It’s finally going to happen. In June Derek has 3 weeks down and starting on his birthday, June 24th, we will be leaving out on our recumbent trikes with just what we can carry. Caitlyn hasn’t decided yet if she wants to ride or stay with family. Her decision will determine whether we start out from home or from Loudonville, Ohio. We intend to ride at least to Saint Augustine, Florida. Depending on what kind of time we make we might ride further…Key West or maybe even the perimeter of Florida.
Yes, I have severe M.E/CFS and FMS. So how and why am I going to do this? Personally I have several reasons. Derek, I’m sure has his own and I will try to convince him to get on here and tell you his. As for me-
1) I’ve allowed this disease to define me for most of my life. Something that “normal” people won’t get but others with the disease might is this, there isn’t much help out there for us and so far our main tools for survival are adaptability and knowing our bodies. I want to complete this ride to bring awareness to the disease, show others that where there is a will there is a way in most cases and maybe just maybe bring enough money into the Andy Hensley Memorial Fund to donate a good amount to good research and advocacy.
2) We lost our 20 year old son very suddenly January 30th, 2012. Cycling has since been one of the few releases I’ve had. Further Andy loved fitness, travel, adventure and meeting new people all of which this trip is about. I’m hoping to raise funds for THE ANDY HENSLEY MEMORIAL FUND. This was initially a scholarship fund but our school requires that all scholarships go thru THE TIPTON COUNTY FOUNDATION and our experience this first year was horrible and a complete waste of time as far as the scholarship goes. (It has gone to a good cause) We were repeatedly lied to and misled. They just were not a group we want to continue to have a working relationship with so we feel that a memorial fund that gives to numerous causes in Andy’s memory, causes that will actually appreciate and put the money to good use, would be better. As soon as I know that this years recipient has received their check I will announce it. (It’s a surprise to them)
3)I want to carry with me Andy and all the other young people who died before they really had a chance to truly live and their parents and families who will forever grieve for them. The loss of a child is by far the worst gut wrenching and never ending pain a person can experience. I do this in memory…they will never be forgotten. And I hope to start a fund for families who don’t have the funds to give their children a proper funeral. Many just never expect to bury their child..and we shouldn’t have to. The last thing they should have to worry about is how they will lay them to rest…and other costs that rise in conjunction with this.
These are my main reasons for riding. I would love if anyone reading this might have small informative pamphlets they could send me to hand out that truthfully explains MECFS so people will understand the extent of this disease and the need for more funding for research and advocacy. I’d also be honored to carry as many names in memory with me as possible…I’ll have to figure something out with this so I can actually CARRY THEIR NAMES for others to see.. I think I have an idea there.
Before I sign off I wanted to wish my beautiful great niece a very Happy 3rd Birthday. I missed her party yesterday...I will see you soon! Hopefully this evening. Aunt Odie Loves you!
Remember...life is a journey not a race, enjoy it...because when you get to the end...it's over.
