The Bike: Felt Z100

An email recently received from The Ulman Cancer Fund, who heads 4k for Cancer, revealed the chosen bicycle for 2012 riders:

The Felt Z100

Bikes will be shipped to riders after the $2,000 fund raising mark is met. The goal deadline is March 1st. Help me reach the bench mark! All contributions support the fight against cancer!

Furthermore, fundraising packets should be shipped out shortly, which will hopefully help my cause gain even more support.

Thank you all for the help!

Happy New Year!

Hello, 2012! May this year bring us health, wealth, and happiness.

A Reason to Ride

A mother made the ultimate decision to stop chemotherapy on her stage three brain cancer to save her baby.

Every Comment, Every Dollar, Counts!

A common question that I have been asked is "How much money do I have to donate?"

While I am excited that people are interested in donating, I want to make this clear: you are not limited to the donation amounts of $25, $50, $100 and $500 listed on the donation form. The only requirement is that the donation amount is a minimum of $5. And please, don't be discouraged if you cannot donate at this time,or if you feel that the amount you can donate won't make a difference.

Every little bit helps.

You can show your support by other means as well--forward this blog to your friends and family, make them aware of 4k for Cancer; like the page or share it on twitter; post a supportive comment, wish the team luck, or share your own struggles with cancer.

At its roots, 4k for Cancer and the rides across the country are about raising awareness and garnering support. You can be apart of the effort!

Wishing You All Health and Happiness in 2012 and Beyond,

James

Happy Holidays!

     I wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a very happy and  healthy holidays and New Year. As we exchange gifts with those we know and love, may we take a moment to remember how fortunate we are and wish those blessings upon those less fortunate than ourselves.
     I am most thankful for my friends and family who are here supporting me now and always.

Study Break for Donor Thank Yous... We've Reached $220!

I would like to take this moment out of Finals Hell Week to thank those that have generously helped me reach my first $200:

Sebastian R.
Amy N.
Jodi T.
Cathleen P.
Patti F.

and my wonderful girlfriend Jacqlene M. for not only donating but for putting up with my insanity these past months while promoting the cause.

I am so grateful for all the support I've received so quickly; it's truly motivating.

Good luck to everyone struggling with finals this week--it's back to the books for me.

The Route

View Larger Map

Above I embedded the route that we are traveling this summer from the 4k for Cancer website. The included description says:

"2012 marks our 11th year of cycling across the country in the fight against cancer and the second year of our Baltimore to Seattle ride. This 70 day, 4000 mile ride heads directly north after leaving Baltimore’s Inner Harbor into the heart of central Pennsylvania. We head north through New York’s Finger Lake region before turning west towards Buffalo and Niagara Falls. From there our route follows the outline of the Great Lakes until popping out at Madison, WI. We continue on through Minnesota and South Dakota before meeting up with the Portland ride in Yellowstone National Park. After Yellowstone our riders head north again to Glacier National Park before tackling the North Cascades into Washington State and the Pacific Ocean. The ride finishes up in historic Pikes Place Market in Seattle.

Route highlights include the Finger Lakes, Niagara Falls, Great Lakes, Cedar Point, the Corn Palace, The Badlands, Mt Rushmore, Yellowstone, Glacier, North Cascades National Parks and the San Juan Islands."

Why I am Riding 4k:

This is, as I anticipate, the question that I will be asked the most: "Why are you bike riding 4,000 miles across 10 weeks for cancer?" The answer is not so simple.

The greatest, most immediate push to ride the 4k is the death of my grandmother. She was a survivor of uterine cancer and I feel that this is a goal worthy to honor her. She was one of the wisest, kindest people that I have ever known. She was the family matriarch who would open her door to anyone that asked for help. I am riding in memory of her.

Many people have suffered from cancer in my family-- my father survived colon cancer, and my grandfather continues to battle skin cancer. One of the most difficult periods of my life was watching my father undergo tests, surgery, and recovery to remove his cancerous tumor. It taught me the value of life and health; without our health all else is worthless. I am riding in honor of his struggle, for everyone in my family who has battled cancer.

Cancer has had its implications beyond my family. I am riding for all families and friends who have faced cancer. Of course, I am riding for more than just the people I know; I am riding for everyone affected by cancer.

I am riding because I have heard a calling. Since hearing about 4k for Cancer and all of the service and awareness that the organization pours into communities across America, I have been determined to ride. I even put it on my bucket list.

And now I want to cross it off the list. I want to leave the east coast and see America; I want my experience to be worthwhile. I want to aid others, to perform service in search of myself. If I better only one life along my way then I will have accomplished my goal--though I have a feeling the impact will be greater than anticipated.

I welcome you to follow me along my journey and the journey of the 4k for Cancer Team Seattle 2012.

Love & Blessings,

James