My cycling mileage has been lacking recently (I blame graduation festivities!), but I’ve had an extraordinary new inspiration that has gotten me even more motivated and excited about Bike to the Beach.
Just days before graduation, I met a 4-year-old named Joey who will be the inspiration for my cycling and fundraising efforts. My mentor Dr. Barnett from my favorite University of Florida organization, Reitz Scholars, introduced me to the Caridi family, and they have been very welcoming and supportive of my ride for Autism Speaks. I haven’t decided the best way to accomplish making the ride in honor of Joey, but I’m thinking a little laminated photo Velcro-ed to the handle bar should do the trick. By mile 90 when my legs feel like spaghetti and I want to pull over to the side of the road and give up, I'm sure the little photo and inspiration will help me finish strong.
In addition to meeting such a wonderful family, we made strides this week on the fundraising front as well. I finally got around to sending out personalized e-mails through the Autism Speaks Web site and talked to more friends about the race. Joe and Dianne, Joey’s parents, were also really helpful with raising awareness and donations through Facebook too.
Right now I’m listed as the second highest fundraiser of the more than 60 riders. This accomplishment was a direct result of all the generosity of family and friends. Wow! Who would have thought that? I’m really blown away. Just $45 away from the $500 minimum rider pledge donation, so I’m thinking I might have to shoot a little higher and bump up my fundraising goal!
Here’s a shout out and a big THANK YOU to all those who have donated. Did you know 1 in 150 individuals are diagnosed with autism and it is more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined? Check out the Web site www.autismspeaks.org for more info…
My Donor Honor Roll:
Alana Rush
Ariel Drescher
Jason Sharp
Jay Shehadeh
Jeffrey Joyner
Joe & Dianne Caridi
Kelli Gebbia
Martin & Maria Rubin
Nicole Varma
Rose Barnett
Suzanna Bedy
Thank you all for your generosity and support. Comments welcome and suggestions for the blog too! I’m trying to be creative and mix up the posts. Hopefully I’ll have some cool pictures this week—I’m taking the training to Orlando, as I’ll be home until moving to DC.
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I definitely love the bicycle and hope to get even more everyday use out of it while in DC. Thanks so much for the generous donation from all of you- too kind! You bumped me up over my goal, which is very exciting.
ReplyDeleteIf you're in the mood for a bike to the beach...you're more than welcome to join me or if y'all want to meet up at the beach! The day after the race (Aug. 1st) there's a big celebration/crab fest at the end point Bethany Beach, DE. Just an idea, I'd love to see Aunt Cindy, Allison and you. Although, if you want to join me on the bike ride, I'm going to have to kick up the training b/c I'm definitely not in Mary cyclist shape...