Blessings

There are days in my life that I will never forget, graduation, our wedding day, the boys’ births, and foremost in my mind these days, May 1, 2013, the day Kevin was diagnosed with ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease.  Another recent day that looms large in my memory is November 9, 2012.  That was the night we flew to Thailand for an amazing two-week adventure.  

We arrived in South San Francisco early and went to a local restaurant for dinner before our flight.  I will never forget the moment sitting across the table from Kevin when he told he that he thought there was something really wrong with him.  I was scared, but I think the knowledge that something wasn’t right led us both to enjoy those precious two weeks in Thailand all the more.

I don’t think I could ever properly say how much Kevin means to me.  I love him intensely.  I love him passionately.  Kevin is my soul mate, my best friend, and my other half.  I protect him fiercely and am frustrated that I cannot protect him from this disease.

It didn’t take me long to find a way that I could do something to support Kevin, The Ride to Defeat ALS in Napa on September 28.  Not only did I sign myself up for the longest distance offered (100 miles), I was brave enough to sign Kevin up for the century ride also.  If he’s training to ride a century at the end of September, he’s not going to able to lose much strength between signing up in June and riding in September.  If I can, by sheer, will keep Kevin strong, I will do that.

I know that I am blessed in so many ways.  I have been overwhelmed by the support of our family, friends and community.  So many people in countless ways have shown their support for us.  If you visit the Team Denison page at the Ride to Defeat ALS website the support is obvious.  Sometimes from places we wouldn’t even have expected, including complete strangers.  Thanks to our families who have supported and joined the event, along with our friends who have done the same, and the local race community especially Sacramento Triathlon Club, Team Revolutions and Cycling Development.

If you’ve read this far, I’ll get to my point.  We started with a team fundraising goal of $2,000, we quickly raised that money and bumped our goal to $5,000, and then again to $7,000.  This week we again bumped our goal to $10,000.  We have a large  team and many individuals have reached their fundraising goals, but some still need help.  The ALSA asks all participants raise $150.  If you are reading this and can help those on our team who are below that number, I would be grateful.  If you are reading this and want to join Team Denison for the ride in September we welcome you.