer diagnosis, and that’s 38 too many. I rode today thinking about Logan and the family he left behind. He was far too young, with thoughts of a bright future ahead of him, to have had to fight two back-to-back cancers and lose the fight at 22. Rest in peace, Logan, and may you shine down on your family and friends.

Paulette

Today I rode for Paulette Thompson-Clinton. She was a member of our Edgehill Street gang growing up. She was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer at 32. She was a renowned minister, and mother of a young son when she lost her battle shortly before her 50th birthday.

Today would have been her birthday. When the alert popped up on my phone, I had to dedicate today to her. We were a close knit group on Edgehill, and I have nothing but the best memories spending my summer days and nights playing with my ‘ham classmates during our young lives. It was a different time when hours went by playing kick-the-can, kickball, climbing trees, and being mothered by the neighbors. Rising and falling by the click of the streetlights, running wild, and being anywhere but home. For this trip down memory lane, and the goodness you shared with the world, Paulette, I dedicate today to you. I know you are missed by your family, your congregation, and your friends. Edgehill gang forever and the memory of an uncomplicated youth. Rest in peace, Paulette. ❤️

For Daddy

Today I rode for my daddy. He would have turned 92 today. If he were still here, maybe I would have made the trip home for a joint birthday party. Maybe I would have just had a phone call in which I would hear the happiness in his voice. I would have started with, “Happy birthday, Dad!” He would have replied, “Happy birthday to you, Treesha.” Then we would go on to discuss plans. My favorite was when he would say, “Mommy is taking me out for dinner tonight.” Those parties and phone calls always made my birthday special, and I miss them every year.

My dad died of leukemia in 2015. It’s hard to believe he has been gone for 10 years, and I take comfort knowing my mom is with him today. I am sure there is one hell of a party going on up in heaven with lots of music, laughter, and cheers.

Since I started participating in the Great Cycle Challenge, I’ve always ridden 1 mile today in honor of my dad. The first time I rode a century, my dad said, “Why are you doing that? You don’t have anything to prove. Just cycle 1 mile and go home.” This year I had to make an adjustment. Today I rode 62 miles on my last day of being 61. Tomorrow, I’ll ride that mile for my dad, as my legs recuperate. So, I hope you aren’t disappointed, Dad, that I rode 62 today. While I was pedaling, I thought about all our great birthdays over the years, and I hope you are having the time of your life finally getting to celebrate a birthday again with your bride by your side.

Miss you, Daddy.

For my husband

Today I rode for my husband, Pat. This was our last birthday picture together in 2021. Tomorrow, Pat would have turned 69. On Monday, I will turn 62 without him. I missed out on 59th, 60th, and 61st birthday pictures with the coolest guy, the legend, the educator and coach, the man I proudly got to call husband. It puts a bit of a damper on the month of September, but cycling my butt off for kids fighting cancer all month sure does help.

Pat didn’t die of cancer, but rather an unexpected group of health conditions that hit him hard all at once. He was loved and respected by so many people as the English teacher who taught grammar and kids how to write, as the coach who taught skills on and off the court, and most importantly, as a parent to so many. Anyone who knew him would concur that Pat, PC, GP, or any other nickname he went by, was just an incredible human being. I miss him every day.

Today I rode for you, husband. And just to throw you off, I biked 20.9 miles, not 20 or 21, as you would have expected, knowing my need to stop on a whole number. I will think of you all day tomorrow and will miss celebrating our birthdays once again.

Cathy Farricy Brand

One of the best things about Nottingham HS was the diversity, and by that I don’t just mean in cultural backgrounds. There was diversity among friend groups. It seemed to me as if everyone sort of had their small group of 4-5 people; but all of those small groups intermingled with each other, and that is what made being a member of the class of ‘81 so special. I mention this because the gal I’m pedaling my last 40.5 miles for today was the embodiment of that quality.

Kathy Farricy Brand, the spunky gal in the middle, was a friend to all. She was funny, she always had a smile on her face, and always had something nice to say about anyone and everyone. She was this tiny little thing with a personality larger than life. She was just a kind, dear, wonderful human being who impacted the lives of so many.

