Why I Ride
Cancer has been a constant and unwelcome presence within my life. I have lost to cancer my grandmother (breast cancer), my grandfather (stomach cancer), an aunt, and an uncle (both with lung cancer). I also have a cousin that is currently fighting leukemia and a friend that is fighting breast cancer. I am dedicating this bike ride to my relatives and friends that are fighting against cancer or that had fought and were not fortunate to win the battle.
Additionally, I have myself, to a lesser extent, struggled with the cancer world. Ten years ago, a bone tumor was found in my arm. The tumor turned out to be benign, however it took two surgeries, and two years of numerous visits to several doctors before I won the battle and fully regained the use of my arm. It was the keen work of Dr. Jose Roberto Chioli (in memoriam), friendly known as Beto, that found and cured the benign tumor I had in my arm. I am very, very thankful to him and I would like to dedicate this endeavor to him as well.