My Fundraising Page

Jan 12, 2014

 

“MR. SKINNER, YOUR DAUGHTER HAS LEUKEMIA.”

 

Every five minutes someone in the United States is diagnosed with blood cancer and hears the life-changing diagnosis we did July 17, 1998. Unfortunately, every nine minutes someone is expected to die from this dreadful disease. Our beloved Lauren lost her courageous fight against Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) September 9, 1998…just days after her 15th birthday.

 

FINDING A CURE - 'BEAT AML'

 

But last September, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the Knight Cancer Institute at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) announced 'BEAT AML,' a groundbreaking collaboration to improve outcomes for patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), like hers.

 

The program, led by OHSU Knight Cancer Institute's director, Brian Druker, MD, brings together scientists from multiple disciplines and technology and pharmaceutical companies to change the paradigm of treatments for patients with AML.

 

IT'S 3,200 MILES

 

So this year, I WON'T be riding another 100-mile Century. Instead, I'm honored to be a member of the 8-person Georgia Chain Gang...Team in Training riders who will join the Race Across America (RAAM)...all 3,200 miles and 170,000 vertical feet of it! Since it's inception in 1982, RAAM has become one of the most respected and longest running endurance sports events in the world. We'll start June 14th, 2014 in Oceanside, California and 'relay-ride' 24-hours per day until arriving in Annapolis, Maryland, six days later.

 

THIS IS WHERE YOU COME IN...

 

I need your support by contributing what you can to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society on my behalf. Since 2004, my friends and family across the country have generously contributed over $120,000 to support finding a cure for blood cancers, but this year, my goal is even more ambitious. By raising at least $50,000, we can be 'linked' to the exciting work being done by Dr. Druker and the 'BEAT AML' research program!

 

All contributions are tax deductible, and no amount is too large or too small.

 

Thanks for your generous support!

Make a Donation

We are no longer accepting donations for this event, however you can still make a donation to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Supporter Comments

