Spokes of Hope

As I discussed in my last posting, I was able to ride from our house to downtown Indianapolis last weekend.  One of the reasons I wanted to make this venture was to attend the Central Indiana Bicycle Assn. (CIBA) swap meet.  I was able to have great conversations with good friends and later I met my wife for dinner and went to the charity event "Dollars for Dempsey"  at the Milano Inn.   But that is not the subject of this entry.

At the swap meet, I was sitting on a ledge watching the crowd when I was approached by a (I have to be diplomatic, because my wife reads these postings) lovely lady with a smile that could melt ice cream, (OK, I failed on the diplomatic part).  Her name was Cindi and she wanted to talk to me about an upcoming bicycle ride, "Spokes of Hope".  I will get to the ride in a second.  But more on Cindi.  Cindi was one of those special individuals that was committed to the cause.  She is a two time survivor of cancer with a spirit that was contagious.  Ok, now I am sounding like a stalker.  No, Cindi's lust for life and all consuming smile brought back the best memories of my brother.  Todd (my brother) gave Cancer the fight of his life and taught me that at no time do you have the right to feel sorry for yourself.

Cindi told me her story with a smile on her face and I could not help but like her.  she did not tell me the story for herself, she was telling it for those battling now and for those that will be battling in the future.

This event is Right in my "wheel" house.  I LOVE to ride my bicycle and I have a chance to raise money for the disease that has Decimated my family.  As discussed above, My brother battled testicular Cancer that turned into leukemia. I was privileged to participate in a bone marrow transplant with my brother; my best friend.  Cancer also took my Mother and Father.  As I sit here writing this entry, I was informed that it will take another member of my family.  Candidly, I am tired of Cancer taking my family and friends.  The "lonely" time on my bike is actually not "lonely" at all.  It is my time to remember and candidly, spend time with those that have passed before me.  Sorry, I digress

SPOKES OF HOPE.  I love this event and will be a smiling, grateful participant.  Please visit this site and either/or/and participate, remember someone you knew that fought Cancer, hug someone that fought cancer and won the battle, donate.

Thank you for reading.