Running into a few snags here and there. Found out that Zack's hurt his back and is undergoing tests himself now so he won't be able to make the ride. I DO have the account set up for donations but am still trying to figure out how to get it put on here. Mother's Day was a very hard Holiday for me so I got very little done this past week plus the hard emotions pushed my already flaring body into a worse flare-meaning I'm hurting much worse and just completely exhausted. Making me realize what I'm putting my own body up against.
I don't know that I've given up on the long distance ride but I do know that it's going to take much longer to get my body conditioned if it's going to be possible and I will need someone to ride with me. IN THE MEANTIME though...We have a few other ideas up our sleeves we are working on as we continue working on this. All I can say is that the ride won't be setting out on June 27th unless a miracle happens. I'm not real discouraged though! I'm excited about the new ideas. Two of the big one's will involve working closely with my husband and my daughter. I will tell you that one of them is that the ride may still take place just at a later date and with at least one of my family members. The second idea though I'm keeping a secret. ;) And we're planning on some fun events for everyone else and their families which I hope everyone will join in on and enjoy!
Now...If I can just figure out this button...............................
Monday, May 14, 2012
Sunday, May 6, 2012
THE ANDREW HENSLEY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
I thought I would share with you what or who this scholarship will be for: Living in an area that has been particularly hard hit by the economic times, seeing kids have to change colleges due to finances or even leave due to finances this was another reason we opted for setting up THE ANDREW HENSLEY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND. This scholarship, if we can raise the money necessary, will be available to one recipient each year. A young man or woman who is either a graduating senior or has graduated from Tri Central High School, has shown an eagerness to learn. This does not necessarily mean the highest grades but rather a respect for their education and a DESIRE to work hard, always giving their best. They will show quality citizenship and leadership skills, have participated in at least 1 year of HS athletics as well. (Consideration will be given to hard working band students if their application is submitted with a letter of recommendation from Mr Huff/current band director...understanding Marching band demands a great deal physically and mentally and often conflicts with athletics) Lastly these students must either come from a family who make $65,000 or less annually or be living independently and making $30,000 or less
Former Alumni must show that following graduation they either continued their education and have been successfully doing so, or holding a job or in someway giving back to their community via volunteer work or community involvement of some type.
At the moment the application planned coincides with the Dollar's for Scholars..will have numerous questions including an essay question, which I believe will be able to be obtained online through the Tipton County Foundation. (To be honest I haven't worried too much about how or where the app will be able to be obtained yet. .First we must reach our goal to even have the scholarship available and raising the funds for this has been my top priority.)
Former Alumni must show that following graduation they either continued their education and have been successfully doing so, or holding a job or in someway giving back to their community via volunteer work or community involvement of some type.
At the moment the application planned coincides with the Dollar's for Scholars..will have numerous questions including an essay question, which I believe will be able to be obtained online through the Tipton County Foundation. (To be honest I haven't worried too much about how or where the app will be able to be obtained yet. .First we must reach our goal to even have the scholarship available and raising the funds for this has been my top priority.)
May 6th, 2012
My Dad's Birthday, may he rest in peace or have a blast with my son. :)
Yesterday rode the Nickle back, a georgous bike/hike trail. I wish we had got an earlier start but it seems I have so much on the administrative side to handle that I can't get going on these rides til late. Yesterday me got about 12 miles in, saw the bunkerhill drag strip for the first time and still ended up riding back in the dark some. Finally got the needed bike trailer and I pulled a couple small coolers full of water and one contained sandwiches and fruit for dinner. It took a couple minutes to get used to but after that it wasn't any problem at all. Well, until I got home...then I had my first flat tire. I'm tired today and my knee is bothering me, a little sore...nothing I couldn't put thru for a little ways but if we were on the road it would either be short day or one filled with frequent stops. I'm anxious to ride all the way to Rochester for the weekend then ride back.
I'm still wondering if it's all for nothing. I'm not going to pull Zack away from His Lady whom he doesn't get to see often enough as it is if we have no pledges.
Now for the GOOD news...I wanted to give a BIG THANK YOU to Bernadette Ruegg and all the support she has helped gain for our cause in Switzerland! You did so much for him when he was alive and you continue even now...that means more to me than words can say. Thank you again!
