Columbia County Cancer Ride

It has been six months since the first Columbia County Cancer Ride, a big success by all accounts, and I’m contemplating the statement, Why We Ride, again. It is said that Time is a great healer, and that is probably true, but Time also has a way of introducing us to new problems, new pain, new losses. In the six months since our first event, I have learned first hand of three women in Columbia County, all under 50, who are being treated for serious, life threatening cancers. Obviously there are many more, but I know these three, and am touched by their illness.

Last year I wrote that I ride as a way to forget life’s troubles for awhile, and that is still true. I love the freedom that comes with cycling, the pure joy of it. I have also ridden to honor the loss of my father, as I know Chris rides in honor of his mother. This year though, there has to be more to it. So many are touched by cancer that it would be easy to think, “This is too much, I can’t possibly make a difference.” Well, why not? Each contribution is a step in the right direction, even if it’s just a small one. Last year we raised $11,000, and $4000 of that came from one enterprising donor! All those steps combined are what move us toward progress, toward beating cancer together.