Dear friend,
This year I will be
riding in my third VeloSano "Ride for the cure" 200-mile bike ride. As I
cross paths with friends old and new like so many of you, we see those
fighting Cancer. It is a tough battle. Treatment cannot be understood
without experiencing it either as a patient or a supporter. Despite so
many facing these challenges we are making progress. This is a challenge
we can overcome.
Paul Dolan and
Stewart Kohl do so much to support this race. Due to their generosity,
every dollar raised to support this race goes to fight Cancer. They
underwrite the costs (with very generous sponsors) of 100% of the ride's
costs. Their commitment is over the top. Last year the ride raised over
$3 million dollars and in the last three years over $8 million. I have
met some of the doctors and researchers receiving funding at the
Cleveland Clinic. They are making progress.
Last year, Bobbi
Sweet one of the dearest ladies I ever met, succumbed to Mesothelioma. I
dedicate the ride to Bobbi, Doreen Stark who is now two years clean and
Liz, my daughter, who is celebrating three years cancer free after a
golf ball tumor was removed next to her brain. Survivors Dave Emerson
(cousin) and Marilyn Dickey (aunt) were part of my inspiration. Last
year I asked donors to add to my list to ride for when making donations.
Over a dozen added family and friends. This year I will again add to
"The Wall" those that you ask me to include. It still affects to many
people. For two days and months of training as I struggle in this ride,
it is these people and stories that I learn about each year, that gets
me thru the ride. The hills and distance are a challenge. But this
fight, like those that take on Cancer, is a war worth fighting. Velosano
is making a difference!
I appreciate so much
those supported me last year and previously given to my ride and other
Velosano riders. Velosano and the Cleveland Clinic are in pursuit to
finding cures for the many ways in which cancer afflicts us.
There remains much
more work to do. That is my motivation, knowing that many of the current
treatments did not even exist five years ago. Cancer survivors and
fighters ride and volunteer, offering so much support during the race.
I ask for your
support as I look to attack the ride with the same motivation as those
that fight and those that survive. I hope you will consider sponsoring
my ride with a mile match or whatever you can do to support the Cure.
Any amount makes a difference.
Please go to link
below to support my ride. I am riding with The Cleveland Indians team
this year. Their commitment is over the top. Your gift is 100% tax
deductible.
Thanks for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Tom Roulston
