As a child at the age of 6, my hip bone fell out of its socket. Doctors told my parents that I had MD ( Muscular Dystrophy), I would not be able to do sports and I would be in a wheel chair by the age of 18. I struggled through wearing leg braces and not being able to do what the other kids could do. I am 34 now and run 3 to 4 marathons a year. I have conquered my disease, now its time to help someone else. In 2008, I achieved a lifetime goal of my own when I qualified for and ran the Boston Marathon. With four years of hard work and dedication, I finally got there. Then the next month the National Riders came to Belleville and that made me think. Being a father of 3 wonderful children. I thought to myself what would happen if that was one of my children? What would I do? What could I do? At that moment I decided I need to help out with this very worthy cause and return the favor that so many had done for me as a child. In 2009 I organized a team, and together raised money for the Sears Inside Ride; to help towards children and families living with or beyond cancer. In June 2009, I met the national riders in Brighton and rode back to Belleville with them. As I was riding, I said I am going to do the whole ride next year. Later this year I was asked if I wanted to ride for Belleville. I did not have to pause for a second to know the answer and I said Yes. Then I got the call, and it was set. I’m a National Rider for 2010 and the honor is overwhelming. I thought I now I get to do something for someone else. I can change a life. I can help raise awareness and maybe cure a disease. Most of all, I can put a smile on a child’s face and that appreciation is more than enough to encourage my efforts to help towards finding a cure. Please let this help in your decision to support the National Kids Cancer Ride and by participating in this very worth cause to help children and families living with and beyond cancer.