Donation Goal: $1,000 by February 1st

Good morning everyone!

As classes for the spring term begin here on campus, and I return to the 6 days a week training schedule, I would like to extend a thank you to my three most-recent donors who pushed the goal over the $500 mark:

Alyssa S.
Bruno P.
Tom S.


That being said, to keep on mark with the $5,000 goal, I have set a goal to exceed $1,000 by February 1st.
That's 14 Days to raise another $500.

Join the fight against cancer and help me exceed the $1,000 benchmark!
Donate, follow, & share.

Wishing you all the best day,

James

Getting Serious: A Reflection

Gearing up for another semester at American, I've decided that now is a good time to reflect on the accomplishments and pitfalls of my 4k for Cancer endeavor so far.

I started this holiday break a month ago pumped for the trip and the associated fundraising, but confused as to where to begin.

What's Worked:


1. Applying for, being accepted to, and connecting with the 4k for Cancer Team


2. Setting up my personal blog


3. Networking with other bloggers and past 4k for Cancer riders

• First, I met Stef Woods back on campus during a HyperNetwork panel on networking via social media. Informative and entertaining, the panel helped me to start my social media venture. Stef Woods shared some tips with me on connecting to my audience regarding cancer related issues. She had blogged during her personal battle against breast cancer. I encourage you to follow her entertaining pieces at  http://citygirlblogs.com.
• Second, through Stef Woods I was able to get in touch with Ali Samadpour, a 4k for Cancer Alumnus who has given me some of the best advice regarding fundraising, training and the ride.
• Third, recently stumbling across Steve Kamb's up-and-coming fitness blog ( http://nerdfitness.com), I found more excellent advice for overall health and training. Furthermore, Steve has been gracious enough to offer me advice on enhancing my blog. Anyone interested in health and fitness but doesn't know where to start--or is looking for a dedicated community to join-- should check out NerdFitness.

4. Garnering support from my high school, Staten Island Tech

5. Beginning to set-up a fundraising event. More info coming within the next month.

6. Learning to enjoy the disbelief in people's faces when I tell them that I'm cycling 4,000 miles across America

What Needs Improvement:


1. I need to get more serious with my actual training. Hence, I'm looking forward to returning to campus, which places a gym and ready-to-eat meals at my fingertips. No jogging in the cold, no preparing food--I can just get up early each morning and go.

2. Gathering local support from the Staten Island community. I am continuing to reach out to local newspapers, radio stations and businesses. It's coming together slower than I would like, but the community is beginning to join-together nonetheless.

3. My fundraising method. I lack defined goals that will help encourage donors while establishing clear asks. I will seek to set weekly donation goals in the coming months.

4. Dialogue with YOU, my audience!

So please, bear with me as I continue to improve and prepare for the ride this summer. I am incredibly excited for what lies ahead and grateful for the early support that you have shown.

Don't forget to spread the word! ( And comments/questions are always welcomed :) )

Warm Wishes,
James

Where I First Heard of the 4k Ride

An alumnus from my high school, Staten Island Tech, initially inspired me to complete the 4k for Cancer ride across the country.

You can read her story here:
http://www.silive.com/sports/advanceonsports/index.ssf/2010/05/dana_rampulla_cycling_across_t.html

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