Yesterday rode the Nickle back, a georgous bike/hike trail. I wish we had got an earlier start but it seems I have so much on the administrative side to handle that I can't get going on these rides til late. Yesterday me got about 12 miles in, saw the bunkerhill drag strip for the first time and still ended up riding back in the dark some. Finally got the needed bike trailer and I pulled a couple small coolers full of water and one contained sandwiches and fruit for dinner. It took a couple minutes to get used to but after that it wasn't any problem at all. Well, until I got home...then I had my first flat tire. I'm tired today and my knee is bothering me, a little sore...nothing I couldn't put thru for a little ways but if we were on the road it would either be short day or one filled with frequent stops. I'm anxious to ride all the way to Rochester for the weekend then ride back.
I'm still wondering if it's all for nothing. I'm not going to pull Zack away from His Lady whom he doesn't get to see often enough as it is if we have no pledges.
Now for the GOOD news...I wanted to give a BIG THANK YOU to Bernadette Ruegg and all the support she has helped gain for our cause in Switzerland! You did so much for him when he was alive and you continue even now...that means more to me than words can say. Thank you again!
DISCOURAGED
I've got to admit, I'm getting discouraged. Granted we haven't kicked into full force soliciting pledges but we have reached out on facebook and spread the word and so far not one single pledge. I fear I'm causing myself a great deal of undue pain and going through a lot of planning for nothing. It feels llike he's already gone and forgotten by the rest of the world. :(
Home base
This is where our home crew will keep track of us, monitoring news and extended weather forecasts and rerouting us as necessary, making reservations and (hopefully) a few media interviews....all that fun stuff.
Friday, May 4, 2012
MAY 4TH, 2012
First I want to say thank you to my wonderful husband for sticking it out through the ups and downs of 16 years of marriage as of today...I love you!
Well, I'm seeing less soreness and more endurance on the ride but the post exertion exhaustion that comes with my MECFS is still an issue. I expect it's one I'm just going to have to push though. I might talk with my doctor to see if she has any suggestions. I'm not sure how to feel right now...on one hand I AM seeing progress, quite a bit actually. On the other hand how does one know if they are even close to ready for a ride such as this? I know I have a ways to go. I just thank God I still have well over a month left to keep training.
Still so much else to do aside from the training too...at least this keeps my mind occupied but it's not allowing me to rest much like I need to. Still need to speak to Buffalo Wild Wings, and get out and start visiting you all face to face begging for pledges! (I'm working on my puppy dog eyes) Also I can't afford to pay full price for the gear I still need so I have to go out "treasure hunting" for a bike trailer and tent especially. Also need to obtain the smaller items-small camp stove, mess kit, cycling clothing (found that those are really beneficial), sleeping bag unless I take Cat's or find Andy's, sleeping mat, medium size cooler, solar charger, extra bike tubes/repair kit, rain gear, tarp (note to self-check garage for tarp) and I would LIKE to find a small camcorder and mount for it for my bike...saw a good one at a pawn shop yesterday (no mount) but it's not a necessity so I didn't get it.
Anxious for Zack to get home from college...one more week! I'm so proud of him! And VERY THANKFUL to his girlfriend (soon to be fiance if he ever finds the "perfect" time!) for letting me have him for this ride. Danielle you are the best! I love you both!!!!!! Wow...wouldn't a Key West Beach Sunset be such a PERFECT...oh well... ;) I will mind my own business there. <grin>
Well, I'm seeing less soreness and more endurance on the ride but the post exertion exhaustion that comes with my MECFS is still an issue. I expect it's one I'm just going to have to push though. I might talk with my doctor to see if she has any suggestions. I'm not sure how to feel right now...on one hand I AM seeing progress, quite a bit actually. On the other hand how does one know if they are even close to ready for a ride such as this? I know I have a ways to go. I just thank God I still have well over a month left to keep training.
