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Join us in standing strong for our first responders by donating today.
On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, I've committed to raising funds as we ride 343 miles to honor the fallen, support the survivors, and stand with the first responders who still fight battles most of us never see, including cancer, trauma, and the toll of years spent serving others.
When my son Jared was first diagnosed with a spinal tumor in the spring of 2003, his brother Adam sent a letter to Chris Carmichael (Lance Armstrong's coach and trainer) introducing himself, telling him about our passion for cycling, that we were big fans of Lance, and of course, about his older brother and his illness. He told Chris about Jared and is personal passion for cycling. Jared had just begun to do competitive century rides in central New York State where the only flat roads are in parking lots. Jared was also the one who got us started watching the Tour de France. Adam didn't know Chris, had had no previous contact with him, why he was writing exactly, or what he expected from the letter. Chris knew. Within days. Jared received a signed copy of Chris's book, a signed copy of Lance's book, and a signed poster of Lance....all with personal words of encouragement. This began a friendship, first with Adam, and then between all of us and Chris. Over the next 2 1/2 years Chris maintained a close connection with us but especially with Jared. They spoke regularly.
When Jared came home from the hospital for the last time in September of 2005, Chris came to visit and stayed overnight with us. A few days later Lance called to talk to Jared. Jared couldn't really talk but he could listen, and we think could hear. Lance did all the talking. Jared passed away on September 27, 2005. He was 23 years old.
Chris Carmichael and Lance Armstrong reached out to a young man with cancer and his family that they did not know. The Livestrong Foundation unites people to fight cancer, believing that unity is strength, knowledge is power, and attitude is everything.
The Manifesto of the Livestrong Foundation has been hanging in our kitchen for 12 years. It hangs in our family room. It hangs in my studio directly above my potters wheel. It hangs in my studio where I teach. It will always hang in the places that we live in and the words will always resonate in our hearts.
Many opinions fill the air about Lance Armstrong. People think that they know him, who he is and what he stands for. So do we. That is why I am riding in the Livestrong Challenge.
Just recently I was asked to record a video sharing my story and devotion to the Challenge. Please click on the link and watch my latest stab at cinema stardom: http://alturl.com/bxfa5
2026 will mark my 18th Livestrong Challenge-Austin. I'll be riding 5 days from Boston to New York that represent the challenges, heartaches, and victories experienced by those affected by this dreaded disease. Please support me as I make a difference in the fight to wipe cancer off the face of the earth. Please don't think that a small donation is insignificant or won't make difference. Every dollar counts. Every dollar is important. Every dollar goes to helping someone. Reach into your hearts and help someone fight the battle. They can't do it alone.
With heartfelt thanks and love to all,
Steven
