As noted on my home page, I am Riding For Hope to raise awareness of the need for research in the area of childhood cancer, and to raise money for donation to help fund childrens cancer research.  During the many hours of chemotherapy I have received since my diagnosis of Non Hodgkins Lymphoma, I have developed an acute awareness of the roller coaster of physical, emotional, and mental ups and downs involved with fighting cancer.   I have watched with amazement the courage of children who are undergoing hours of uncomfortable treatment and days of the nasty after-effects of that treatment.  We have spent a lot of time together in the treatment room … talking, listening, hugging, crying together.  It is a bond like no other that I know of. 

My heart is filled with respect for the courage and unfailing faith these children have in those who treat them, and I feel a great debt to them for all they have taught me… about cancer…about life…and yes, about death.  I have seen the desperation, fear, pain, and loneliness in their eyes and have seen these looks slowly change for the better when that child has hope that the treatment they are enduring will lead to curing the cancer…and a return to a normal life.  

Watching and sharing these experiences with these children compels me to do SOMETHING that might help them.  I call my project Riding For Hope to emphasize the healing power of HOPE for the cancer patient.  I know that the healing contribution of HOPE is not a measurable thing, but I also know that it is indeed the thing that keeps us going through all of the treatments and the dark days of pain, fatigue, and nausea.  Where does this HOPE come from?  It comes from faith and belief that someone is searching for a treatment or cure, and that it will come soon enough to help.

I have always admired Lance Armstrong’s mission to help raise funds for cancer research, so I had the desire to do some sort of bike ride in a similar effort.  Unfortunately, due to a number of limitations resulting from my chemotherapy, I can no longer ride a bicycle.  The folks at Lightfoot Cycle, especially Marty and Rod, allowed me to keep the dream alive by custom building a tricycle which addresses my limitations and will help make this project a reality.

The Custom Made Trike

I am going to ride my custom built tricycle from Bristol, Tennessee to Memphis Tennessee, round trip to raise awareness and raise funds that will be contributed to help fund childrens cancer research.   This trip is over 1,100 miles and health and stamina permitting, I hope to complete it in about 26 days.  After several months of training and practicing during which I hope to learn the best ways to manage my limitations, I will do the actual ride in Aug-Sept of this year.

I intend to chronicle this project on the “Journal” page of this site… I will update it consistently and welcome any feedback through my email at  john@ridingforhope.com  I would appreciate your support…We CAN make a difference!