Spring Racing & Mechanicals

April 3 NWA RR

Today started with a bad omen...two deer ran across the road and one of them did real damage to our car. I should have known it was going to be a long day!

I started the day feeling great but my head wasn't in the game. I was nervous! This was my first race since my crash in Austin and I just kept thinking what if someone takes me out again! This is the wrong way to start a race. The race started, I was riding strong and getting some confidence back. Then, we a turn straight into the crosswinds. I was in the wrong position and got split from the front group. The group I was in tried to bridge gap but I was having gear troubles. It turns out my rear derailleur was bent and I couldn't get the lower gear I needed in the crosswinds. So, I did my best but eventually had to just decide to turn this day into a great training ride. I was bummed but that's racing! Placement 50/63

April 10th Eucha RR

Today was a new race day! I had taken my bike to get a thorough check and tune up so I wouldn't have any bike issues. This is not the place you want to have any gear issues as the climbing is insane. I started off great and could hardly wait to get to the big climb (Spavinaw Hill). I was super stoked to still be with the group through this climb but trouble started soon afterwards as I wasn't able to quickly get back into my big chainring. It was a downhill/flat section and I could not stay with them in my small chainring. When I finally got into my big ring it was too little too late. I was caught in no man's land, solo! I finally got with another small group. But, trouble started when we hit the feedzone... I missed my hand up (first time that's ever happened), and I was completely out of water. Thankfully, another rider grabbed my missed bottle and gave it to me! WHEW...that was a life saver as we still had about 30 miles to race including climbing Spavinaw AGAIN! I just kept working and when I saw the 5K to go sign I dropped the guys I was with and just took off! It wasn't a great day but I had completed my longest road race and learned a lot about myself this day! I'm learning more and more with every race that doesn't go to plan! You have got to stay positive and keep working to get better! Placement 24/31

April 16 Matrix Challenge Crit

I had a rough start with trouble getting clipped in. I lost the main pack but I worked really hard to get to a group. It was just a couple of guys for a while. I had to put in a lot of work pulling because the other two riders I was with weren't strong enough to keep our speed. I finally got with a group of about 15 riders. I learned how to move within the group, not letting gaps open and got more comfortable in a pack on a technical course. I didn't have to pull anymore so was able to just sit in with them. I worked myself up toward the front of our group on the last lap on the backside of the course near Stackhouse and stayed there until the finish. I started in last place and finished 37th out of 54. I also set a new 30 minute power record! I was really hoping to race on Sunday and get a better start to see if I could use what I learned. I wasn't racing scared for the first time. Unfortunately, Sunday was canceled due to bad weather!

Hey, this is racing and I'll come back better from all this disappointment!

Camp and Wisdom Teeth

It was a long drive to camp but totally worth it! We got settled in the cabin and got dressed for a short day on the bike. We went for about 30 miles just to spin our legs out. When we got back we had to get dinner prepared. I worked with Josh Brazeal grilling the chicken. Dinner that night were these amazing chicken sandwiches. Then, I turned in early to be ready for Saturday's long ride.

Last year, I was totally dropped on Spavinaw Hill and was super embarrassed. This year my coach, Mark Teruki, had me ready! This year, I felt strong! I was not dropped and stayed with the group all day! We rode 107 miles of paved roads, gravel roads, and over 5,100 feet of climbing. I had an marvelous day on the bike! We had beautiful weather and it was awesome having so many teammates tell me they could really see improvement. YES! Hardwork does pay off! I really feel this is going to be a break through year!

Photo Credit: Kristen Ryan

Austin thinks he can get me to cut my hair but it's not happening anytime soon! Check out my cool Handlebar Mustache @hbstache socks! #sockdoping #sockgameisstrong

Day 3 of camp I woke up with a migraine headache so I helped in the SAG wagon. The guys had to cut the ride really short anyway due to the strong winds. They even had a tree blow down right in front of them on the way back to the cabin. Sorry I didn't get a picture of that for my blog! Overall, it was a really fun weekend of riding with some great guys. Thank you TLC and Josh Brazeal for such a fantastic weekend.