"What an absolutely amazing way to raise awareness. I hope to be at the starting line since I'll be living in San Diego! If you need anything, let me know! "
Kelly Ness
Fri Oct 25 09:37:09 EDT 2013
"Thanks for your commitment to the cause, Ben. Ride strong!! Jim"
Jim Montgomery
Thu Nov 21 12:55:22 EST 2013
"Go BEN! Inspiring and inclusive of you. Thanks for giving others a chance to feel a part of this epic adventure."
An avid fan
Fri Dec 6 05:01:57 EST 2013
"All the best Ben!"
Kelly Hughes
Thu Dec 12 02:53:08 EST 2013
"Awesome cause Ben! "
Anonymous user
Thu Dec 12 03:03:10 EST 2013
"Ride On Ben! I know that you will make your goal and that Lauren is so proud of her dad! "
Dean
Fri Dec 13 03:55:29 EST 2013
"Best of luck for a great cause!"
Anonymous user
Tue Dec 17 05:09:00 EST 2013
"May the hills be easy and the valleys long!"
susan sappington
Sun Jan 5 05:51:07 EST 2014
"Best of Luck, Ben!!! I'll keep up with the race on your page."
Walter Worsham
Mon Jan 6 09:44:56 EST 2014
"Peddle faster - I hear wedding music!"
Robert & Jan Goocher
Wed Jan 8 04:57:50 EST 2014
"We're so impressed by your dedication toward finding a cure! We look forward to following your journey. Libby & Ferrell"
Ferrell & Libby Coppedge
Sat Jan 11 12:07:39 EST 2014
"Honored to support your efforts Ben! Ray Pebbles and Tom Quinn @ CornerCap! "
Tom Quinn
Mon Jan 13 10:19:17 EST 2014
"You are amazing, Ben! Your dedication to finding a cure PLUS the fact that you can actually ride a bike across the country! Wow! We will be thinking of you."
Leigh and Bob Noel
Mon Jan 13 12:29:38 EST 2014
"I think about Lauren often, and how lucky I was to know her. Ride strong, Ben! What an amazing journey it will be to that finish line, and even more amazing when they find a cure! "
Kathryn Stafford
Thu Jan 16 04:36:45 EST 2014
"We wish you the best in your ride across the country. Remember to take in the scenery!! God bless you in your continued commitment to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. -Neal and Carmen Abernathy"
Neal & Carmen Abernathy
Sun Jan 19 05:32:58 EST 2014
"Wow Ben! Still riding. Will look for you on the neighborhood roads. May the wind be at your back!!"
Nick Ranno
Mon Jan 20 06:46:05 EST 2014
"Go Uncle Ben!!! "
Kristen and Robert Donnell
Thu Jan 23 03:35:37 EST 2014
"We join you in the fight. Much love."
Lisa and George Neary
Tue Feb 4 01:01:56 EST 2014
"You are such an encouragement. Keep up the fight for a cure!!! Happy riding!"
John and Lisa Dolan
Wed Feb 5 04:35:50 EST 2014
"Good Luck Ben and Team!"
KR Karu
Sat Feb 8 10:30:22 EST 2014
"Ben, you are amazing and bless you for continuing this fight on behalf of Lauren. I have such fond memories of her. Go, Ben, go!! "
Lynn Moore
Sun Feb 9 06:04:48 EST 2014
"May love ride with you and good friends follow you. Love T & T"
Tom Reithner
Tue Feb 11 12:08:10 EST 2014
"Ben, you are amazing and inspiring! We will be thinking of you and your team and cheering you on! May there be a cure soon. "
Bill and Shelley Prevost
Tue Feb 11 10:58:14 EST 2014
"Here's to making the $60,000 goal! "
Lisa Morgan
Sat Feb 15 04:37:03 EST 2014
"Good luck on the ride!"
Rho
Mon Mar 10 02:45:54 EDT 2014
"Thank Ben for your commitment. Glad to be on your support team."
C. Walker Sullivan, III
Wed Mar 12 05:44:49 EDT 2014
"Ben, we all go with you in prayers and love and support. We will look forward to reading the published version of Across America with Ben Skinner afterwards! "
Steve and Susan Graham
Thu Mar 13 11:09:13 EDT 2014
"Couldn't be more proud of you Dad! Go TEAM!!!"
Carolyn & Tyler Baker
Fri Mar 14 08:15:30 EDT 2014
"Way to go Mr. Skinner!"
Melissa Goocher
Fri Mar 14 11:37:22 EDT 2014
"You Rock Ben! Charge on!"
Chris Dillon
Mon Mar 24 02:43:10 EDT 2014
"I ride in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free. ~Psalm 119:32 (Creative license taken to apply this verse to your riding team, the GA Chain Gang.) Ride strong, Ben."
Cheryl & Steve Shuler
Wed Mar 26 09:55:59 EDT 2014
"Good luck Ben!"
Katie Sushinsky
Tue Apr 1 08:26:43 EDT 2014
"Go Mr. Skinner! Ride on!"
Madelyn Goocher
Sat Apr 5 09:59:52 EDT 2014
"Good luck on your ride Ben! Your daughter Carolyn is a dear friend of mine so thanks to her for helping raise awareness of your ride and cause. I lost my aunt to Leukemia before I ever got to know her. Ride strong! "
Cathie Phillips
Tue Apr 8 05:39:24 EDT 2014
"Good luck, Ben! I hope the cross-country trip is amazing!"
Mindy Tellmann
Wed Apr 9 08:50:42 EDT 2014
"Ben, so inspired by your page...I have loved hearing Carolyn tell about this adventure you are taking on during our small group!! Our prayers will be with you in June!!!"
Beth Bishop
Sat Apr 12 09:29:35 EDT 2014
"Ride, Ben, Ride!!!"
Sharon and Mark Kane
Sun Apr 20 07:13:57 EDT 2014
"You're amazing, Ben!! We're cheering you on!!"
Rob and Rachel Stewart
Fri Apr 25 02:41:30 EDT 2014
"The fight continues. Ross & Patty"
Ross & Patty Hammarstedt
Fri May 16 02:23:45 EDT 2014
"Happy trails and safe journey, Ben. What an awesome commitment! Bob and Jane Baker"
Jane Baker
Sun May 18 10:42:47 EDT 2014
"We are so proud of you...especially for an old guy! :) "
Judi and Dale Dawson
Mon May 19 04:53:34 EDT 2014
"Good luck and pedal hard!!"
Brian & Cari McDowell
Mon May 19 05:52:15 EDT 2014
"Keep it up--you and your team are an inspiration to the rest of us!"
Rick Scauzillo
Thu Jun 5 07:40:24 EDT 2014
"Ben, Good luck on this important and worthwhile ride. Jerry and Debbie Miller"
Jerry Miller
Sun Jun 8 11:37:02 EDT 2014
"Good Luck!"
John Hayes
Mon Jun 9 05:53:32 EDT 2014
"If you will just believe, then you can succeed. It might not be easy. But anything's possible. -- Yeah. I stole that from Jonny Lang. Best of luck. Enjoy the challenge and the experience. Our family will be following you."
Mark Lagunowich
Thu Jun 12 12:10:48 EDT 2014
"In honor of my paternal grandfather, who passed away from Leukemia in 1948, and my nephew, James Arizpe, and Austin / Travis County EMT who passed away last Monday at the age of 36, not from this dreaded disease, but from an accidental gun shot wound."
Steve & Diana Dunn
Thu Jun 12 02:46:48 EDT 2014
"Go Ben!!"
Bob & Janet Graff
Thu Jun 12 03:26:50 EDT 2014
"Best of luck on your race!"
Christina Graf
Thu Jun 12 04:08:20 EDT 2014
"Way to reach your goal!!! Love YOU, brother Ben!!!!"
Sharon Kane
Fri Jun 13 01:31:25 EDT 2014
"Best wishes to Ben Skinner and the team. Have a safe and successful journey! Eileen"
Eileen Martinson
Mon Jun 16 08:21:17 EDT 2014
"Ben, you are truly inspiring. I wish you and your team much strength as you press on . God Bless! Karleen Hickok"
Karleen Hickok
Wed Jun 18 05:57:11 EDT 2014

