On July 9, 1996 my little brother Russell was diagnosed with leukemia. Two years later, on July 26, 1998, Russell died. During the two years he battled his cancer, Russell did whatever he was able to create a world where no one, especially children, would ever have to suffer or die at the hands of cancer again.

When Russell heard about the Ride for Roswell he was both excited and disappointed. He was excited because raising money to benefit cancer research and patient care through riding a bike was something he could do. He was disappointed because he was diagnosed two weeks after the very first Ride and having not known about it was unable to participate. Russell created his team, Russell's Raiders, and for two years he did his best to raise as much awareness and money as he could for this cause.

After Russell's death, I and my family have carried on riding in the Ride for Roswell, continuing Russell's wish to raise money to help find a cure for cancer in his memory. I know if he were still around today that he would be so proud of how much the Ride has grown as well as how many advancements have been made in the treatment of cancer.

Please consider donating toward my ride. The money goes toward a worthy cause and hopefully will one day lead to a cure so no one will ever have to die from cancer again.