Racing to Save Lives

These are the moments that will define your life.

Life is not defined by the number of breaths you take, but by the number of moments that take your breath away.

Life can be defined by a single moment.

You've probably heard at least one version of the above quotes, but have you ever taken the time to stop and think about their significance? I have had cause to do a lot of thinking about such things over the past few years, and I have resolved to do my best to make the moments of life as full, meaningful, and extraordinary as possible.

Three years ago, on April 20, 2007, I experienced one of those moments that impacted my life greatly. I was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, a form of cancer that affects the lymph system. A month later, I learned that there were also features present that are associated with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. As a 27 year old full of life and who felt young and immortal, this news definitely knocked the breath right out of me . . . at least for a moment.

Fast forward three years and a few surgeries and bone marrow biopsies, several rounds of chemotherapy, and multiple PET/CTs later. I'm happy to report that my life is now defined by some new moments -- the moment my doctor congratulated me and told us that I am in complete remission -- and the present. I wake up, healthy and ready to take on the challenges of a new day, a day I get to experience. I am blessed. I am lucky. I am a survivor of a composite lymphoma.

In the spirit of celebrating life and seizing the day, I am ready to experience yet another moment -- the moment I cross a finish line after riding 100+ miles on a bike and raising thousands of dollars for a good cause.

Over the past two-plus years since my treatments ended, my wife, Angie, has run two marathons to support cancer research and patient services. Now, it's my turn to do my part and to complete my first endurance event.

I'm training to participate in a century bike ride as a member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Team In Training. All of us on Team In Training are raising funds to help stop leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma from taking more lives. I will ride in honor of all individuals who are currently battling blood cancers. We need your support to cross the ultimate finish line - a cure!

One hundred miles is a long way to go, and it'll be a challenge, but I'm just glad to be here and to have the opportunity to participate in such an event. With your support and encouragement, I know I'll be able to make it.

Please make a donation to support my participation in Team In Training and help advance the LLS's mission. Any support you can offer will be greatly appreciated.

I look forward to this century ride as both a challenge and an opportunity. As I visualize myself crossing the finish line in Lake Tahoe, I know it will be a defining moment in my life, and I hope to create many more like it.

May we all take the time to experience and create such moments whenever we get opportunities to do so.

Thank you very much for your support!