Hi, it's Jared
OK, I'm suuuuuuper ADD about getting things done and as of the day of this writing (6-June), there are only 15 days til I saddle up and ride (and this fund-raiser officially closes)
What is RATPOD? What is Camp Mak[e]-A-Dream and why the hell am I about to bike 87-miles on mostly gravel/dirt roads while pedaling UP the equivalent of 2.67 Willis Towers (that's 3,881ft and it's still the Sears Tower to me)?! All very valid questions.
- RATPOD = Ride Across the Pioneers in One Day - this is it's 23rd installment of this event and only my second year riding
- Camp Mak[e]-A-Dream = An 87-acre cost-free camp located in Gold Creek, Montana, dedicated to empowering individuals and families affected by cancer. The long story short is the wonderful people who run the camp depend on the proceeds of this annual fund raiser to bring in cancer survivors and their families to camp each year.
I've not experienced such powerful empathy than I did last year when young campers (with juvenile cancer) got on stage and spoke about their experience at camp. It was specifically impactful to hear how meeting another kid their age, who was going through the same thing, made them feel less alone and therefore stronger in their fight. Camp Mak[e]-A-Dream absolutely harnesses healing magic!
I realize we all give to causes we are passionate about and last I checked, inflation hasn't suddenly deflated. If you made it this far you may also want to know (or likely already do) that my family has been dealing with cancer in a very up close and personal way. I send my heart and all the anti-nausea and high vibration energy I can 1,650 miles to Valparaiso, IN every other week to Kathy, my step-mother, as she makes the 115 mile round trip to Chicago with my dad to get another infusion. Cancer is strong but Kathy is far stronger. So I'm also doing this ride to show them my support of something I can't directly help with from Montana.
I appreciate any support you can offer for a cause that's all to real to me right now. Love, Jared
I didn't want to delete the Camp Mak[e]-A-Dream copy (below)...it's much more eloquent than my scattered run-on thoughts and certainly provides more detail on the cause.
This annual event is not just about cycling; it's about making a difference in the lives of cancer survivors and their families by supporting Camp Mak-A-Dream. Camp Mak-A-Dream serves as a haven for cancer survivors, providing them with transformative experiences in the breathtaking landscapes of Montana. For over two decades, RATPOD has been the driving force behind Camp Mak-A-Dream's success, making it the largest fundraising event for this extraordinary cause.
By participating in RATPOD, we contribute to empowering cancer survivors and their families to navigate life with resilience, strengthen vital life skills, and foster lasting connections. Cancer can be an overwhelming journey, but together, we have the power to instill hope and dreams in the lives of those affected.
I invite you to join me in making a difference by donating any amount you can. Your support plays a crucial role in bringing hope and positive change to the lives of survivors and their families. Your generosity will go a long way, and I encourage you to share this message with anyone you believe may be interested in riding or contributing to this meaningful cause.
Many thanks for your invaluable support as we strive to make a lasting impact on the lives of those touched by cancer. Together, we can turn dreams into reality!
