Thanks for stopping by. On June 1st, I'm taking on America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS).
Just before Halloween 2023, our then 8-year-old daughter was diagnosed with B-ALL leukemia. That week was a blur – from finding a spinal tumor to biopsy, leukemia diagnosis and starting chemo, all in a matter of days. Growing up in Ireland in the 80s/90s, leukemia outcomes weren’t great, so the fear was immense.
Confirming the diagnosis and treatment plan, the doctors asked if we had questions.
“Nobody has told us what the prognosis is."
Their reply? The best words we've ever heard: "We're very good at treating this kind of leukemia, we plan to cure it."
Hearing 'plan to cure it' brought immense relief. We had no idea how far medical research had come. Our daughter's type of leukemia is now considered effectively curable. We are so grateful to benefit from decades of research, and we want to help pay that forward, extending positive outcomes to all kinds of leukemias and lymphomas.
So, my friend Louis (tackling the ride with significantly more panache, I suspect) and I are training for this ride. We've been putting in the miles (resting sore legs from the weekly "long ride" as I type) and bracing for the altitude.
Asking for donations isn't comfortable for me, and I know there are many worthy causes in 2025. But if you are in a position to help, please consider supporting the LLS through our ride. 100% of your donation goes directly to LLS to fund their life-saving research and patient support. (I understand corporate gift matching can be used.)
Thank you for reading. Let's help more families hear, "We plan to cure it."