I wasn't too excited to come home because I knew the coming weekend wasn't going to be much fun! The Friday, after camp, I got my wisdom teeth removed! I was pretty miserable for about 5 days and VERY swollen. I tried to ride a couple of times but it didn't go well. I'm glad that's behind me and I can start training again. My next road race will be in a couple of weeks! So, stay tuned for more from the road!

2016 Racing Has Begun

This past weekend was the start of my second season with Transitions LifeCare Cycling Team and my 2016 racing season. I went to Austin to race Bat City Apache Pass and Pace Bend. These are both road races. I went down early to ride the course so I was prepared for the "Texas Cobbles".

I was excited when race day was finally here! On the first lap, I was sitting in a great position when I hit a bump and my water bottle popped out of my cage and got stuck in my wheel, chain and chain ring (see picture below). I have never seen anything like it. Good news: I didn't go down and didn't cause anyone to go down. Bad news: it took me plus the two guys in the SAG truck to remove the bottle, was down to one water bottle with Skratch, jacked up my front derailleur, was more than 2 minutes behind the field and it was windy. The SAG guys asked if I just wanted to call it a day get into the truck. I said, "no thank you...I want to finish the race." I knew my placement would be bad but I didn't care, I just wanted to finish. I was dead last coming through the feed zone but I didn't quit. I rode hard, caught some people and ended up 44th out of 53 starters but I finished. The good part was my coach, Mark TeRuki with TeRuki Training, was pleased that I set new peak power numbers for 10, 12, 20, 60 and 90 minutes during the race. Progress!

Sunday was the Pace Bend Road Race. I felt like today was my day! Legs felt good and I was confident. I really like this course! I was on the first lap and climbing a hill. There was a gap and I was trying to make my move up through the pack when a guy changed his line, hit my wheel and took me out. My bike wasn't rideable and so my day was over before it hardly started. Super bummed!

The weekend didn't go the way I wanted it to but that's racing! I will keep training and getting faster!  Next stop...TEAM CAMP! Oh, by the way, I got new cages and a helmet from Celestial Cycles when I got home! Thanks Sheridan the Arundel's ROCK!!

DNA Racing Team 2013

Changes for 2013...my mom has been helping me with my blog in the past. But, this year...it's all me! Well, she'll probably help with typing she's faster than me! Thanks for everything mom!

I'm on a new cycling team. It's called DNA Racing. Their website will be updated soon. I think they will really help me get stronger and be a better racer. There are great guys on this team. They work really hard. I'm really honored to be a part of their Jr. Development Team!

Time Trial

I was invited to the team camp. We stayed at a ranch house. Thank you Mr. Little! Thanks to Chad, Andy, Andrew, Steven, Aaron, Beau, Evan, Tony, Erin, Rob, Biff, Mark, Ryan, and many others including sponsors for making camp possible and super awesome! We had so much fun! We introduced ourselves to our new team members, Chad and Mark talked about what we needed to work on this year and we put in a lot of miles on our bikes. One night Mark brought a movie for us to watch about Team HTC Columbia, Chasing a Legend. It was amazing! I felt like a star with so many photographers...it was like we were getting a lot of press!



Crit

Getting ready to start road race

This past weekend I went to Mineral Wells and they had a big stage race--a crit, time trial and a road race. I have been getting up so early to go train with my team on Saturdays. We start at Elemental Coffee, ride out and around Lake Hefner and then back to Elemental Coffee to pick up some additional riders and then put in more miles. I think this is really improving my speed and confidence. I think getting up early is paying off. I was happy with my results from the race in Mineral Wells. My road race I placed 6th, crit I was 9th and my time trial I came in 5th. I ended up 6th in the GC and 4th in the Team GC! Lee McDaniel took this awesome picture of me at the top of the BIG climb! Thank you Mr. McDaniel!

 

August UPDATE

I am excited to tell you all the things that have been going on! First, let’s talk about Lance Armstrong and my stand!

