Santa Fe Century 2002 - Honored Team Mate(s)
This ride is taking place in honor of two very special individuals. Lisa is the best friend of a dear friend (Peggy Sue) of mine. I had the pleasure of meeting Lisa about 3 years ago at the Maryland Wine Festival. Lisa and a number of her friends came to MD via Hawaii for a week to visit Peggy Sue. Upon hearing of her situation, I knew I had to ride and ride hard for her.
Nicholas is a super child. I have met him and his parents a couple of times and am truly impressed with their positive outlook and their determination to win the battle against cancer.
I am truly honored to be participating for a couple of incredible people who have endured so much in their life. My pain and suffering while training is nothing compared to what these people have gone through or are going through.
Lisa was diagnosed with breast cancer in April of 2001. Upon confirmation that cancer was found, a biopsy on her lymph nodes was performed. 2 of the 4 lymph nodes sampled were discovered to be malignant. This was devastating to a mother of 3; 2 sons (Thorlife – 8 yrs old, Thorbjorn – 4 yrs old) and a daughter (Nikki – 18 months old). Lisa quickly realized she was in for the battle of her life and her number one priority would be to fight and beat this dreaded disease. She has 3 precious reasons to fight and win; giving up and submitting to this disease is NOT an option! Her first priority in life now is to beat this cancer and watch her children grow and become adults. Riding for Lisa is personal; she is the best friend of a dear friend of mine and upon finding out about her situation, I know I have to complete the Santa Fe Century in her honor!
Nicholas was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) at the young age of 2 ½. When other 3 year olds were playing in the yard or the sandbox, Nicholas was undergoing a rigorous course of chemotherapy, bone marrow aspirations and spinal taps. Needless to say, it was a rough period for both Nicholas and his family. Nicholas is currently in remission! He ended his 2 ½ years of chemotherapy in April of 1999 and is doing great. He is a wonderful, caring big brother to his sister Jennifer. He enjoys in-line skating, playing computer games and Gameboy, and collecting things. He loves the Pokemon movie, and some Disney movies. His favorite sports are soccer, basketball, baseball, and swimming. He likes watching cartoons and “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” on TV. When Nicholas grows up, he wants to be an engineer or an astronaut. I have met Nicholas and his family and am truly impressed with their determination and spirit. I will attack Santa Fe with the same intensity that Nicholas fought Leukemia.