Still so much else to do aside from the training too...at least this keeps my mind occupied but it's not allowing me to rest much like I need to. Still need to speak to Buffalo Wild Wings, and get out and start visiting you all face to face begging for pledges! (I'm working on my puppy dog eyes) Also I can't afford to pay full price for the gear I still need so I have to go out "treasure hunting" for a bike trailer and tent especially. Also need to obtain the smaller items-small camp stove, mess kit, cycling clothing (found that those are really beneficial), sleeping bag unless I take Cat's or find Andy's, sleeping mat, medium size cooler, solar charger, extra bike tubes/repair kit, rain gear, tarp (note to self-check garage for tarp) and I would LIKE to find a small camcorder and mount for it for my bike...saw a good one at a pawn shop yesterday (no mount) but it's not a necessity so I didn't get it.
Anxious for Zack to get home from college...one more week! I'm so proud of him! And VERY THANKFUL to his girlfriend (soon to be fiance if he ever finds the "perfect" time!) for letting me have him for this ride. Danielle you are the best! I love you both!!!!!! Wow...wouldn't a Key West Beach Sunset be such a PERFECT...oh well... ;) I will mind my own business there. <grin>
Thursday, May 3, 2012
ANDREW (ANDY) JAMES HENSLEY
April 11,1991-January 30,2012
THE ANDREW HENSLEY MEMORIAL SCHOLASHIP FUND
2012 RIDE FOR THE LOVE OF ANDY
I wanted to add, if you want to go ahead and make a pledge per mile towards Zack and my ride starting June 27th in Wilmington, NC with a goal to reach Key West's southern most point. Or if you would like to help maintain us, the riders along our journey as a sponsor you can go ahead and do so by filling out your info in a comment under this blog.
ANDREW (ANDY) JAMES HENSLEY
APRIL 11, 1991-JANUARY 30, 2012
THE ANDREW HENSLEY MEMORIAL SCHOLARISHP FUND
Just a thought, if anyone is intersted in going ahead and making a pledge or becoming a sponsor you can do so now by writing our fund email at for.the.love.of.andy@gmail.com
Be sure to include your intentions, your full name, mailing address, phone number with best time to contact you and pledge or sponosor info-
A Pledge: A pledge is a monetary amount of your choosing you agree to pay for each mile Zack and I accomplish riding on this tour/journey. It can be small or large. For example you could write and say that you want to commit to a pledge of .05 per mile we ride which means if we ride 80 miles and can't make it any further then you would be contacted and your amount you would pay to the fund would be $4 on the other hand let's say we make it 1500 miles then your amount would be $75. Or if you wish to go bigger and pledge $1 per mile then under the same scenario it would be $80 and $1500.00 (and yes if we surprise you, if you go big you can break down the amount you owe into payments...we are EXTREMELY GRATFUL and will work with you however we need to!)
Sponsors: Sponsons are something different. A sponsor in this event is a person or business who agrees to help take care of us, the riders to help ensure we are most likely to be successful in reaching out goal of Key West. A sponsor can also be big or small. It can be someone who wants to give a monetary amount to help cover expenses on the road, or agrees to purchase/provide equipment still needed or a really big sponsor might agree to cover any and all bike repairs we might encounter along the way no matter how big the price, or cover all of our lodging expenses. If you write volunteering to be a sponsor please remember to include a phone number where we can contact you at so we can iron out the details.
One of the stronger ideals Andy was taught and grew up with was people should help people, not everyone for themselves and let those who are alone or unable rely on the government. PLEASE HELP THIS ONE DREAM COME TRUE? TO SEE PEOPLE COME TOGETHER TO PROVIDE A COLLEGE EDUCATION FOR AT LEAST ONE YOUNG MAN OR WOMAN EVERY YEAR? IF WE WORK TOGETHER WE CAN DO THIS!
I just finished corresponding with the president of the Titpon County Foundation. Ugh...I left him with this quote: "According to the laws of aerodynamics, the bumblebee can’t fly either, but the bumblebee doesn’t know anything about the laws of aerodynamics, so it goes ahead and flies anyway."
