The Math is Simple

Good Day everyone!

I hope you're all enjoying this beautiful spring weather. I know I have been silent for a little while, but that's only because I have been very busy.

During spring break I went back to Staten Island to try to conjure up some support from local businesses, which turned out to be disappointing. This, in turn, lead to a slew of inner doubts, oh-nos, what ifs, and sheer panic.

So I've decided to be direct and perfectly clear...

If I fail to raise $4,500 by Mid May, I will not be able to participate in the 4k for Cancer.

The math is simple: the donations cover the small expenses of the trip and allow room for profits, which are all donated towards The Ulman Cancer Fund and later redirected to other cancer charities.

I am not taking on this task for my health, for some adrenaline rush or all-expense-paid adventure.

I am riding in the 4k, cycling the demanding 4,000 miles from Baltimore to Seattle, in recognition of the people close to me who have been affected by cancer. I am riding for my friends, neighbors, and communities, who all have also been affected by cancer. And I am riding for YOU, the donors, the sponsors, the people who believe in a mission relevant to everyone and who believe in my ability to see the 4k through.

I will see the 4k through.

If you are reading this now, if you have been following this story and still have not donated--ask yourself why?
Your tax-deductible backing, of ANY size, is welcomed, cherished, and appreciated.

I understand these are difficult economic times--I am apart of them myself. There are many items, traveling costs, and cycling gear that I am responsible for covering, that I am saving up for out of my own paychecks (on top of all other costs).

No, I am not complaining.

I am showing you my side of things. There are obligations that I must fulfill, which I am dutifully and gleefully upholding.

But, I need your support! 

Besides monetary contributions, you can further show your support in a few simple ways: tell your friends and your family, spread the word to the community, and grant the cause some of your time & attention.

With YOUR help, WE can reach the ultimate $5,000 goal and bring strong support to the cancer community from coast-to-coast!


Best Wishes as Always,

James

P.S.

A Special Thank You to those who have brought us closer to the $2,000 mark:


Marie O.
Dr. D. S. Won
Kim P.
John M.
Chris B.


Every donation brings us closer...make sure your name is the next one listed!

Announcements & Thank Yous!

Good morning!

I'm excited to announce that the 4k for Cancer mission was featured in an article in the Staten Island Advance! This will play an important role in spreading the word through the community. I would like to especially thank Sebastian for helping me get the pictures squared away with the advance. You can read the article HERE!

I would also like to thank the most recent donors, Nancy M. and Justeena C.!

Finally, I would like to introduce the first fundraising event, meant for American University Students, Faculty and Staff:

I can't wait to see everyone join together in support of a great cause!

That's all for today, stay positive :)

James

Updates, More Updates, and Donor Thank Yous!

Good morning everyone, I hope all of your weeks are off to a great start!

First, I would like to thank the donors from campus who have made use of my gogetfunding page:
AK42, Haely, Devan, Adam, Sampen91, and Hannahcushen.

I would also like to thank the AU Methodists for taking the time to meet with me, showing their support, and helping me brainstorm ideas for garnering more support. Such a warm and friendly group of students!

And who could forget the generous donations of Anonymous and Bruce R. made to the 4k for Cancer profile page! Thank you guys!

On another note: We're Making News!


I wish to extend another thank you to my father's union, CWA Local 1101, for showing their support and spreading the word! You can view their 4k announcement here!

Another article is expected to be released this week in the Staten Island Advance. Be sure to check back for that update & more!

Enjoy the day,

James

A Video: Sh*t Girls Say to Girls with Breast Cancer

Hi everyone,

I hope your weekend is off to a great start. I wanted to share this video with you that I just recently discovered.
I particularly want to highlight the reference to Staten Island, my hometown, which is notorious for having increased rates of breast cancer ( more on that later ).

There's something to be said for the people that can start a discussion, and coincidentally healing, through the use of well directed humor.

If you like this please check out the source of my information, boingboing: http://boingboing.net/2012/02/24/shit-girls-say-to-girls-with-b.html

As always, have a happy Friday!

James

Reached a New Milestone: $1,500!

Good Afternoon,

I hope everyone is having a fantastic Friday. Thanks to the magic of Verzion's corporate matching and some generous Verizon employees, we have exceeded the $1,500 mile bench mark!

With a total of $1,550, we have 11 days to reach the next goal of $2,000. We're so close!

Furthermore, I'd like to introduce you a brand new fundraising page: http://gogetfunding.com/project/cycling-coast-to-coast-for-cancer, which allows masses of the universe to donate small amounts for good causes. Please check it out!

through GoGetFunding.com, strangers have the option of donating as little as $1. If everyone on American University's campus donated $1, we would more than exceed the $5,000 goal.

That's it for today's update, but I will have some more interesting updates soon. Keep follow'n.

Have a Great Weekend,

James

Jessica Thanks the 4k 2012 Team

Moments like these make the 4k for Cancer ride the most meaningful.

Supporting the ride is more than simply supporting a summer mission, it is supporting the lives of people, bringing them hope, health, and unconditional love--for the community, from the community.

"Cancer changes lives...so do WE!"

Thank you for allowing me to share this with you.

Stay Hopeful,

James

A Video Exploration of a 4k Ride

For those of you that would like a better understanding of what the actual 4k Ride entails, I have attached the video from Baltimore to Seattle 2011 below. Enjoy the inspiration!

(Source:http://4kforcancer.org/2012-team-seattle/)

Don't forget to spread the word.


Happy Saturday!
James