Hello Friends and Well Wishers,

Thank you to everyone who donated and showed their support. I have reached my goal, but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't stop giving to help find a cure.

This past week has been... well, sad. I have been able to get out a few times for some shorter (...30-40 mile...) rides. The BIG ride is a little over two weeks away and I feel like I have SO MUCH to do between now and then. But we will make it.

Thank you all again, keep those donations coming. Keep an eye out for the post ride update and pictures.

Doug

Goodbye my friend, brother, partner in crime. You will be missed more than you could know... love you.

Friends, I am close to reaching my goal. Help me pass my goal in memory of a truely exceptional person. Thank you

And it's not just because of the whole mortality aspect, this is just one step in trying to come to terms with the fact that people I love will die. It is the wretching roller coaster of disease that Austin has to ride. It hurts me so much to see him slowly tick away and recover, just to plummit back into chemo and hospitalization.

The first relapse was difficult but not unexpected, but it provided me with the courage and strength to join Team in Training and train for this century ride. The lowest point was a phone call I received saying that the doctors had given him two weeks. That was miserable and I really wish that no one ever has to hear that themselves. But then Austin beat the prediction and entered an experimental drug trail. He was feeling good, he was ticking away and doing everything he could to go about life like the rest of us. He was applying to jobs and actually got one, I was thrilled, and I know he was happy to be a functioning adult again. Then he relapsed again.

I dont think I can resonably explain to you how much it hurts me as his friend to see this, and I cant even begin to imagine how this has been on him and his family. All I can do is tell you that it sucks really really bad, and keep on training and fundraising.

So that's where I am. I have been getting on the trainer a few times a week for the past couple months. Not the most enjoyable or beautiful type of riding, but its nice to get moving and get some miles under me. I have also been able to get outside a few time, which has been wonderful. As the weather gets nicer and the ride closer I will be out more often and for longer. I will keep you all updated.

Please donate what you can, do it for Austin, do it for someone that you love who is or has suffered. Together we can cure this disease.

Racing to Save Lives

Hello Family, Friends, Coworkers, Acquaintances, and Kind-hearted people, welcome to my Team In Training home page.

I'm training to participate in century (100 mile) bike ride as a member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Team In Training, in honor of my dear friend Austin. Austin has been battling a rare form of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia for the last year, his strength, courage and tenacity make me proud to be his friend and make me want to do what I can to help find a cure. All of us on Team In Training are raising funds to help stop leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma from taking more lives. I am completing this event in honor of all individuals who are battling blood cancers. These people are the real heroes on our team, and we need your support to cross the ultimate finish line - a cure!

Please make a donation to support my participation in Team In Training and help advance LLS's mission.

I hope you will visit my web site often. Be sure to check back frequently to see my progress. Thanks for your support!

Austin and I at Wilson Arch, Utah July 2009