Why Riding 284 miles on a Unicycle isn't Crazy...
When faced with a life threatening illness like cancer, we are challenged like no other time in our lives. My ride is an act of solidarity with those faced with this challenge. This year I am particularly inspired to do my ride in honor of my friends, Patty Shea of Ludlow, MA and Damon Douglas of Shutesbury, MA. Patty is my dear friend Ronald Meck’s, girlfriend. I am very sad to report that Patty Shea died on Sunday, July 28th when we were just over a third of the way across the state. Over the past couple of months it became clear that Patty's body simply could no longer tolerate the intense chemo and radiation treatment for her lymphoma and she was unable to re-stabilize. Patty was
one of the most soft spoken, kind-hearted persons I've ever known. Damon Douglas of Shutesbury, is a long
time friend and member of my monthly poker group who has begun containment chemo/radiation treatment at Bay
State Health for esophageal cancer. Damon continues treatment from home and seems to have been showing consistent reduction in cancer cells and generally, it seems his prognosis is positive. I've always respected and admired Damon for his thoughtful, solid
presence at the same time knowing how to let down at the right times.
Both Patty and Damon are each heroes to me in their own ways.
Of course, my ride this year also is in honor of my brother Ned, who successfully navigated his way back from Hodgkins disease, 15 years ago. It's so important for us to remember that the treatment that cured Ned would not have been available 10 years earlier. He would not have made it through. Thanks to the work that goes on at the Dana Farber Cancer Research Institute he is alive and well and thrives in Vermont.
During my 284 mile unicycle ride, I expect there will be many moments when the burn in my legs or the strain in my back leads me to question the wisdom of taking on ride as crazy as this. You would think last year's 193 mile ride was enough. But, the important work apparently isn't done. I'm compelled to do it one more time. Each and every groan and strain on my own ride will be dedicated to those whose moment to moment endurance of their pains and groans may not have been chosen, but nonetheless, represents their dedication to thrive again on the other side of adversity in this good life, with the people they love.
Please contribute to the important work of the Dana Farber Cancer Research Institute & the Jimmy Fund. We need your help!!!
