Sea Gull Century 2007 - Honored Team Mate
I will be completing this century ride in honor of Erin Phillips and in memory of Andy Yost, Cindy Marousek and Dorothy Birrane. 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”.
Last year was a tough year for cancer losses. I attended 2 funerals in 2006 and 1 at the beginning of 2007, all cancer related.
Andy Yost 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.
Cindy Marousek lost her battle with cancer on Nov. 20th, 2006. I did not know Cindy really well, however she made a lasting impression on me. Her sheer determination and spirit to beat cancer and fight it to "be a mom for her children" just inspired me to continue with my cancer fighting efforts. Cindy lived on a road which I do lots of rides on and I think of her everytime I pass her house on my bike or on the car.
Dorothy Birrane was a dear friend and I considered her my "Italian mom." When my own mom passed away from cancer Dorothy provided me with a shoulder to cry on and was so supportive. She was always interested in what I was doing and everyone who knew her and were friends with her daughter could look up to her as "their other mom." She will truly be missed but will never be forgotten.
It is the thought of my honored team mate, Andy and these other awesome people whose life was cut short by this terrible disease that "fire me up" to ride and punish my body to raise money to fight cancer. No matter how much I am suffering going up a steep hill, it is nothing compared to what these people endured in the battle with this insidious disease. They are always in my thoughts as I am riding and they are "Why I Ride."