On Saturday, I will be riding 105 miles in the Moab Century Tour in honor of my Dad. This will be the toughest thing I have ever done, but it pales in comparison to the challenge he faced when diagnosed with Leukemia. I am excited and a bit nervous about the event, but I am also sad that my Dad isn't around to see me finish. I do take comfort in the fact that the money we have raised will help find a cure or at least provide resources for other families facing blood cancers.

Thanks to everyone that has donated so far!

In 2007, my dad lost his battle with Leukemia. Of course, my dad meant the world to me, and I owe all that I am to him. He was a man of great determination and a kind heart.

Since his passing, Jennifer, Rio, and I have participated in several fundraisers to help with cancer research, cancer patient/family assistance, etc. Last year, Jennifer decided to do even more. She signed up to do a 100 mile bike ride with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in honor of my dad and her mom (who beat lymphoma in 2007).

When she told me she was going to do it, I thought she was crazy. One hundred miles on a bike seems bad enough, but it was in the desert and included a "small" mountain climb. She and her teammates trained all summer. I know there were moments when she wanted to quit, but she didn't. It was a brutally hot and windy ride and she conquered it.

Seeing her tackle and beat that 100 mile bike ride was inspiring. It was also amazing to see the great team of friends that are all out to beat blood cancers. Jennifer and her team have motivated me to sign up this year and join them in their cause.

Now, I haven’t ever had a challenge like this before in my life, but I am determined to do it. I know there will be some difficult days of training, but I know these challenges pale in comparison to what someone that is facing cancer goes through.

Please join us in our fight against blood cancers. Last time Jennifer raised $3,000. This time we are committed to raising almost twice that. Your donation will help us reach our goal and bring hope to everyone fighting blood cancer. Any amount is welcome – last time friends and family contributed anywhere from $10 to $500.

To keep track of how we are doing with our training or to make a donation, you can vist http://bit.ly/Jennifer2011 for Jennifer’s page or http://www.patrickganderson.com/cycling/cycling-blog for mine.

Thanks everyone!

Patrick