LIVESTRONG Challenge Newsletter: September 2008
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Meet Jeff Mulder -
This is how I started – a “Poser” for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. I have never had cancer. There has never been anyone close to me who has had cancer. I have never been with someone as they were told the news that they have cancer. There has never been a bedside that I have sat next to as someone died from cancer. I set a goal this past winter to ride in all four LIVESTRONG Challenges; for no other reason than I like to bike and needed a series of goals to keep me motivated. Well, that is what I thought was the reason. Obviously God had other plans because over the last 6 months I have moved from Poser to Fighter.
Many of us had experienced the fight with cancer through grandparents, relatives and even parents. Few within Jeff’s close friends and family had witnessed it happening to someone like Jeff; someone we thought was invincible. We could no longer afford to stay on the sidelines and hope cancer never affected us. The be.live. team was initially created to support Jeff during his battle. After he passed, we knew we must do what it took to keep his legacy alive. We must be; be the person we know we should be; be the foundation for what is right; be the friend, spouse, and family member we know we can be. A Note from Marc Applebaum, Your Region 5 Mentor
This inevitably leads to the next question. Why do I do it? Here the answer gets a bit more complicated and depends on how interested the questioner is and how much time is available to answer. The short, honest, and somewhat tongue in cheek answer is that "Well, I'm not smart enough to find a cure for cancer, but I know a lot about riding a bike". The more in depth answer is that when the LIVESTRONG wristbands first came out I got one, started wearing it, made a donation to the LAF and felt pretty good that I was doing something to support the fight against cancer. Then in 2004 my father-in-law was diagnosed with lung cancer and my wife, Christine, and I became deeply involved in the entire cancer experience. To contact Marc, please send an email to Region5Mentor@lafmentor.org. Thank you for participating in the LIVESTRONG Challenge and for supporting the LAF's mission to inspire and empower people affected by cancer. City Specific Inquiries: General Inquiries: |
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Philly, You Rock! Philly, you rock! Thank you to all of the wonderful participants and exceptional volunteers who came out to Montgomery County Community College on August 23-24. Participation at the Philly Challenge was astounding as nearly 5,000 participants and more than 700 volunteers came out to show their support for the 12 million Americans living with cancer today. Together, you picked a fight with cancer and raised $3 million for the fight. Congratulations and well done! You are what makes these events what they are, and we could not be more appreciative. A special thank you and congratulations to all of our award winners from the weekend. Team MBA and Team Cancervive Peloton Project took home the team awards, while Dave Wilson and Nancy Moses were recognized for their efforts as top fundraiser and top messenger, respectively. Also, Rodney Warner was selected as the LIVESTRONG Challenge Award winner. Lance had the opportunity to personally thank each award winner, and the entire staff sends a hearty congratulations. The weather was beautiful and the spirit was strong in Philly. Because of you, we are making a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer. Whether you walked, ran, rode, or volunteered, we thank you for your dedication and support. Pictures from the event may be found at www.kreutzphotography.com. 5K chip times are listed at www.cadencesportsonline.com. And if you got your picture taken by the Time photography, check out the pics online (gallery 1 & gallery 2). Thanks, again! Willie Nelson to Help Celebrate Ride for the Roses Weekend New Info on the Web for Austin! Nominations are now being accepted for the LIVESTRONG Challenge Award Austin to recognize an individual who has made a significant impact in the fight against cancer. Nomination deadline is October 13th - read the rules and nominate someone today! Austin Riders Can Run Too! As a registered Austin rider, we’ve made it simple for you to register for the 5K for free. Simply login to http://my.livestrong.org and click on LIVESTRONG Challenge from the left-hand menu, and then click on the link to opt in to the 5K. Unlike last year, riders will not be automatically registered for the run - you must register via my.livestrong in order to receive a 5K bib so that you can participate. If you are currently registered for the 5K and would like to do both events and require further assistance, please contact Sarah Appolito for assistance. LIVESTRONG Challenge Tribute Videos Submissions are now being accepted for the Austin Photo Tribute. Submit text and a photo by going to the Austin Photo Tribute tab on my.livestrong. Don't procrastinate too long, the submission deadline is October 10. And during event weekend, be sure to stop by the AMD Jumbotron and video screens around the venue. Bicycle Sport Shop Hosts Free Bike Safety Checks 2009 Dates and Locations - Be the First to Know Austin Volunteers Needed Important Dates
Vote Yellow Your Dollars Help the Cancer Fight
The LAF also provides many other resources to help you learn about cancer or get involved. To learn more, visit LIVESTRONG.org. Be Part of the LIVESTRONG Army and Run the Disney Marathon |
“Ride hard or stay home” is one of my favorite lines from the movie Wild Hogs. Despite the fact that Henry Fonda is referring to motorcycles, I like to apply it to bicycling. Ray Loitta also has a line, actually a word, in this same movie that has become even more meaningful to me in the last 6 months, “Poser”. He uses this word to describe the small band of friends who are riding their cycles out west. In effect he is saying they are acting instead of being. They are posing as the real thing instead of being the real thing.
Most people have heard of Lance Armstrong. So when someone finds out that I'm a mentor for the LIVESTRONG Challenge and how the Challenge is the signature fundraising events for the LAF, they inevitably ask if I know Lance and what's he like? Being honest, I answer that I never have met the man, but I hear he's a pretty good guy and he certainly has done some great things and he inspires a lot of people to do great things; hopefully someday I'll get to meet him. But, also, that's not why I became a Mentor or involved with the LAF. 
At the Lance Armstrong Foundation, we've been championing the fight against cancer for over a decade. As our numbers and support continue to grow, we see great strides being made in this country to make cancer a national priority. For the first time, both major presidential candidates are sharing their plans to fight cancer before the election. We applaud both Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain for addressing the number one killer of Americans under the age of 85. As this year's election draws near, we're counting on you to "Vote Yellow". Get educated on where the candidates stand on cancer and find out what it means to Vote Yellow at 
Be part of LIVESTRONG Army runners and the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, January 8-11, 2009! How about running a half or full marathon through one of the most magical settings in the world?! This is a great event for families as discounted tickets to the park and help with hotel accommodations are available with this event! The half marathon will take you through the Magic Kingdom and Epcot and the full marathon will take you through all 4 Disney Theme Parks!!
