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Cancer, chemo, and cycling

Cancer, chemo, and cycling

Old Apr 5, 2016, 3:15 pm
  #1  
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Cancer, chemo, and cycling

We all know the saying that starts … the best-laid plans. Well, that’s been the last year for me.

I have not spent much time on FT recently, as the cruel Big “C” has come to visit. Last summer we tried some less-aggressive tactics to fight back, and it did not work. So, during the first week of November, I started chemo. No matter how prepared we think we are … no matter the assurances of the doctors … it ain’t no fun!

But now, chemo is behind me – my last treatment was March 22. I’m still worn out from 5 months of infusions, but this has not deterred me from waking up this morning and making a formidable commitment:
I am going to participate in NCAC-2016 … my 4th ride to raise money for HIV support services in Northern California. And I am asking for your support.
Read down on this page, and you can see some of my efforts starting in 2013. I also rode in 2014 and 2015. Now I am trying it again.

I’m starting my fundraising late. But more than that, I am starting my training very late. In only six weeks, my commitment is to ride a bike over 300 miles in just 3 days. This strengthens my fortitude … and I hope it proves to you … that participating in this ride is something far bigger than myself, from which I cannot turn away.

Four years ago, I bought a bike for the first time in 40 years, and after my first ride of only six miles, I staggered home and crawled up the stairs on my hands and knees. I surprised myself that within a matter of six months, I was completing 100-mile training rides.

Today, I am older. I weigh more (damned treatments--I gained 30 pounds in 5 months!). And I am not nearly as fit. Typically, we train for at least 6 months. But the reality is, I have been lethargic .... lying around, sleeping, napping ... or whatever else you call it when someone goes through chemo. But I am hoping to surprise myself again.

One of the most-overwhelming benefits of NCAC has been the friends I've met along the way--not just the riders and crew, without whom the hours and miles of training never would have been realized--but I also am in awe of the many friends who have donated in support of my rides.

So, here is my plea: please donate again. In the short time before we take off on May 12, my goal is to raise at least $10,000, as I have done in each of the last 3 years. Trust me when I say, every dollar counts – and NO donation is too large.

I've tried to make it easy for you this year -- no letters, no checks to mail, and you even can earn credit card bonuses! Please make your tax-deductible donation online by following this LINK.

From the bottom of my heart, and from the tips of my fingers with which I want to give you a big hug: THANKS to everyone who might support me.

Last edited by JDiver; Apr 6, 2016 at 3:29 pm Reason: Add highlighting for visibility
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Old Apr 5, 2016, 3:38 pm
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You are a warrior. So proud of you for choosing to do the ride again this year. I've donated.
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Old Apr 5, 2016, 4:45 pm
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Originally Posted by SanDiego1K
You are a warrior. So proud of you for choosing to do the ride again this year. I've donated.
Thanks to our fearless leader -- I appreciate your support! ^
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Old Apr 6, 2016, 3:35 pm
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Go, Kevin! Epitome of resilience and dedication to the cause.
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Old Apr 6, 2016, 11:23 pm
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Thank you, sir, for donating again.
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Old Apr 7, 2016, 7:36 am
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Originally Posted by kevinsac
Thank you, sir, for donating again.
It's my pleasure, your pain.

Seriously, best of luck. Safe and productive ride!
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Old Apr 8, 2016, 11:26 am
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As Carol said, you're a warrior. I'm completely in awe of what you're doing so soon after the treatments ended.

Donation made!
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Old Apr 8, 2016, 7:43 pm
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You have no idea! According to my niece, my myriad side effects sound like I was pregnant. According to my sister, it sounds like I was menopausal.

Among other things, I never will question a woman about her hot flashes again!

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Old May 1, 2016, 2:51 am
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Go Kevin go!
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Old May 1, 2016, 8:29 am
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Thank you, kind sir! ^
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Old May 21, 2016, 9:05 am
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It is not too late to support Kevin and help him make his goal. Although he has already cycled the race, I am sure he will still appreciate your support. I only "know" him thru FT, but he really embodies all that is good here on FT. I only donate a small amount, but every little bit will help, so lets get him over his goal.
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Old May 23, 2016, 5:21 pm
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Yes, it is true, the ride was last week. And overall, our small band of riders and crew raised over $250,000. That's a QUARTER OF A MILLION DOLLARS!

Thanks for the support from FT, I personally raised over $10,000 this year ... and over 4 years, from the money I have raised and donated to other riders, my total equals $45,000.

:-::-::-:^^^:-::-::-:

But the piggy bank still is hungry, and we still are accepting donations.

I did not do as well as I hoped. I managed to ride about 200 miles on the 300-mile route. It just simply was not my year.

Thanks to the cancer (or not! ) I have decided to retire at the end of this year. I will spend more time with family on the East Coast. And thus, I will not be in town to train for the 2017 event.

However, having been a rider for 4 years, I have come to appreciate and adore the support offered by the crew. And that's what I am going to do next year ... wherever they need me, as SAG, servicing a rest stop, or on medical. And most importantly, I am going to be a cheerleader. More than once during any of our rides, I was at my emotional and physical end....convinced I could not ride another mile. But I cheerful smile, a big bear hug, a shoulder to cry on (not me!!!) or a bon-bon out of a hidden trove -- that can make all the difference in the world and more often than not, gave me the incentive to carry on. And in return for that support, I want to be able to give back to those who are riding next year. Then I can decide if I will ride or crew in 2018.

Thanks to all who donated ... and a special thanks to those who might want to throw some extra money into our pot!
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