My Fundraising Total

102%
102 %
My Team

Make a Donation

We are no longer accepting donations for this event, however you can still make a donation to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

My Thanks To

Sparta Systems Inc. $5,000.00
Anonymous $5,000.00
John Hayes $2,500.00
Matt & Suzanne M... $2,500.00
Richard & Susan... $2,000.00
Brian & Cari McD... $1,000.00
Anonymous $1,000.00
Karen and Jerry Lea $1,000.00
Warren Shiver $1,000.00
An avid fan $1,000.00
Louanna Robeson $500.00
Robert Robeson $500.00
Eileen Martinson $500.00
Judi and Dale Dawson... $500.00
Suzanne and Thad Kin... $500.00
John and Lisa Dolan $500.00
Vernon and Bronwyn R... $500.00
Marc & Amy Kraus... $500.00
Rob & Terry Mac $500.00
Paula Grothe $500.00
William Horton III $300.00
Nick Ranno $300.00
Kim Douglas $250.00
Vernon & Bronwyn... $250.00
Charlie and Gayle T... $250.00
Rick Scauzillo $250.00
Orsini Family $250.00
Charles J Paparelli $250.00
James Driesse $250.00
Mauro Family $250.00
Henoch Senbetta $250.00
Ardon & Deborah ... $200.00
Bee Skinner $200.00
Jonathan & Holly... $200.00
Ruth Bartlett $200.00
Robert & Brenda ... $150.00
John Q. Hall $150.00
David & Linda Co... $100.00
Bee Skinner $100.00
Bee Skinner $100.00
William Brownson, DD... $100.00
Bee Skinner $100.00
Maurice & Sandra... $100.00
David M. Simmons $100.00
Bee Skinner $100.00
Steven De Groot $100.00
Susan A. Mitchell $100.00
Pat Horn $100.00
Gregory & Margar... $100.00
Steve & Diana Du... $100.00
Susanne Bull $100.00
Bob & Janet Graf... $100.00
Jeff Graham $100.00
Rick Friederich $100.00
Ross & Patty Ha... $100.00
Craig and Terri Pend... $100.00
Rob and Rachel Stewa... $100.00
Cathie Phillips $100.00
Allison Mooney $100.00
Cheryl & Steve S... $100.00
Brenda Hodge $100.00
Chris Dillon $100.00
Mel Daley $100.00
C. Walker Sullivan,... $100.00
Tom Reithner $100.00
Lynn Moore $100.00
KR Karu $100.00
Tara Gladwel $100.00
Kristen and Robert D... $100.00
Tom Quinn $100.00
Anonymous $100.00
Walter Worsham $100.00
Dean $100.00
Anonymous $100.00
Kelly Hughes $100.00
Jim Montgomery $100.00
Piper Medcalf $100.00
Dick Ratto $75.00
Anonymous $75.00
Lisa Morgan $60.00
Katie Sushinsky $50.00
Mark Cosimi $50.00
Randy Davis $50.00
Mary Beth Sauer $30.00
Mary & Thomas Ph... $25.00
Karleen Hickok $25.00
Jerry Miller $25.00
Rho
Carolyn & Tyler ...
Sharon and Mark Kan...
Mark Lagunowich
Neal & Carmen A...
Ashley and Jeff Peat...
Steve and Susan Grah...
Randy & Sylvia P...
Tanner Mezel
Ferrell & Libby ...
Sharon Kane
Robert & Jan Go...
Jane Baker
Dan and Debby Heller...
Mark Lagunowich
Jeannie and Jerry Os...
Leigh and Bob Noel
Warren and Pat Abra...
Steve and Susan Grah...
Marcie& Bob Bash...
John Moxley
Beth Bishop
Deborah & Jim Ha...
Bill and Shelley Pre...
Lisa and George Near...
Marianne Messer
Bill Arnold
Kelly Ness
The Hobgood Family
Christina Graf
Phil and Kelley Hami...
Madelyn Goocher
Melissa Goocher
Kent Jenkins
Kathryn Stafford
Ernest & Marilyn...
susan sappington
Mindy Tellmann
Sharon Waxmonsky
Hillary Dukart
Shannon Gillespie

