2007 LIVESTRONG Challenge Philadelphia

Even though here in New Hampshire, it's a cold day in February, I'm already working toward a long summer day's bike ride -- to support a great cause. I registered for the 2007 LIVESTRONG Challenge Philadelphia, benefiting the Lance Armstrong Foundation. I'll ride my bicycle 100 miles around the City of Brotherly Love on August 26 with a team representing Cyclists Combating Cancer.

Today, there are more than 10 million people living with cancer in the United States. Close to 1.4 million more will be diagnosed and more than 560,000 will die from cancer this year alone. The global toll is far greater. Although progress has been made, we must do more.

This is my fifth year with the LIVESTRONG movement, working to make cancer a national priority, save lives by applying what we already know, find new cures, and inspire and empower cancer survivors.

I'm aiming high this year, looking to raise at least $20,000 toward the cause.

Please consider sponsoring my ride. Click here to make a secure, instant online donation. Your sponsorship gift in any amount adds another needed voice.

Thank you for your support, and please help spread the word. Together, we can make a difference.

Live strong,
Scott

LIVESTRONG Day 2006

I had such a fantastic time on LIVESTRONG Day, May 17, 2006, in Washington, D.C. I don't know why it has taken me so long to post anything about it here!

I celebrated my 42nd birthday over dinner with Cyclists Combating Cancer Monday night. On Tuesday, 100 advocates, two from each state, received a full day of training, followed by a Congressional reception at which I was able to shake Lance Armstrong's hand: a real honor. LAF's CEO and President Mitch Stoller, Lance Armstrong, Senator John Kerry, and Representative Clay Shaw each spoke.

On Wednesday, Vanessa Underwood and I met with staff in Senator Judd Gregg's and Senator John Sununu's offices, and I met with Representative Jeb Bradley. We asked for adequate funding for cancer programs in next year's budgets for the National Institute of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and for support of newly (re)introduced Cancer Survivorship and Quality of Life legislation that expands the scope of those cancer programs to include long-term issues facing cancer survivors. Cancer used to be a death sentence more often than not, but that's thankfully getting better. We need to keep making the progress that we know is possible.

See this article for more information.

LIVESTRONG Day 2006

I'm very excited to report that I will be attending the Lance Armstrong Foundation's LIVESTRONG Day event in Washington, D.C. from May 15-17, 2006! Two representatives from each state will receive a day of advocacy training on how to make an impact on Capitol Hill and in our own communities, and then meet with our elected officials and/or their staffs. This will be a great opportunity to raise the visibility of cancer survivorship issues, and I look forward to meeting old and new friends there.

May 15 also happens to be my 42nd birthday. As you'll recall from Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, "42" is the ultimate answer to life, the universe, and everything. Coincidence? I don't think so. :-)

LIVESTRONG Challenge

The LIVESTRONG Ride Series has been relaunched this month as the LIVESTRONG Challenge, expanding to include people who choose to walk or run in addition to those who cycle. I'm still on for the 100-mile Ride!

If cancer has touched your life, please consider a sponsorship donation.

LIVESTRONG Ride Philadelphia

2006 marks my fourth year working to support the Lance Armstrong Foundation's mission to inspire and empower cancer survivors. I'll pedal my road bicycle 100 miles on September 10, 2006, in Philadelphia with a team representing Cyclists Combating Cancer. If I reach my fundraising goal, I will also ride for a third year in Austin, Texas, on October 15!

Net proceeds from this event fund education, advocacy, public health and research programs that help cancer survivors to live strong.

Complete the Exercise

We awoke yesterday to find the outside temperature was a balmy 50°. Although I had to go to work, and by the time I left to come home, it was cool and dark, Judy was able to take a bike ride -- wearing my long-sleeve jersey. Today is a bit cooler again, though I could probably get away with a ride. I've been wishy washy about it so far today, but at least I ran a mile. OK, big deal, what's a mile? Well, I've never been much of a runner, so I'm thinking that's a good next challenge.

Amare Cantare at Stratham Community Church

Amare Cantare, the choral group with which I sing tenor, gave a performance at the church I attend tonight. I thought we gave a terrific performance. It was great to have my wife Judy and all four of my children in the audience, and the kids were well behaved and attentive. Our first commercial CD is now available for sale, too!

A Light Dusting

Yesterday afternoon and evening, there was snow in Seacoast New Hampshire. It's just a light dusting, but enough to reinforce the idea that my cycling season has ended, unless I'm willing to kick it up a notch and start "ice biking."

Pine Garden

My six-year-old son Eric really wanted to go our for Chinese tonight. Katie pushed hard for the Olive Garden instead, but in the end, Pine Garden won. My fortune: "A handful of patience is worth more than a bushel of brains." Advice I sorely needed today.

Glorious Autumn Day!

Sadly, two weeks had gone by without my getting on the bike since the Ride for the Roses.

This morning in Seacoast New Hampshire, however, it was an unseasonably warm 62 degrees at 7:50 a.m., so I took a 25-mile ride from my home over along the coast and back. The fall foliage has peaked, but it was still stunningly beautiful. The waves rolling in along the ocean front seemed more serene than ever. The air was crisp, and the temperature, my ideal.

This was the kind of morning to savor, to make you wish you could stop time and ride along in that moment forever. What a day!

Post-RftR Symptoms

I suspect I'm not alone in feeling a little funny now that the Ride for the Roses is over. I miss the excitement of building up to the event. I miss the glory of the event itself. I already feel the need to start working on plans for next year!

Starting a blog

Inspired by Jodi Sax, I'm starting a blog of my own. We'll see how it shapes up!