A message from Dave Linn...

Hello, Fearless Friends.  As Jen often said, we sometimes can’t control what happens to us, but we almost always have the ability to choose how we react to it. 

When faced with the incredible challenge of a recurrent and debilitating illness, Jen chose not to feel sorry for herself.  Instead, she dedicated her life to helping the millions of other patients affected by these so-called rare cancers. 

And now, when faced with the challenge of having lost my wife, I am choosing not to be overcome with despair (although as you can imagine, I of course have my moments of sadness).  Instead, I am trying to follow Jen’s example and dedicate my life to making sure others don’t suffer like she did. 

Today, I ask you to join me in that journey with 1 simple step – REGISTER NOW FOR CYCLE FOR SURVIVAL 2012. 

If you’d like to honor Jen’s memory, registering today is without a doubt the absolute best thing you can do.  Registration is open, and there is no better time to get involved than right now!  This promises to be the biggest & best ride in the history of Cycle for Survival, here are the dates:

Feb 4: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Long Island

Feb 11: New York City, Chicago

Feb 12: New York City, Washington DC

Jen’s and my vision for Cycle for Survival was to raise enough money to – one day – find a cure for all rare cancers.  I am determined, now more than ever, to make this happen.  Personally, I’ve been keeping myself busy these last few weeks recruiting for Cycle 2012.  From coast-to-coast, I have been calling, emailing and visiting with folks to get them on board. We’re off to a great start as several sessions are getting close to capacity, but we all need to work together to spread the word to make sure every bike is full.  

Of course, as with anything, you can always find a reason (excuse?) not to get involved.  Here are a couple we’ve heard in past years…

Objection: But Dave/Jen, I can’t ride because I’m not a cyclist.

My Reply: Perfect, because you don’t need to be a cyclist!  That’s why we set it up to be a team relay where you control your own tension & effort level.  You can push yourself as much or as little as you like.  Trust me, if you can ride a bike, you can participate in Cycle, possibly right next to Jen’s 90-year old grandma!  I know there are some of you out there who were reluctant to ride, but then did so and loved it.   If that’s you, could you please do me a quick favor and post a comment to the blog in case others have similar concerns?

Objection: But Dave/Jen, I don’t like asking people for money. 

My Reply:  I completely understand as I was reluctant to do so when we first started Cycle.  This is what changed it – since my passion for the cause was clear in my communications, not 1 person gave me a hard time about asking for money, and in fact, so many people thanked me for giving them the opportunity to help others.  Imagine that – they made the donation, and they were thanking me!  I believe many of you have had similar experiences.  If so, please post them to the blog in case anyone thinks I’m full of it :)

Objection: (internal dialogue in someone’s mind) But Dave/Jen, when I said please let me know if there’s anything I can do to help you, I didn’t think you’d actually take me up on it. 

My Reply:  Oops, I just got a bit off topic as that will be covered in Jen’s book (I Know You Mean Well, But).  Although, on a serious note, if you do want to do something nice to help Jen’s family or me, registering a team and raising money for rare cancer research is by far the best thing you can do.  Yes, it is better than flowers, dinner invitations, cards, and everything else.  Because as much as possible, we don’t want other families to go through this.   

So what are you waiting for?  It takes less than 5 minutes to register your team, just go to http://www.cycleforsurvival.org and click on the yellow Register Now button!