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4/24/09:  219 lbs. (officially)

Well, this week has been productive thus far… four pounds.  My goal for week 1 (which is somewhat the easy result week) was 5 pounds.  I am well on my way to doing that by Monday for sure.

Reasons to Lose & Ride

The LiveStrong Challenge is one based out of the Lance Armstrong Foundation’s goal to raise global awareness about the fight against cancer.  In addition to awareness, every cycling event raises millions of dollars for much needed cancer research.

If you’re like me you may remember hearing about cancer as a kid.  You may remember one or two diagnosed with it.  And you might even remember one who died of advance stages of the illness.  But nowadays, it seems to be everywhere.  Everyone seems to get it; healthy or not.  If it’s not diet related, then it’s n the blood.  If it’s not in the blood, then it’s skin, breast, or colon.  It may be my greater awareness (due to the hospital prayer list I see every week as a pastor), but cancer seems to be more rampant than ever before.

Just last year, there were approximately 1.4 million new cases of cancer.  And for those who lost their battle with cancer, the 2008 death toll was over half million.  Those numbers are staggering!

So many people I know have been affected by cancer as of late.  Friends Kevin and Jason are both battling through colon cancer.  A friends grandfather just went to be with the Lord because of cancer.  And Scott & Kim Estes are about to lose a grandfather to stomach cancer

So I’m training hard to ride in the upcoming LiveStrong Challenge Event in San Jose, CA.  All the while, I’m raising money for cancer research.  I would love your help!  You can pledge by the mile (100 miles) or a one-time gift either here or through my facebook page (scroll down… on left).  HELP ME shatter my fundraising goal! Just $5 can help out a lot!

The date of the ride is July 12, and I’m sure it’ll be hot and muggy!  … so dropping about 20+ pounds for that event should be a benefit!  Besides, the more I guard my health, the longer time I have to make invests for the kingdom while still here.  Seems to be benefits all around.

219 lbs. towards a 200 lb. goal is small next to research dollars and a real-life battle with cancer.  I have a deep appreciation for those in the trenches today!