It’s not about the bike

In April 2016, I will be joining a group of like minded cyclists, drivers, and support staff from the Ulman Cancer Fund.  The ride starts in Baltimore and makes its way through six states for a total of 1500 miles. Even though I will be riding a lot of miles, the ride is not about the bike.  It’s more of a journey.  Along the way we will stop at cancer centers to share the Ulman mission of education, support, and to connect with young adult cancer victims and their loved ones.  It will be more about cultivating relationships and sharing experiences with others who are committed to waging the fight against cancer.

I first heard about Ulman when my friend’s daughter participated in the Ulman Ride Across America event.  I followed her daily progress and learned how special  the Ulman organization is through her journey.

One year later while I was driving to Maryland for a century ride, I read an email from Brian.  Brian is my son’s friend,  whom I coached and watched grow up.  When he was in the Air Force, he was diagnosed with cancer in his foot and subsequently had it amputated.  He was to be medically discharged but fought to finish his term and won.  Brian is still facing challenges but never once have I heard a negative comment from him.  Brian joined up with Ulman last fall to participate in a relay run over several days, while still going through treatment. He told me it was a very positive experience for him.  I am riding for men like Brian.  His courage and positive attitude inspire me and all who know him.

Cycling clears my mind and one day while cycling I started to think that year in and year out I cycle a lot of miles.  I thought maybe it’s time to make those miles mean something. At this point in my life I would like to give back.  Since cycling is my sport, I decided that riding for Ulman and young adults with cancer is a great way to get started.

Most everyone I know or you know have some kind of connection with cancer. Maybe it’s a loved one, friend, or coworker who is battling this ugly disease.  Some win the battle while others succumb to it.  I watched my father die from a long fight with leukemia and my father in law succumb to kidney cancer. I observed my sister go through breast cancer; a brother in law who had leukemia went through a bone marrow transplant and another brother in-law fighting bladder cancer.  They are all survivors and I admire their fight immensely. 

So just imagine being a young person and told you have cancer.  I personally heard those dreaded words in a very callous and matter of fact manner by a doctor." Well you have cancer". Your world just collapses.  Fast forward to today: I am one of the fortunate ones because I never had to endure chemo, radiation or surgery.  For me, it’s constant monitoring and testing.

I often reflect back on what an old timer once told me. He said,” Your life is made of two dates and a dash.  Make the most of the dash.”  I never gave that statement much thought but he sure was right.

In order to raise the minimum amount of $5,000.00 I cannot do it without the support of family and friends. There are so many people still fighting. Please consider a donation.  Any amount goes a long way.

Thank you everyone for your support!

UCF Key to Keys Experience is a journey that brings together a diverse group of individuals to build a community of support for those affected by cancer. Using cycling as a platform, Key to Keys participants come together throughout the journey to share their individual cancer connections and give out as much support to others as they are receiving.