How grateful we are for so many reasons! I wish you all could have been present at the GRATITUDE RECEPTION on March 11 where over 150 supporters and “motivators” shared one of the first warm sunny Sundays to celebrate “phase one” of the RIDE.  An event like this does not just happen! Our thanks to Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital Health and Fitness Center for providing the location, to the many retailers who provided door prizes, and to our daughter Laura and her friends for their time and energy to make it a memorable day for us all.

Our gathering was most special because of the presence of two of our “motivators” who are the “heart and soul” of the RIDE. “Motivators” are our loved ones, neighbors, people everywhere who have been afflicted with ALS or cancer; they need our help, encouragement, and support.  By “joining the RIDE,“ you show that you care and are helping to make HOPE a reality!

I personally want to thank Janice Clarke ( a cancer SURVIVOR who is battling melanoma)  for sharing her time and story with us.  Yesterday Janice flew to UCLA to begin another trial program; we all pray that this one is the answer. Also present on March 11 were Aimee Chamernik and her husband Jim.  Aimee is a 37 years old mother of 3 who has ALS.   Aimee and Jim have chosen to share their private lives with us in  a public way so that we might better understand this devastating disease. Please visit Aimee’s website.

Throughout the RIDE we will share the journey through photographs..  We will begin with the pictures taken by Jim Langdon and Susan McConnell at the GRATITUDE Reception.

   
Good Shepherd Center(Left) Laura and her gang (Right)

 
Bob Lee & Janice Clarke (Left); Jim and Aimee Chamernik and Jamie Weissberg
of the Les Turner ALS Foundation (Right)

Rayanne Coy (our spirit) and Bob Lee (Left) Jan Goodbois & Thelma Condon, Organizers (Right)

The RIDE will begin in Jacksonville, FL. on March 29 and will progress North along the Atlantic coast to Maine. The direction of our goal has “gone North” also!  As you may recall, we introduced A RIDE FOR 3 REASONS in January with an excellent article in our local magazine Quintessential Barrington (see press section).  Our initial goal was to raise $65,000 for each of 3 charities –Cancer research, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) research, and Hospice public awareness.  Just as the magazine article was being written, I had the pleasure of having breakfast with Kim Duchossois.  For those of you not living in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, Kim is a most genuine, other-centered, warm-hearted woman and philanthropist (“lover of mankind”).  After listening to my dream, without hesitation Kim asked, “How we can help?”  Over two bowls of oatmeal, Challenge 65 was born. Our goal was to find 650 donors by March 15 and the Duchossois Family Foundation would contribute $65,000 to the RIDE. This CHALLENGE not only “jump-started” our fundraising but also raised awareness of the need to continue research and offer patients HOPE.  People every where have accepted the CHALLENGE with not only their donations but also with their interest, support, encouragement and willingness to become “spokes-people” and contribute their time and energy toward creative fundraising ideas. ˚

Kim Duchossois Talks Things Over With Bob Lee

During the Reception, Kim and I announced that we had not only met but exceeded the CHALLENGE 65  with the support of over 1,000 donors who contributed $130,000!!!

 
Kim presents a $65,000 check from the Duchossois Family foundation to
Bob Lee's A Ride For Three Reasons.

Our first goal of $195,000 had been met! With the energy, interest, multi-generational support, and awareness that together we can make a difference mounting, we are announcing that a new goal has been established --$500,000 to fund research for ALS and cancer and to support Hospice awareness.  This offers the RIDE a new challenge for national coverage, creative fundraising, donations in memory and honor of loved ones, and a purpose-full and passion-filled journey for us all.

On a very personal note, Anne and I are overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity.  With all of the planning and preparation to start the RIDE, it has been difficult to thank each of you appropriately.  Please give yourself a hug, pat on the back, a high 5 from us.

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