living strong
Today is the anniversary of the worst day of my life.
Exactly one year ago, the man I love, my life partner, was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia.
As cyclists, we were big fans of Lance Armstrong’s achievements; as people living with cancer, we became even bigger fans. More than 1.3 million people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer this year alone. Three out of four families in America will be faced with caring for a family member with cancer. When my son heard that Chris had cancer, he said, “doesn’t everybody get cancer these days?” That’s not the world I want my children to be living in, and that’s why I support the work of the Lance Armstrong Foundation.
Last fall, due to the generosity of Team Rubicon and their large donation, Chris had the opportunity to ride with Lance Armstrong at the Livestrong Challenge in Portland. If you know Chris, you know how exciting an occasion this was for him!
My goal this year is for him to ride with Lance again. Today I signed up to be a team captain for the Livestrong Challenge. Our team name is BFR because Chris never uses anything but the BFR! I don’t even think he knows how to shift!
I’m not very good at asking for help, but I’m going to get over it for Chris and the Livestrong organization. Please join our team or make a donation; or better yet, do both!!! I would be thrilled to exceed our fundraising goal of $5,000.00. If you would like to help, please click here.
Oh, and by the way, today is a happy day because Chris’s Leukemia has responded very well to treatment and I am so grateful for every minute we have together!
8 Comments so far
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Wow…
What love you both have!
BRAVO to today! Here’s to health and love!
Thinking of you…
XoxoxoX
J a n e
(Thank you for the comment! Truly…)
Yes, here’s to health and love for all!!!
Thank you,
joy
Is it weird that I am grateful for your gratitude? Anyway I am.
I am grateful for your gratitude. Thank you for sharing this story. It is a good reminder for me…
Goldie, thanks for your sweet comments. I don’t think it’s weird for you to be grateful… I think we all need reminders sometimes.
Hi Joy. Of course I will join the team! I am going to post this on my blog, OK?
I am so grateful to have my good friend Chris around as well, I remember the day I found out. Calling Chris for the normal Monday ride, and hearing him tell me he could not make it do to being in the hospital with Leukemia. Almost apologetic, but thats Chris, kind to the core. I was overwhelmed, but can’t imagine how both of you felt. I felt the need to call and be at the hospital with you both, and in hindsight probably should have given you more personal time. I think about Chris and his cancer every day, and because of it cherish every morning, that we all have one more glorious day with our friends and family.
See you on Monday Chris.
Welcome to the team, John, and thanks for spreading the word!!!
I know I’ve said it before & I’m sure I’ll say it again - we’re very fortunate to have you for a friend!
xo
joy
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