Supporter Comments

"What an absolutely amazing way to raise awareness. I hope to be at the starting line since I'll be living in San Diego! If you need anything, let me know! "
Kelly Ness
Fri Oct 25 09:37:09 EDT 2013
"Thanks for your commitment to the cause, Ben. Ride strong!! Jim"
Jim Montgomery
Thu Nov 21 12:55:22 EST 2013
"Go BEN! Inspiring and inclusive of you. Thanks for giving others a chance to feel a part of this epic adventure."
An avid fan
Fri Dec 6 05:01:57 EST 2013
"All the best Ben!"
Kelly Hughes
Thu Dec 12 02:53:08 EST 2013
"Awesome cause Ben! "
Anonymous user
Thu Dec 12 03:03:10 EST 2013
"Ride On Ben! I know that you will make your goal and that Lauren is so proud of her dad! "
Dean
Fri Dec 13 03:55:29 EST 2013
"Best of luck for a great cause!"
Anonymous user
Tue Dec 17 05:09:00 EST 2013
"May the hills be easy and the valleys long!"
susan sappington
Sun Jan 5 05:51:07 EST 2014
"Best of Luck, Ben!!! I'll keep up with the race on your page."
Walter Worsham
Mon Jan 6 09:44:56 EST 2014
"Peddle faster - I hear wedding music!"
Robert & Jan Goocher
Wed Jan 8 04:57:50 EST 2014
"We're so impressed by your dedication toward finding a cure! We look forward to following your journey. Libby & Ferrell"
Ferrell & Libby Coppedge
Sat Jan 11 12:07:39 EST 2014
"Honored to support your efforts Ben! Ray Pebbles and Tom Quinn @ CornerCap! "
Tom Quinn
Mon Jan 13 10:19:17 EST 2014
"You are amazing, Ben! Your dedication to finding a cure PLUS the fact that you can actually ride a bike across the country! Wow! We will be thinking of you."
Leigh and Bob Noel
Mon Jan 13 12:29:38 EST 2014
"I think about Lauren often, and how lucky I was to know her. Ride strong, Ben! What an amazing journey it will be to that finish line, and even more amazing when they find a cure! "
Kathryn Stafford
Thu Jan 16 04:36:45 EST 2014
"We wish you the best in your ride across the country. Remember to take in the scenery!! God bless you in your continued commitment to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. -Neal and Carmen Abernathy"
Neal & Carmen Abernathy
Sun Jan 19 05:32:58 EST 2014
"Wow Ben! Still riding. Will look for you on the neighborhood roads. May the wind be at your back!!"
Nick Ranno
Mon Jan 20 06:46:05 EST 2014
"Go Uncle Ben!!! "
Kristen and Robert Donnell
Thu Jan 23 03:35:37 EST 2014
"We join you in the fight. Much love."
Lisa and George Neary
Tue Feb 4 01:01:56 EST 2014
"You are such an encouragement. Keep up the fight for a cure!!! Happy riding!"
John and Lisa Dolan
Wed Feb 5 04:35:50 EST 2014
"Good Luck Ben and Team!"
KR Karu
Sat Feb 8 10:30:22 EST 2014
"Ben, you are amazing and bless you for continuing this fight on behalf of Lauren. I have such fond memories of her. Go, Ben, go!! "
Lynn Moore
Sun Feb 9 06:04:48 EST 2014
"May love ride with you and good friends follow you. Love T & T"
Tom Reithner
Tue Feb 11 12:08:10 EST 2014
"Ben, you are amazing and inspiring! We will be thinking of you and your team and cheering you on! May there be a cure soon. "
Bill and Shelley Prevost
Tue Feb 11 10:58:14 EST 2014
"Here's to making the $60,000 goal! "
Lisa Morgan
Sat Feb 15 04:37:03 EST 2014
"Good luck on the ride!"
Rho
Mon Mar 10 02:45:54 EDT 2014
"Thank Ben for your commitment. Glad to be on your support team."
C. Walker Sullivan, III
Wed Mar 12 05:44:49 EDT 2014
