Some Press Coverage

One responsibility of a Great Cycle Challenge Champion is to spread the word about why pediatric cancer research funding is so important. As a GCC Champion, I reached out to a couple of local newspapers. I was fortunate to have reporters respond to my outreach. Two different papers wrote a story about my riding, the cause, and Elliot's fight with cancer. The Newville Valley Times Star is the paper in Elliot's home town. The Main Line Times and Suburban is my local newspaper. I wonder how many saw the articles. If you did, I would love to know. My email address is MrMcPez@gmail.com.

Elliot was too sick to trick-or-treat

Elliot's latest round of chemotherapy has been hard on him. He has developed sores in mouth, doesn't want to eat or drink and is in pain. However, he still wanted to get dressed up as his favorite Toy Story character - Woody. His neighbor dressed as Jessie. She knew how much Elliot likes Woody and she wanted to do something special for him. Though he didn't have the strength to trick-or-treat, it was still a very exciting day for him.

A crap shoot.

For many children with cancer, their treatments are a "crap shoot." Why, because the treatments they are given are with drugs created for adults, not specifically for a child's body. As a result, more than 90% will have health issues later in life. And at worst, they won't survive their treatment. When you play craps, a 7 or 11 on your first role is a winner. That got me thinking about those numbers. This is my 11th year riding in the GCC. So, I have one of the winning numbers. What would represent the 7? Well, I am currently the 8th highest fundraiser this year. With a week left in the fundraising period, I am now aiming to get to 7th. I am close. If you click on the individual leaderboard menu option, you can see the standings. Your donation will support the pediatric cancer research to one day help all kids become winners,

Will your name be on my back?

To honor those that donate to the Great Cycle Challenge, I am having a custom jersey made with the names of my 2025 supporters. You had my back, and now I will be wearing your name on mine. There is still time to have your name added. A donation of ANY amount will put your name on the jersey. I did this a few years ago. This is a picture of that jersey. You can see that I have been wearing the jersey as ride with Woody this year. Let's see how far we can EXCEED my fundraising goal.

A cancer journey takes many turns

Elliot needed to go back to the hospital to have his G-tube (gastrostomy tube) replaced. A G-tube is used in cancer treatment primarily to provide nutrition and hydration when a patient cannot eat or drink enough due to side effects like pain, nausea, or difficulty swallowing. Using a G-tube helps patients maintain strength, better tolerate treatment, and recover more quickly, as malnutrition can negatively impact the treatment's effectiveness and a patient's recovery. Elliot is one tough cookie. He never complains, regardless of what he has to endure in his fight with cancer.

Woody has been with me every mile

How do I connect with a four-year old that I am riding for when he is in the hospital more than one hundred miles away? I do it by finding out his favorite movie or cartoon character. I then buy two dolls of that character. I send one to the child, and keep one for myself. In Elliot's case, that character is Woody from Toy Story. I will carry my "Woody" on each of my rides. It is my way of having Elliot with me on every mile I pedal. Woody and I have now biked together for more than 500 miles. This includes rides in on gravel roads in Vermont (see picture).

Taco Tuesday anyone?

I reached out to Chipotle to ask about doing a fundraiser...and it is on!

25% of purchases made on September 30th from 4:00-8:00 PM will be donated. You must use the code in attached flyer when ordering on line. You enter code in the Promo section. If ordering in the store, tell the cashier before paying. The code is: VXB8CXD Note: This is only valid at the King of Prussia location. The address is on the flyer.