My involvement with Coast to Coast Against Cancer goes back to 2006 when a group of cycling friends decided that riding 100 miles for a good cause (The Ride for Karen) would be worthwhile. As a relatively new, albeit obsessed cyclist, it was as much about the physical challenge as it was about the cause. My first organized century. We managed to raise a considerable amount of money. The dedication before the ride, the energy of the riders and volunteers and the post ride presentations changed everything. I was hooked and it felt great. Two Tour for Kids later and inspiration from the 2009 Sear’s National Ride and Riders and Crew (thanks Beth Stutman and Peter Viol!) lead to my application for this year’s ride. It is really very simple. I do not have direct experience with childhood cancer. I don’t have children. My involvement with this organization has been motivation enough. The stories of these children and their families facing this dreadful disease are motivation enough. The progress that has been made in cancer care and cancer research is motivation enough. This progress is directly a result of funding; Funding from organizations like Coast to Coast. I am blessed that I am healthy. I am blessed that children of family and friends that are healthy surround me. I am fortunate to be surrounded by friends, colleagues and family that support me and have encouraged me to complete this ride and all the others that I have completed (Thanks again!). I am ecstatic that I am a member of the 2010 SNKCR Team. I look forward to working with ‘My Team’ to help me train and meet and exceed my fundraising goals. I can’t wait for the ride to start! Tom