 

YES...I SUPPORT LIVESTRONG! YES...I SUPPORT LANCE ARMSTRONG! YES...LANCE WILL ALWAYS BE MY HERO FOR MORE THAN HIS ACHIEVEMENTS ON A BIKE. HE'S HELPED MILLIONS OF PEOPLE FACING CANCER. DON'T BE A HATER UNTIL YOU'VE WALKED IN HIS SHOES AND DONE WHAT HE'S DONE FOR MILLIONS WHO NEED HOPE!! OK, now let's move on! 

FACTS:

My fundraising goal is $20,000

I have raised $5,477
5 weeks until I will turn in all my fundraising money
6 weeks until the Luke’s 5-Line Ride
8 weeks until I‘ll be in Austin at the LIVESTRONG Challenge

CYCLING:

I raced in the 2012 Oklahoma State Criterium Championship last weekend. I didn’t win the State title but felt like I was really racing better. I raced at Hotter'N Hell 100 this weekend in Wichita Falls, TX! This is a huge race and my first year to race in it! I was super excited. I felt ready since I’ve been training for the 5-Line and LIVESTRONG rides. I have to tell you we all faced BRUTAL WINDS ALL DAY!! I set a new PB in a road race and I was happy with how I did. I placed 8th but had my fastest mph so I can't complain!

 FUNDRAISING NEWS:

Well, the big news is we have a website for the 5-Line ride!! Please go check it out http://lukes5line.com! We are also pretty psyched because we have a new friend, Jim Beach, who has joined us to help make this ride something super special. He’s been putting on amazing rides like DAM J.A.M. and Tulsa Tough’s Gran Fondos for many years. We feel really lucky to have him helping us! Thank you Jim! We think you will train us to be worthy ride Jedi's!!

We still have 5-Line shirts and decals for sale at Dwelling Spaces in Tulsa. There is going to be a super cool art show at Dwelling Spaces on September 22 with the focus on the beauty of Black Mesa (where our ride is being held)! You should really plan to attend!
 
You can see how cool our t-shirts are on our website! Go check out Doug Ulman, CEO of LIVESTRONG, wearing his 5-Line shirt! 100% of the proceeds will benefit my LIVESTRONG fundraising goal.
 

There are raffle tickets still available for the 2012 Trek LIVESTRONG FX bike. 100% of these ticket sales will go towards my LIVESTRONG fundraising goal. The tickets are only $5 each and the bike is worth $600!! Heck of a deal!

 

The Luke’s 5-Line is coming together! We made the front page of the Boise City News! We have secured complimentary food/lodging for all our riders. We have hired a caterer to prepare and serve all 3 meals on Saturday, October 6! The routes and feed zone are set! We’re getting more sponsors! In fact, we even have a beer sponsor, Black Mesa Brewing Co. How perfect is that?? It is really getting exciting!

Have you ever wondered why we call it the 5-Line ride? Well, the riders will chose how many state lines they want to cross in a single day! How cool is that?? They can chose between a 20 mile family fun ride, a 3-Line ride (40 mi), 4-Line (95 mi) or the 5-Line (120 mi). They will travel through one of the most beautiful parts of Oklahoma! You gotta come see it! We are planning to make this an annual event but if you don’t come this year you can never say I was there at the first one!! People can find the link to register for the ride on our website under Details/Registration! There’s a limited number of spots and registration closes on September 21, 2012. So what are you waiting for???

This year LIVESTRONG will celebrate 15 years of work to inspire and empower people affected by cancer! They started the same year I was born and I’m stoked to be able to celebrate this in Austin! I’m so excited with the amount of donations I have already received but the fight is still on to defeat cancer. I still have long way to go to reach my goal. If you are still trying to decide if you want to donate please think about this, 81% of every dollar goes right back to support the programs and services for survivors. This year alone they have saved clients $3.1 million in services and been able to launch 87 new programs throughout the country!! You are helping make a difference!

Please consider making a donation. Your tax deductible contribution would be one more weapon in this fight and would go a long way to help meet the needs of the millions living with cancer.

