Thanks for checking-in on the Ride From Reno! This 667-mile ride is dedicated to Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City, and to the leading-edge research done there in the search for better tolerated, less toxic treatments for cancer and, ultimately, cures for the more than 150 types of this damnable disease. The research conducted at HCI is cascaded throughout the world so every research dollar donated to Huntsman helps fund ongoing research across the globe. Make no mistake about it: this ride is about the Benjamin’s. The sole purpose of the ride is to raise money. Pure and simple.
The sponsors of this year’s ride, Miche Bag and Reynolds Cycling, have taken corporate responsibility and citizenship to a new level. Far too often we hear stories of corporate malfeasance and misconduct and find ourselves wondering if there are companies out there with anything but a thirst for more and more profit, many times at the expense of the public at large. Miche Bag and Reynolds Cycling certainly are 2 companies focused on success in their unique markets but, also focused on helping make the world a better place in the process. I salute both companies and their leaders, Corbin Church, Miche Bag, and Dean Gestal, Reynolds Cycling, for their commitment to alleviate the pain, the suffering, and the shattered lives associated with a cancer diagnosis.
In addition to this year’s corporate sponsors, many friends and colleagues, including those at Harland Clarke and Zions Bancorporation, have stepped up in true community spirit to help in the cause by generously donating to HCI.
As a graduate of HCI’s program for stage IV squamous cell cancer, I have first-hand knowledge and experience for how cancer changes lives and have committed to do my part, meager though it may be, to help move the research forward that will have a positive impact on my family and friends and on your family and friends.
So after graduating from the operating room, a chemo recliner, and a radiation vault, I’ve chosen to do my suffering in the saddle on a bike while raising money for HCI.
This year I’m proud to be joined on the Ride From Reno by my good friends Larry Peterson (for the 3rd time!) and by Jason Bleak (1st time). Also with us is my dad, Jim Warren, without whom this ride couldn’t happen. Jason’s dad, Sam, is also providing valuable support. I cannot thank Larry, Jason, Sam, or my dad enough. It takes special people to dedicate what each of these people have dedicated to make this ride a reality. I’m honored to know each of them.
Today was hot, windy, sweaty, lung-busting, and leg-burning. Pretty much sums it up. And we’re expecting more of the same tomorrow. By the time we arrive at HCI in Salt Lake City on Saturday afternoon, we will have logged more than 667-miles. All in an effort to raise money to further fund the research needed to alleviate the pain and suffering associated with cancer and its’ treatment. If you haven’t donated yet, please do so by going to www.huntsmancancerfoundation.org and click on “Ways to Give”.
Please check-in again tomorrow and leave your thoughts and expressions in the Guestbook.
All my best,
Jeff