For those that know me, you know why I am riding to fight Leukemia. For those that don’t, let me tell you why.
My wife, Theresa, was born March 12, 1963. She was the mother to two very smart and kind young men and had 3 grandchildren that she adored. We were married on August 23, 1997. She was my best friend and the love of my life. I miss her every day.
A year after Theresa’s mom passed away from cancer, Theresa made a commitment to getting healthy. She stopped smoking and started exercising to get in better shape with plans for a long future, which included hiking and snowshoeing. She had also become an avid cyclist. Even after long days at work, she would venture out on a ten-mile bike ride and would ride up to 30 miles on the weekends. Riding with family and friends were pure joy to her! Cycling had become her new stress reliever.
In December 2015, she had a complete physical along with all the blood work and was given a clean bill of health. In January 2016, she became seriously ill and by the middle of February was admitted into the hospital and the next day she was moved to ICU, put on a breathing machine and was unconscious for five weeks. After weeks of testing, she was transported to the U of M where they finally diagnosed her with a rare and very aggressive type of Leukemia (never did get the sub-type). The family was told she wouldn’t make it to June! After her strong will, determination and uncountable amounts of Chemo and radiation along with rehabilitation and clinical study medications (which she said if it doesn’t help me maybe they will learn something to help others), they could place her on the bone marrow transplant lists. After multiple attempts of being sent home for a weekend here and there she developed an infection which she could not overcome. After the hard battle with the Leukemia, Theresa passed away with her family and friends by her side on July 29, 2016.
Please donate to help find a cure so others don’t have to go through what Theresa and her family have!
I’m riding because she cannot! Every dollar donated will go to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.