When the knees didn't start feeling any better, I gave

Paul a full report to give to his father (an Ortho Oncologist who came to a T4K meeting for a presentation). Paul came back with a look on his face like- "have I got news for you Merritt. " Paul said,

"He says its probably Patella Femoral Arthritis" and

that meant taking anti-inflammatories, stretching the hammies and staying tough.

Celebrex just wasn't cutting it. I kept imagining

old folks in matching sweat suits playing tennis

in some retirement community in Miami singing

"Celebrex, Celebrex, dance to the music".

Canada's Medical System was very generous to share one of their doctor's with me. I owe every Canadian

.00005 cents for that visit. Anyhow, this doctor said,

"Patella Femoral Syndrome; a bit of tendonitis"....and to make a long story short, "you should not ride if you want it to heal."

Well, as my eyes welled up with tears and I began thinking, oh no! I walked out of the office and thought about what I was going to do. I went to lunch to let all the options soke in. What am I doing this for? I realized that in the big picture, I have nothing to worry. "Get yourself together, " I thought. "Your pain cannot compare to that of people with cancer." But I know there is a fine line between risking the integrity of my knees in the three weeks that remain and just sucking it up and riding. I called Mom and Walt as I was certain they could lift my spirits. Then I went to our host's house and talked to the team. A few of us were in the living room of Maggee Spicer and her husband, Canadian children's author Richard Thompson when I asked the advice of the team. Before I knew it, everyone was willing to help and I felt much better.

Maggee, who is a yoga instructor, offered me some yoga poses that would strengthen the knee. Later on,

a few of us were watching a movie. I got up to get water and I see Lorig illuminated by the computer screen doing research on how to strengthen the vas medialis (muscle whose weakness is contributing to pain). In the meantime, our hosts' friend Sarah (massage therapist) calls the house and asks for me.

"I think I can help you out ", she says, "come by my house for a massage tomorrow."

Well, I could practically skip down the street after that massage. My knees felt like a trillion bucks.

I know that this is really just a tiny curveball in life. I know one day I will be able to map out what I learned.

I allready know that the character of friends and strangers has really prevailed. Thanks Mom and Dad, Team, Walt, Sarah, Lorig, and Maggee. But most of all, thanks to the cause. Without you all in mind, it would be tough to go anywhere.