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T’s Ride ~ Kicking Cancer’s Ass One Mile at a Time

There’s no better way to begin this post than with my daughter’s own words of thanks and memories from her PMC ride that she told you about here. And please take a moment to watch the short videos that T included.. Especially Mike McCreesh’s.. powerful and explains “‘why T rides” and why everyone that can ride, should ride or support a rider.

Hi Everyone!
As many of you know, the PMC was over August 6 and 7.  From hearing Billy Starr and Lance Armstrong speak Friday night to crossing the finish line in Provincetown, I had an amazing time! One of my favorite parts of the weekend were the people who lined the route, cheering.  There were people playing music, banging pots and pans, spraying us with hoses (awesome), and cheering loudly.  Some people made block parties out of it, and some just came to their driveways in their PJs.  One person, on the morning of the first day, stuck out in my mind.  It was a little boy, out with his family even though it was before 7 AM, who held a sign that said: “Cancer at 3, Alive at 5, thanks to you.”  Throughout the rest of the weekend, I saw even more people with similar signs, and it was an amazing reminder why we ride and to keep pedaling. Everyone who was out cheering seemed to say the same thing as we passed by: “Thank you.”  I want to pass along that thanks to all of you, your generous donations are what made this happen and are going to do so much good at Dana Farber!

Quick fundraising update: TeamBrentWheels has, as of today 8/19, raised over more than $489,000 through this year’s PMC– wow!  I have raised just over $5,300– thanks to all of you! PMC fundraising is open through October, and I would really like to reach PMC “Heavy Hitter” status and raise a total of $6,400.  So if you know anyone else who might like to donate, please pass along my fundraising page: http://www.pmc.org/profile/TD0128 !

There are two awesome videos I would like to share with you.  The first is the PMC 2011 video, shown at the opening ceremonies.  The second is actually of Mr. McCreesh being interviewed live on Sunday morning before we left.  Both are short and definitely worth watching!

PMC 2011: http://vimeo.com/27596460
Mr. McCreesh’s interview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v =Hfrxx5z03Es

Thanks again for all of your donations!
Tierney

T’s ride from the sidelines…pictures posted with permission from the rider

Friday  8/5: Here’s the crowd outside the McCreesh’s house: pizza and bike load up..

Friday night at Sturbridge Host…Whoa.. that a lot of bikes and it’s really only about 1/3 of them so far.
T’s first tatoo… that I’m aware of..
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Partial Team Brent photo at dinner… T’s tucked in on the right side of the image. I can see her right eyeball..
Lance spoke at the opening ceremony. Say what you will about him.. but he is one gigantic force for battling cancer. He was inspirational as were all the speakers – not a dry eye in the place. “Why We Ride”
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4:00 am Saturday.. those of you that know me, understand that it takes some this big to get me up before the sun..
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Finding your bike = needle in a haystack.. but she found it!

Ready to Go!
We stayed for the start of the ride and then met up with T along the route..
And a pit stop..
Here’s T with Kira, Brent’s younger sister. Who knew they made bike shorts THAT small.DSC03384
1 day done… I’m exhausted.. I mean Tierney is exhausted. Thank God for Good Grub & Music at MMA (under threatening skies). T was asleep by 8 pm. ps.. Rodger Hainey from Team Brent makes all these flags for the PMC.. Riders and volunteers all sign them and say “Why They Ride”..
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Sunday, Day Two and she’s riding stronger than ever.. her text to me at 5:24am: “back on the bike”..

Along the way, there was a hug..

A crash.. She was scraped and bruised and the bike took a beating but, after some attention to bike and rider, she got back on..
An Ice Couch.. yes. An Ice Couch. Thinking about it..
More Hugs.. This one from Dana McCreesh – Brent’s Mom – at their  Team Brent “spot” in Truro. Check out those Team Brent Jerseys via Vineyard Vines.
And a finish line!
T has guts and a heart as big as the day is long.. Love you big time T..forever
xx
mom

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  • Barbara | Creative Culinary
    August 21, 2011 at 11:47 pm

    Absolutely love the photo journal along the way…big congrats to T and to you Mom…you both did good!

    • Abby Dodge
      August 24, 2011 at 9:35 am

      I “complained” all wk’nd about my cow bell injuries! #MoreCowBell #headCheerLeader

  • Gail
    August 22, 2011 at 6:29 am

    Abby, you are one proud mama!!! And rightfully so! What a selfless accomplishment on T’s part.
    LOVE IT!!!!!

    • Abby Dodge
      August 24, 2011 at 9:35 am

      I know, Gail.. I’m shamelessly proud!

  • Paula
    August 23, 2011 at 12:56 am

    T wrote a great summation of her ride. In addition to the outstanding fund-raising that she accomplished, it was so nice to hear that there was such a great display of support for her and all the riders along the route. How motivating!

    Great photos captured of a weekend when your inspirational daughter rode her way to making a huge difference!

    • Abby Dodge
      August 24, 2011 at 9:34 am

      Thanks Paula.. it was a special wk’nd for all of us..

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    […] spending time with your family and friends. I know I have. I hope you had a chance to read about our trip with our daughter in her efforts to raise money for kids with cancer; we are so very proud of her. That was just one […]