Why I Ride
I joined the Texas 4000 after having various people in my life fight and often lose their battles with cancer and not wanting to watch another one suffer without knowing I was doing something in my power to help in the battle. Finding out that someone close to you has been diagnosed with cancer makes you feel so unbelievably helpless. You are not a doctor and do not have the slightest idea what will heal this person. You’re sadness does not help alleviate their sadness. All you can do is be there to listen and offer words and actions of comfort, even though you feel the same fears of what the future holds. Through the Texas4000 mission, my teammates and I will be given the chance to hopefully motivate several people to make life-altering health decisions that prevent them from having to hear the words “you have cancer”. For others who are already battling this cruel disease, we will be there to offer encouragement of hope to STAY STRONG, a slogan I had for a great friend of mine who had an amazing will to win her own battle and inspire others. Our team’s ongoing effort to raise funds in support of cancer research will be a message to all of our intense desire to find answers to prevent further suffering. What more could I ask for? I have been given a chance to DO something with a team where every member has a common passion. Whether we impact just one, a few or touch thousands through this year-long challenge and adventure, I feel our journey will have been well worth it.
No one can deny that cancer is a horrible disease. What amazes me, however, is how much there is to learn from every individual who has been diagnosed, suffered, and dealt with it, even the youngest children. Their desire to fight through the pain and treatments and sickness and make the most out of every good day is a true inspiration. Gabby and Mike, two people I have been honored to know, are perfect examples of this. To try and explain their lives here could never do them justice. They were each affected by cancer at a young age, yet the number of lives they have been able to touch through their stories and have impacted in such positive ways is astounding.
Even though Gabby’s life was short, she was able to transform a whole community. The priest at her funeral gave a moving message to the literally thousands of high school kids and families who were present. He stressed that Gabby’s suffering through this horrible disease and the positive movement her illness created, in both her school and church community, should not end simply because her life was cut short. He challenged the entire congregation to carry on Gabby’s fighting spirit and effort to encourage positive choices in life. This was the perfect message for so many of these kids, who I’m sure are now going to continue on into college and do remarkable things in her honor. I was astounded as we went to the grave sight and around a two mile stretch of I-45, south of Houston, was shut down with a continual line of cars. She was 16.
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1256231887862
Mike is a four time cancer survivor who has been through more than I could ever imagine. However, his demeanor and outlook on life, if spread to the entire world, would make a startling difference. He spoke at a Texas 4000 meeting and, if you follow Texas 4000 even the slightest, I’m sure you have heard his story told a hundred different ways. It was the first standing ovation ever received in the past two years and I’m sure he touches the heart of each and every individual who ever gets to hear him tell his story.
To learn more: http://ironmikey.com/default.aspx
Throughout my journey this past year with the Texas 4000, I’ve found I am continually riding for more and more reasons. The list is endless… but to make it short, I ride for EVERYONE including animals and YOU.
Whether you have it, will one day have it, or know someone who has had it or will get it. No matter what shape it takes in your life, cancer will inevitably affect you, whether directly or through your friend’s dog’s groomer’s brother’s aunt.
STAY STRONG