As most of you know, my wife, Monica, passed away in September 2017 from a brain tumor. Two years later, I’m joining a group of 20 guys (and gals) on a crazy 300-mile bike ride from Liege to London to raise money for cancer research. I’m dedicating this experience to Monica for two reasons. One, Guy’s and St. Thomas’ is a top-notch research center, and even if their focus is not on brain cancers, you can never tell where a breakthrough might come from. My second reason is more personal. The last year of Monica’s life was tough, as you can imagine. For her, of course, as she faced the end of her life with such courage and grace, and for me, in my roles of caregiver, provider, husband, and father.

It was an extraordinary time in many ways, as her friends know, but one thing that struck me was how generous and loving she was, as if her heart was growing as her body was failing. She often told me how much she appreciated all I did for her—tasks that you don’t anticipate but are part of marriage, and that we pledged to each other when we took our vows in 1995.

I mention this because I expect this ride, in addition to raising money for an important cause, to be an absolute blast. Maybe not the 12% grade climbs up cobble-stoned roads in Flanders, but the rolling hills through some beautiful country with a group of great guys, including some good pals. And I know, if Monica were here, she’d cheer me on and wish for me to have a fantastic time. “You’ve certainly earned it,” she’d say.

Thank you for your support. (All the money I raise will go towards the research; I'm covering all the expenses of the ride itself.) 

To read more about my ride, and who I'm doing it with, click this link:

https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/liegelondon