Cancer takes one life every minute of every day. In the time it takes to breathe in and then out, that person is gone. “That” person for me is my dad, Fred. He was taken in August 1998. One moment, I’m on the phone with my mom reviewing my upcoming business trip to Europe, the next moment, I hear my sister call out to her. I try and grasp their words, whispered at first and then spoken into the receiver. He’s gone. He’s gone? He’s GONE! A moment. Friday. 1:23pm. Tears. Breathe.
Most of us have a story of cancer…our fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers, husbands and wives, our children, our best friends, our co-workers, our clients. The statistics are staggering. One in two men and one in three women will face cancer in their lifetime. One more is one too many. B-cell lymphoma took my father. It stole his vibrant life, but not his precious soul. That is why I am riding on May 19th.
Why are you riding? Your words make an impact – let everyone know why you will be participating in the Tour de Pier. Share your own personal story. When others understand why you are riding, they’ll be much more likely to take action too. I loved my dad very much and miss him every day. I can’t think of a better way to start a morning in May than gazing at the ocean while sharing a ride with him in my heart.
Let’s gather, let’s share, let’s speak out, let’s stand up, and in this case, let’s ride!
Sincerely,
Maureen McBride
Owner, Tabula Rasa Essentials
Team Captain of MB Strand Cruisers