Sea Gull Century 2006 - Honored Team Mate
I will be completing this century ride in honor of Erin Phillips and in memory of Andy Yost. On Sept. 14, 2001, Erin was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) and was only 8 years old at the time. Erin missed most of her 3rd grade year to the disease, but had a tutor and was able to keep up with her studies. Erin’s love of soccer and desire to get straight A’s motivated her to get through those tough times when she was recovering from chemotherapy. Erin finished her chemo treatments in Nov. 2003 but had some complications and spent 2 months in the hospital, but persevered and is doing great today. Erin is the “reason I ride”.
Sadly, Andy lost his battle with Mylelodysplastic Syndrome, a type of pre-leukemia also known as Smoldering Leukemia on Dec. 28th of 2005. I attended Andy’s viewing and met his parents on Jan. 1st of 2006 and it was truly a memorable experience. Even with his grief, Andy’s dad thanked me and all the others from TNT who put so much time and effort into training and fund raising to save lives. Andy will be in my thoughts and prayers every time I get on the bike and it was his courageous battle with cancer that motivates me to do all I can do to fight cancer.