In Support of Family



My brother-in-law Joel 

Many of you know of my love for endurance sports and followed my Tri to End Homelessness journey throughout 2007 & 2008.  This year, I'm thrilled that my brother-in-law Joel has caught the endurance sports / doing good bug.  In May, he will be riding in the Stars & Stripes Challenge to raise funds for the IOTR Cancer Research Institute.  Because our family has been touched by cancer and has directly benefitted from IOTR's work, we've donated to support Joel's effort. I hope you will too.

Here's the letter Joel sent to family and friends about his motivation:

Friends,

This week I threw my hat over the wall and registered for a bike race on Memorial Day weekend. I know when you look at my physique the first thing that comes to mind is a professional biker, but I assure you that is not the case. I have a significant amount of training ahead of me in the next couple months; currently I am a master of downhill elements only.

The ride I am participating in is put on by the Palmetto Peloton Project to raise funds for the new ITOR cancer research center in Greenville, SC (http://www.itor-ghs.org/ ). My mother was diagnosed with Stage Four cancer eight years ago, and part of the reason she is still here today is due to emerging technologies like those being developed at ITOR. Today she volunteers her time to support ITOR's efforts, and we both believe the work being done there will make a positive impact on the lives of many families struggling with this disease. Her story and details of the ITOR programs that helped her are featured here:
http://www.journalwatchdog.com/city/1022-cutting-edge-research-its-happening-here  

and here:

http://www.greenvilleonline.com/article/20101013/NEWS/310130047/Faster-more-advanced-cancer-care-focus-of-new-oncology-research-center 

Cancer has touched us all in some way, and I hope that you can make a small contribution in reflection of the impact it has had on your life. I am hoping for a large number of small donations rather than large donation amounts. The Palmetto Peloton Project is a 501 (3)(c) organization (Tax ID is 20-5058568), so your contribution is tax deductible. If you wish to contribute to my effort you can do so here (select my name from the drop-down box at the top of the page), and don't forget to use any employer matching contributions that may apply: https://secure.p3ride.org/donate/index.php?eid=1

Thanks,


Joel