One of my favorite memories is the year we read “The Catcher in the Rye” in English class. I’m not sure what year it was, but from that point on everyone became “Phoebe”. It didn’t matter the situation the response was always, “you’re so phony, Pheob.” It cracked us up, and now I can’t tell you why, but we acted out that book all of the time like we were earning a grade for it! Last year I re-read the book, and of course, I thought fondly of Kathy.

I’m not sure what year Kathy was diagnosed with brain cancer, but I remember finding out when I saw a pic of her with Carrie Weston Lenzen posted on FB. I was shocked and bummed, and even more saddened in April of 2016 when she passed away at 52. Like Randy, Kathy was taken from us too soon.

After reading Tim Crawford’s comments about her funeral, she was loved far greater and deeper than I could ever had known. To add to this, Kathy’s husband, Fritz, also died from lung cancer the following year. I’ve never met their daughter, Rachel, but have heard she took care of both of her parents in the end. What an incredibly strong young woman. My heart goes out to her and the loss she has suffered.

As I wrap up this tribute today for my HS pals, I will think of all the great times we shared, their larger than life personalities, their kindness, and humor. They were both very good friends to many, and left a hole in many hearts in their passing.

Always a bulldog, Randy and Kathy, we all love and miss you!

#Bulldogs4Life🐶

#GCCStrong🚴‍♀️💪❤️

Greatcyclechallenge.com/Riders/PatriciaCarroll

Paul Ruston

Meet Paul Ruston. 1981 Nottingham HS graduate. Classmate, friend, runner, and educator. My memories of Paul were of a funny, quirky kind of guy who loved to run. He ran on the XC team in HS and college. He continued to run after college, earning national titles. He became a National Boards teacher, making him one of the best; in addition to coaching state recognized teams in Washington State. Paul passed away on 8/8/23 after a brief illness. I don’t know if it was cancer, but I do know another ‘ham classmate was taken too soon.

Other than running, my most vivid memory of Paul was the illegal boxing club he hosted in his backyard among our classmates until

he got caught. It was the original fight club. 😊 He was just this skinny, gangly, funny kid trying to make the most of life. I was in awe when I read his obit yesterday. I don’t remember Paul being the fastest in HS, but he certainly worked hard to perfect his trade after HS, wining many prestigious awards. I wish I had known the man he became to be long before his passing instead of after.

I am dedicating my first ride, a marathon, to Paul. May you be racing Mr. C and Mr. Bisson in heaven, not to mention having a few laughs. Paul, you will be missed by your students, athletes, family, and your ‘Ham family. Rest in peace, Ruston, rest in peace.

GCCStrong🚴‍♀️💪❤️

Day 1 ‘Ham tribute.

Continuing in my first weekend tradition, I will pump out 81 miles in honor of my HS classmates lost to cancer.

Meet Randy “Randog” Shure. Randy was one of my first friends at Nottingham HS. We had homeroom and our lockers down in GW. We chatted every day, and became fast friends immediately. In the first weeks of 9th grade Randy lost his Dad to brain cancer. I think this event was one of the defining moments that solidified our friendship. I was very concerned about him and checked in on him often.

Randy and I had several classes together, like TV Production below, where he was always getting me into trouble, especially in Biology! Randy would do all manner of goofy antics when Mrs. Gladys was writing on the board, and of course I’d be laughing as she turned around. Once I even had to move to a lab table by myself. Rest assured, I did get him back in Spanish class where he used to pull on my ponytail for the answers. Señora Rotelli caught him every time. 😂 We had Mulvi and Mr. Shulenberg together as well, and the good times continued. Randy was a big part of my day.

The good times with Randy didn’t end there. We often hung out at Randy’s on weekends, spent time at his pool, which if you knew Randy, you’d know he most likely invited me over so often just to see me in a bathing suit. LOL. He took me to my first concert, The Talking Heads; and I can’t hear the song “Paint it Black” without smirking from the holiday incident that caused him to get caught red handed heading out with the gang on a Jewish holiday. I believe it was Harris who just had to hear “Paint it Black” that ended with us walking out as his mom pulled up from temple. We went out, Randy get sent back into the house. He was so mad because that extra 3 minutes cost him his Friday evening!