This man seems to think that that the only way we are going to raise this kind of money is by having donors who are wealthy and donate large amounts. To me anyway, he seemed to put little faith in hard work and the generosity of all of you people out there. I quickly corrected him. I told him that he was wrong, there are two ways of obtaining this amount. Yes I could seek out a few wealthy people a solicit large donations from them or there is also something to be said for a lot of people donating smaller amounts. Two people donating $5000 each or finding 1000 people who donate $10 ea both reach $10,000. Further he initially told us that the foundation would match every $2000 (I don't know if that is just once a year or not...I forgot to ask about that) but still we are at just over $500 in there now, if we reach over $2000 then right there we are at almost half our goal of $10,000!
I have all the faith in the world we can do this. Not only that I believe we can go well beyond the $10,000 goal. TOGETHER WE CAN DO THIS! WE JUST NEED YOUR HELP!
I WILL have that donations button up and working by the end of the weekend. Please, no donation is too small. Help me show him how wrong he is! Thank you!
This man seems to think that that the only way we are going to raise this kind of money is by having donors who are wealthy and donate large amounts. To me anyway, he seemed to put little faith in hard work and the generosity of all of you people out there. I quickly corrected him. I told him that he was wrong, there are two ways of obtaining this amount. Yes I could seek out a few wealthy people a solicit large donations from them or there is also something to be said for a lot of people donating smaller amounts. Two people donating $5000 each or finding 1000 people who donate $10 ea both reach $10,000. Further he initially told us that the foundation would match every $2000 (I don't know if that is just once a year or not...I forgot to ask about that) but still we are at just over $500 in there now, if we reach over $2000 then right there we are at almost half our goal of $10,000!
I have all the faith in the world we can do this. Not only that I believe we can go well beyond the $10,000 goal. TOGETHER WE CAN DO THIS! WE JUST NEED YOUR HELP!
I WILL have that donations button up and working by the end of the weekend. Please, no donation is too small. Help me show him how wrong he is! Thank you!
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
REAL INTRO May 2, 2012
January 30th 2012 , I lost my first born and only son, Andrew (Andy) Hensley to an Accidental Fentanyl overdose. That day began the worst nightmare ever which I fear I will never wake up from, as being a wife and mother are THE most important things in my life.
I have been married to a wonderful man, Derek Jones for 16 years and have a 15 year old beautiful daughter Caitlyn (Cat) Jones as well as many kids my heart has “adopted”. I suffer from severe ME/CFS and FMS as well as Hashimotos (neuro-muscular/auto immune diseases) which have caused me to have to battle a myriad of symptoms including severe pain and extreme exhaustion for 30 plus years with the last 5 being the worst. I will turn 45 on the 26th of June this year and to honor my son and help see some of his dreams come true and in a sense part of him live on AND to help encourage others like him who have a love for learning to continue their education, we will be taking pledges, donations and always looking for sponsors for a fundraising bike tour from Wilmington NC to the southern most point in the United States in Key West Florida (Yes pedaling our bikes with only what we can carry with us) His life long friend//brother Zack Massey and myself will begin on June 27th.
We will keep you updated on our journey writing, vlogging and with pictures here on this blog, as well as any future ventures, progress with the fund and recipients and their progress. I ask of you to look into your hearts and pocketbooks and make a pledge per mile we ride or even a simple straight donation. (Donations can also be made through the Tipton County Foundation)
I have been married to a wonderful man, Derek Jones for 16 years and have a 15 year old beautiful daughter Caitlyn (Cat) Jones as well as many kids my heart has “adopted”. I suffer from severe ME/CFS and FMS as well as Hashimotos (neuro-muscular/auto immune diseases) which have caused me to have to battle a myriad of symptoms including severe pain and extreme exhaustion for 30 plus years with the last 5 being the worst. I will turn 45 on the 26th of June this year and to honor my son and help see some of his dreams come true and in a sense part of him live on AND to help encourage others like him who have a love for learning to continue their education, we will be taking pledges, donations and always looking for sponsors for a fundraising bike tour from Wilmington NC to the southern most point in the United States in Key West Florida (Yes pedaling our bikes with only what we can carry with us) His life long friend//brother Zack Massey and myself will begin on June 27th.
We will keep you updated on our journey writing, vlogging and with pictures here on this blog, as well as any future ventures, progress with the fund and recipients and their progress. I ask of you to look into your hearts and pocketbooks and make a pledge per mile we ride or even a simple straight donation. (Donations can also be made through the Tipton County Foundation)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)