Thank you to those who have already donated!!! I truly appreciate all your support! Please check out my TRIBUTE WALL (below) to see the names of people I will be riding for this year. I will happily carry your loved one’s name with me and post it on the Wall of Honor in Austin with a donation, no matter the amount. As always, I have dedicated my mission to my grandfather (Poppy)!

Don’t forget you can follow me and the ride on Twitter (@lukethebikeman or @lukes5line) or Facebook (Luke’s 5-Line Ride)!

Thank you in advance for your time and generosity! I look forward to hearing from you and will be sure to keep you posted on my fundraising/training progress.

TRIBUTE WALL

Jim Pemberton (my Poppy)-Angel

Scott Raffe-Angel
Theresa Hild-Angel
Mrs. Myers-Rose (survivor)
Aunt Norma Jo-Angel
Alex TeRuki (coach’s dad)-Angel
Christopher Parks-Fighter
Makenzee Highfill-Fighter
Austin Dej-Rose (survivor)
Loralei Decker-Fighter
Ronnie Slawson-Angel
Lance Armstrong-Rose
Doug Ulman-Rose
Chris Brewer-Rose

 

SPEECHLESS

I haven't been able to write about this because I have been so blown away I couldn't find the words to express how I felt and still feel!

My mom and I were on our way to do a training ride. We didn't make any stops except at stop lights and at a railroad crossing. We were just a few miles from our location when my mom looked in the rear view mirror and saw my bike was GONE! I totally freaked out! I couldn't think clearly! I started crying "That's my baby! I have a race in two days! That's my baby!" It was the most horrible feeling I have ever felt over losing a thing!

We quickly turned around and began the search. Mom tried to keep me calm but it wasn't an easy task. We saw a good friend and fellow cyclist, Andy Chasteen. He was out on a training ride and offered to help us look for my missing bike. Thanks Andy!

Mom and I continued the search for four hours looking in every bush, ditch, drainage areas... EVERYWHERE! NO LUCK! I was devastated! My mom kept telling me, "There's a greater and overall meaning to this. It may be that we need this experience to help us grow. Or, it may be that it's because someone else needs to grow... but God has a plan and we need to trust!" She always says this when things are good and when things are bad. I knew she was right but it didn't make it hurt any less.

I had a time trial I was supposed to race in that coming Saturday (March 31). I wasn't sure what I would do when our friends the White's offered us a loaner bike!! Miracles were already taking place. I was going to be able to race.

I had a good race because I just kept thinking the guy in front of me was the one who took my bike! I took 4 minutes off my personal best!!!

Every night I prayed we'd find my bike! We did find it a week later posted on Craigslist! These guys were trying to sell it! I couldn't believe it. There's a whole other story here but the bottom line is we got my bike back. When we took it to the bike shop to get it repaired I had the BIGGEST surprise EVER!!!

My friends, Ryan Lenhart and Tobin Vigil, at Buchanan Bicycles were there when I got to the shop. Ryan took me in a separate room and began telling me "A lot of people were really sad when you lost your bike. And, you are always thinking of others with what you do for LIVESTRONG. So, a bunch of your friends who are cyclists pitched in a bought you a brand new bike!" The words I heard but couldn't believe. He took me into another room and there was the new bike all setup ready for me to get a fit! Tobin was taking pictures and I just walked around the bike in shock. I just kept saying "I can't believe this!"

 I don't know who all did this and may never know but THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!!! I still look at it  2 1/2 weeks later and I'm still in speechless! You all are the best friends a guy could ever have! I feel blessed! GOD IS GREAT!

 

THANK YOU!

THANK YOU!

THANK YOU!

Races-End of the Year

I finished out my racing season with some good results.

My next to last race was the Team Exfuse 9-11 Circuit Race. The Jr's distance was 28 miles (2 laps) and was out at Lake Stanley Draper. The back part of this course is hilly and the roads are a bit rough but after the last climb is was fast and smooth. I climbed really strong but I still need work on my downhilling skills. I will work on this in the off season, for sure! I had a 2nd place finish. I made some mistakes but I will use these to help me become a better racer.

