I feel like a wheel. A tiny, almost unnoticeable, cog-like wheel. A wheel among tens, hundreds, thousands, and even millions of other wheels in a grand machine. This machine has a purpose defined by its components and protruding drill bit. This complex, industrial drill contains wheels of differing sizes and placements, but they are all […]

I am seriously in shock and amazement right now. I have shot past my minimum fundraising goal, and surpassed even my above-and-beyond goal. The generosity of all of my donors has not just astounded me. It has knocked me flat on my back. Though I haven’t yet visited San Francisco, I have a wide smile […]

“I’ve been absolutely terrified every moment of my life – and I’ve never let it keep me from doing a single thing I wanted to do.” – Georgia O’Keeffe I’ve just finished taking the first ice bath of my life. If you know me, you know I’m scared of bodies of water, and if you […]

In just three days, my teammates and I will embark upon a journey we’ve waited nearly 500 days to begin. We’ve all completed our requirements, raised $4,500, biked 1,500 training miles, completed a century in fewer than 10 hours, and volunteered more than 60 hours in the community. We’ve given of ourselves for the last […]

They told me not to do it-that there were other methods of raising awareness. They told me I would look like a boy with my freshly shaven head-that I’d have a hard time fitting into society. A lot of people told me a lot of different things. Most of which was supportive. Some, however, in […]

It seems to be one of those nights. One of the nights where you are trying to go to sleep early since you have to wake up extra early. Of course, these nights are when you seem to get the most crucial thinking done, while simultaneously hitting yourself for not falling asleep yet. Either way, […]

First whole blood donation: 05/19/2009 First platelet donation: 04/07/2010 First bone marrow donation: TBA Donating blood for me has always an act of courage. Since I can remember, I’ve only really been afraid of three things: blood, needles, and bugs. Breaking bones, tearing muscle – no problem. If I throw some Icy Hot on there […]

I don’t have too many regrets in life, mainly because I am a true believer that you are exactly where you are supposed to be. Everything happens for a reason, blah blah blah. But I do have one very big regret from the past 18 months. I never wrote Ruel a letter. If you knew […]

Every ending is a new beginning, a hope for things to come. We can only hope tomorrow, will bring the things we long. Every ending is a new beginning, a promise of things reborn. A new day far more happy, than the life that we had known. Every ending is a new beginning, with a […]

Two things I will never complain about after yesterday’s ride: 1. Lost Creek minus “redemption hill”. I didn’t have to walk any of Lost Creek yesterday, yay! I had an awesome Natalie behind me encouraging me not to stop annnnd I would have been so mad at myself if I stopped. I make goals by […]