Randy was a great guy and always had everyone laughing. He was a successful businessman who had the good fortune to retire, yes retire, in his late 30’s. It’s a good thing because he was able to enjoy time with his wife Alison and his 3 kids before he got cancer. Randy was having stomach issues for about a year. The doc had him take antacids, for what turned out to be pancreatic cancer. He was going to fight it hard, he started writing a book; but cancer won and took Randy from us in 2011 at 47.

To say it was shocking was an understatement. I hadn’t seen Randy since 2002 and didn’t know he was sick until he was gone. Maybe it was in the cards as his dad died about the same age, but that didn’t and doesn’t make it any easier.

Today, Randy, I’m getting this 81 started for you. You had such a tremendous impact on my young life, and were such a good friend to me. I miss your silly antics, I miss your goofy smile, I miss how you just took care of everyone. I will definitely be singing “Paint it Black” during my ride and replaying all the silly things that happened with us in HS. Miss you!!

Tim Keheller

Meet Tim Keheller. Tim underwent a 12-hour surgery for tongue cancer last month and is recovering at home. He has a long road ahead of him with treatments, but we are hopeful it will end well, with an expected 85% survival rate.

Tim is my neighbor. I met him when I moved in with Pat in 2015. Pat used to stand on a hunk of wood to look over the fence to chat with Tim, a la Home Improvement. We would chitchat if I happened to be outside while they were chatting about yards and such.

Tim and I became closer friends in 2022. Buddy and I showed up on his doorstep asking for help. Pat was in the ICU, and I asked if he could let Buddy out while I was at the hospital. For the past three years, Tim has helped me with Buddy while I've been at work. Buddy loves him. When he hears Tim say, “hey, Buddy boy” he goes running. We have both depended on Tim's kindness as we have navigated life with just the two of us. Luckily, Buddy can come to work with me this year because we need to give Tim the space to heal. We both miss him as he is on the mend.

Today, I rode for Tim. For his kindness. For his selflessness. For being one of the best neighbors I've ever had. We're praying for you every day and anxiously await hearing, “hey, Buddy boy” across the fence. Stay strong, Tim! You got this! ❤️

Meet Helen Carroll

Meet Helen Carroll, or as I refer to her, Mommy. My mother had undiagnosed lung cancer. Her health decline began in November 2024 and ended on June 25, 2025. My mom was a badass; she was tough as nails in all aspects of her life. She had four kids in seven years in her early twenties. She went to work in 1968 when I went to kindergarten. She was a pioneer for working women in the 1970s. She started as a buyer for the China Department at Dey Brothers and held management positions throughout the rest of her 30-year career.

My mom was a fashion icon; she was always dressed in the latest styles, right to the bitter end. She wouldn’t even go to the ER without an outfit and her makeup on. She was always the hippest-looking mom around.

My mom was extremely intelligent. She read every encyclopedia edition from cover to cover as a child. Although she did not attend college, she was an expert on many subjects. My parents were the smartest people I knew.

My parents were married for 59 years when my dad died in 2015 after being diagnosed with leukemia. They were great role models for how to enjoy life together. They enjoyed playing bridge, golfing, traveling, jazz, eating out, cooking, SU sports, and were rarely seen doing any of these things without the other.

My mom taught me a lot about life. She taught me that I could do whatever I wanted as a career and should go for what I want. She taught me to be tough. She taught me the importance of family. She taught me about dignity. She supported me through many situations, particularly in losing my husband in '22 and getting through two total knee replacements on the same knee last year. I owe my mom a lot, and I am thankful and lucky to have spent the majority of my life with her. These last few decades of my time will not be the same without her.

Today, I ride for my mom, for everything she has done for me and my family, for being a positive role model and raising me to be a badass too. This ride is for you, Helen Carroll. I hope you and Dad are listening to jazz with all your cronies in heaven. 🚴‍♂️💪❤️