"Ben, we all go with you in prayers and love and support. We will look forward to reading the published version of Across America with Ben Skinner afterwards! "
Steve and Susan Graham
Thu Mar 13 11:09:13 EDT 2014
"Couldn't be more proud of you Dad! Go TEAM!!!"
Carolyn & Tyler Baker
Fri Mar 14 08:15:30 EDT 2014
"Way to go Mr. Skinner!"
Melissa Goocher
Fri Mar 14 11:37:22 EDT 2014
"You Rock Ben! Charge on!"
Chris Dillon
Mon Mar 24 02:43:10 EDT 2014
"I ride in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free. ~Psalm 119:32 (Creative license taken to apply this verse to your riding team, the GA Chain Gang.) Ride strong, Ben."
Cheryl & Steve Shuler
Wed Mar 26 09:55:59 EDT 2014
"Good luck Ben!"
Katie Sushinsky
Tue Apr 1 08:26:43 EDT 2014
"Go Mr. Skinner! Ride on!"
Madelyn Goocher
Sat Apr 5 09:59:52 EDT 2014
"Good luck on your ride Ben! Your daughter Carolyn is a dear friend of mine so thanks to her for helping raise awareness of your ride and cause. I lost my aunt to Leukemia before I ever got to know her. Ride strong! "
Cathie Phillips
Tue Apr 8 05:39:24 EDT 2014
"Good luck, Ben! I hope the cross-country trip is amazing!"
Mindy Tellmann
Wed Apr 9 08:50:42 EDT 2014
"Ben, so inspired by your page...I have loved hearing Carolyn tell about this adventure you are taking on during our small group!! Our prayers will be with you in June!!!"
Beth Bishop
Sat Apr 12 09:29:35 EDT 2014
"Ride, Ben, Ride!!!"
Sharon and Mark Kane
Sun Apr 20 07:13:57 EDT 2014
"You're amazing, Ben!! We're cheering you on!!"
Rob and Rachel Stewart
Fri Apr 25 02:41:30 EDT 2014
"The fight continues. Ross & Patty"
Ross & Patty Hammarstedt
Fri May 16 02:23:45 EDT 2014
"Happy trails and safe journey, Ben. What an awesome commitment! Bob and Jane Baker"
Jane Baker
Sun May 18 10:42:47 EDT 2014
"We are so proud of you...especially for an old guy! :) "
Judi and Dale Dawson
Mon May 19 04:53:34 EDT 2014
"Good luck and pedal hard!!"
Brian & Cari McDowell
Mon May 19 05:52:15 EDT 2014
"Keep it up--you and your team are an inspiration to the rest of us!"
Rick Scauzillo
Thu Jun 5 07:40:24 EDT 2014
"Ben, Good luck on this important and worthwhile ride. Jerry and Debbie Miller"
Jerry Miller
Sun Jun 8 11:37:02 EDT 2014
"Good Luck!"
John Hayes
Mon Jun 9 05:53:32 EDT 2014
"If you will just believe, then you can succeed. It might not be easy. But anything's possible. -- Yeah. I stole that from Jonny Lang. Best of luck. Enjoy the challenge and the experience. Our family will be following you."
Mark Lagunowich
Thu Jun 12 12:10:48 EDT 2014
"In honor of my paternal grandfather, who passed away from Leukemia in 1948, and my nephew, James Arizpe, and Austin / Travis County EMT who passed away last Monday at the age of 36, not from this dreaded disease, but from an accidental gun shot wound."
Steve & Diana Dunn
Thu Jun 12 02:46:48 EDT 2014
"Go Ben!!"
Bob & Janet Graff
Thu Jun 12 03:26:50 EDT 2014
"Best of luck on your race!"
Christina Graf
Thu Jun 12 04:08:20 EDT 2014
"Way to reach your goal!!! Love YOU, brother Ben!!!!"
Sharon Kane
Fri Jun 13 01:31:25 EDT 2014
"Best wishes to Ben Skinner and the team. Have a safe and successful journey! Eileen"
Eileen Martinson
Mon Jun 16 08:21:17 EDT 2014
"Ben, you are truly inspiring. I wish you and your team much strength as you press on . God Bless! Karleen Hickok"
Karleen Hickok
Wed Jun 18 05:57:11 EDT 2014