When you think about supporting cancer research and clinical trials you can't help but think about the faces of the friends and family you have lost. You stop and think what might have been. What if they were only diagnosed sooner?? What if there was a treatment available that could have made them cancer free for life? What if.....
But then you stop and look around and see the faces of those close to you that are survivors, and you realize how much has been done and you are grateful for that. For me the Empire State Ride is all about giving hope to those diagnosed with cancer or yet to be diagnosed so that they too may join the cherished group of "cancer survivor".
I think of those close to me or my friends that have lost the battle: Alice (my Mom), Jeffrey, Michelle, Melissa, Herb, Karen and Sue. Loved ones whose lives were cut short due to cancer.
Thankfully my list of cancer survivors is a longer one: Laurie, Craig, Karen, Andy, Andy, Connie, Britt, Cherie, Steph, Mandy, Nicole, Josh, Maria, Priscilla, Danielle, Kathleen, David and David. I tried my best to list everyone, but you get the point. You don't have to look far to find someone affected by this dreaded disease.
Clearly raising funds for cancer research and clinical trials is personal for me. For the 2024 Empire State Ride, the ride's 10th anniversary, I will do my best to raise $10,000. I may not be the fastest cyclist (In fact my group teases that we are usually "DFL" . dead &*%$ last). And I will not be among the top fundraisers. But I can honestly say that there are not too many people that do the Empire State Ride that work harder fundraising. I don't say this for accolades or for a pat on the back. I say this because I want my donors to know how hard I work fundraising. Whether it's sacrificing my day on the couch watching a Bills game to volunteer at concessions or hand painting items to sell at craft shows I invest a lot of sweat equity in this cause. I will personally raise AT LEAST half of my $10,000 goal. I'm asking for donations for the other half. So, please consider making a donation to my Empire State Ride to support cancer research and clinical trials.
PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY TO MY RIDE!!
I am honored to be part of the Empire State Ride 2024.
Thank you all for your support.
Dave Verstreate
My Personal Blog
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