Spokes of Hope
Saturday, September 12th 2010
The day began departing Pittsburg with additions to our “Spokes-mobile” crew. Laura from Florida, Kathy Robinson from RI and Patti from Pittsburgh. We headed East to Hershey in the rain and fog.
We arrived in Hershey to be greeted by Sharon Duncan. Weary and worried, she rushed around making everything perfect for everyone arriving. Her organization skills and pulling the community together was impressive. She had food donated and volunteers leading out the different distances. She may be small, but she is mighty!
We were also greeted by the Knudson family, with Grandpa Andy Warner. The Knudson’s are a survivor family that we honored in Trexlertown. Jack is a 7 year old boy, with a new adaptive bike and a service dog who also just happens to have had pediatric brain cancer a few years ago. But that, and a little rain is not going to stop him from leading the group gathering in some parade laps before the news and documentary film crews.
Also joining us was Nancy Tammi and Amy Rafferty from New Jersey. Amy was just 2 weeks out of surgery related to her cancer diagnosis, and about to start her chemo. The fact that she was there with us, determined to be there and ride and be a part of this event speaks volumes. She WILL beat this cancer and join us in our mission in the future to help others in treatment.
Pete Collins joined us with his flags waiving proudly. His top flag was an American flag, flown over Afghanistan by his Son in an Apache helicopter, and a Spokes of Hope flag just below it. What an incredible statement he makes with his presence, and message he delivers with his words. He has great talent in representing survivorship.
Senator Pat Vance joined us in front of the Penn State Cancer Center and cheered us on as we departed. She thanked us for following our mission, and stated that she wished she had her bike so that she could join us.
The roads were wet and there was a constant “mist” of rain on the ride, but it didn’t matter… we were together and riding and we were meeting the cycling community of Hershey.
Hershey is a wonderful city, but it’s countryside is nothing if not HILLY! Great roads, great riders and we finished to a meal and a community of great people.
Jay Bodkin once again sacrificed his own needs to meet the needs of the Spokes Team as he cleaned the bikes before they loaded them. Pete Collins cleaned all the bikes of the crew that were staying with him.
That evening we collected at Sharon Duncan’s home. Sharon should be very proud of what she created that day. Rain or no rain, it was a success!
At Sharon’s house, we gathered together around a table of “nibbles” and basked in the glow of friendship. These are magical moments… Thank you Sharon and Randy for your hospitality and all the hard work and sacrifice you made in creating this special and memorable ride for so many.
Hershey was awesome....rain or no rain, Cindi is right. Sharon is one mighty dynamo. Randy was beyond the gracious host.
ReplyDeleteI was a bit nervous about the ride conditons so I opted for the shoter route this day. It was really nice, out riding with Scott, from In Gear, his son Parker, and family along. It was a great ride along the bike paths and some local suburbs, getting a taste of the Hershey landscape and having Parker lead us along.
Back at the Fitness Center we where treated to an spread of goodies that where catered, and donations of "crustables" that became fuel for out team as we journeyed along the way. Sharon had a wonderful bag of Schwag awaiting everyone.
It was a great opportunity as well to show ongoing support and have Jack send us off on our rides. He is a shining example of strength,and attitude.
Back at Duncan manner, Randy opened up his man-cave to all of us as we gathered as a team for shared time. These are the moments that are truly magical and make the journey what it is.
Randy has a rather impressive collection of sports memoribilia, I spotted the Mario Lemuix cut out standing in the corner..I had to pose with him, and after sharing my story with Randy, we drew up the papers and Mario has now been "traded" to RI.
Sharon took us for a tour of her territory the following afternoon. We turned out of her drive and immediatly went Uphill. I am starting to think that PA is full of one way streets and one way hills. It was another day of the best of lifes offerings, teaming up with patients, and time on the bike. We did have a few hills and a touch of headwind, but it still is an honor to get out and ride for our teammates that can not join us at this time.
Sharon and Randy opened up their home and hearts to us in everyway.
After the ride we where greeted with the wondeful aromas of lasagna. Seated at the table where 16 of us, gathered together, from various parts of this country, teamamtes,, friends, spouses, all FAMILY.It was "Spokesgiving"
Thank you for all of it. I can not wait to go back to spend time riding with Sharon, and Pete in Gettysburgh. At least our bike gear is lycra and not wool.
Kathy