On July 28th, 2007 I rode in my first CT Challenge and it was a day I shall never forget. Just seven weeks prior, I had completed my treatment for Stage IV Thymoma (cancer of the Thymus gland). Riding 50 miles that day with family and friends was a triumph against the disease and the experience was an enormous boost to my survivorship and what survivorship means to my family, my friends and me. Having cancer opened many new doors for me and in many ways, it has been a new beginning for my family and me. I am blessed to be able to get on my bike and enjoy such a great day after going through so much. Cancer is not an individual disease as it affects all of those around you. To celebrate survivorship is to celebrate family and relationships.

So on July 25th 2009, I will, once again, be riding for my wife Lucille and my children AnnPatrice and Marie because they have been my rocks from the day I was diagnosed. I will be riding for my siblings, relatives, friends, fellow employees, neighbors, and well wishers as they have been such a huge part of my team that got me thru my treatment and got me on the road to survivorship. I am riding for the entire team at Yale Cancer Center that has treated me with amazing care and concern. I am riding for all my supporters at my employer as they have helped me to continue to work throughout much of my treatment. I am riding for the Survivorship Clinic at Yale Cancer Center because I truly believe in their mission to help all survivors live longer and healthier lives. Finally, I am riding for all survivors in order that they can be supported in their quest to become a thriving survivor.