The last race of the season was the Bison Bicycle Classic Oklahoma State Road Race Championships. There was a larger field in this race and I was feeling really good. I was aiming for my teammate and I to both end up with podium finishes. We had about a 2 mile neutral zone and then the race took off. I stayed with my teammate, Dallas, for a few miles but then began to fade a bit. I had another kid trying to draft off me and I wasn't going to drag him to the finish line. So, I picked up my speed and dropped him. I loved this course and really rode my race. I had max speed of over 34 mph but set an average over 18! My coach and I were pleased with my numbers for this race! The best part is my teammate and I both took podium spots! Dallas took 1st and I took 3rd! I was really proud of my effort!

Luke 3rd, Dallas 1st, Austin 2nd

Teammates/buds wearing some hardware!

Overall, I've had a good year of racing. My results for 2011 are as follows: 16 races, 3-1st place, 3-2nd place, 2-3rd place, 3-4th place, 1-5th place, 1-9th place, 1-11th place, 1-15th place, 1-DNF (crash)

After the crash (didn't take pictures of the worst parts)
 but I did race the next day!

I'm already training for next year! I can't wait!

HAPPY RIDING!

Tulsa Tough June 10-12, 2011

LIKE THAT THING THEY DO IN FRANCE

BUT IN TULSA

I stole that from a t-shirt but it tells the story. If you have never been to Tulsa Tough as a cyclist or a fan you really should plan on it next year! I can't tell you how much fun this weekend was...you just have to experience it to understand!

My new friend Noah, dad, mom and me!

Biju & me

Friday was AMAZING. My new friend, Noah Roberts had invited me and my family to the VIP Reception at Lee's Bicycles to watch the races. We were right by the Start/Finish line, had great food and I met some even greater people. Noah, brought the canvas he had painted for my LIVESTRONG auction. It is awesome I promise you! Then, he introduced me to Biju Thomas the chef for Team Radioshack and MapMyFitness. He has got a cookbook coming out in October and he told my mom about some recipes for cyclists. I was able to watch several categories race but really liked watching the Pros race at night under the lights. While the Cat 1-2 racers were racing a storm blew in with heavy rain and lightning. It was very slick and caused some big crashes. CRAZY! There was a bit of delay before the Pros started so the rain could clear out. GOOD NEWS: Great Race BAD NEWS: Roads were still wet and slick!

Saturday was my first day to race at Tulsa Tough. I need to be honest, I was a little nervous thinking about the day. I got up early and mom made me Biju's special oatmeal...it was YUMMY! I didn't race until later in the day so, I also got to try his pasta recipe! WOW...mom is definitely buying his cookbook!

Team Rad warming up

The course today was shaped like an "L" so, I thought that was a good sign. As soon as I got on the course I wasn't nervous anymore. I am never happier than when I'm on my bike except when I'm on it racing, working with my teammates and passing people! I think the one thing I was nervous about was the fact that the Chipotle Jr. Development Team was racing in the Jrs. They have been racing in Belgium and are already Cat 1-2 racers. I knew I just needed to go do my race! I finished the race and got 4th in my age group. I wished I had done better but the Thursday before my doctor said I still had bronchitis and now an ear infection so, I wasn't a 100% coming into this weekend. I raced clean and finished...good day...I guess.

I was stoked because I also got a OKC Velo jersey and gloves from Peter Erdoes. He made me an honorary member of their club because I let him use my bike in the State Crit Championship and he got 2nd. Can you believe his seat just fell off?

Getting my focus on for CRY BABY HILL

Sunday was Cry Baby Hill...I guess you can imagine why..a .really big hill that separates many! When I was going up there on my first lap I got tangled with a teammate and we had a  mini crash. I didn't have any road rash so thought I was good. Although, I will have to say my front wheel felt crazy but I didn't know about a free lap and I just kept riding. After the race I found out my wheel was bent no wonder the hill was so hard. CB Hill was hard & long but it was so cool. There were large crowds and even a kid was playing a saxophone up on the hill. It felt like a mini TdF to me! I took 3rd in my age group this day but I will never skip the neutral service and miss my free lap again!

Volt (Tulsa Shock) & Luke

It was also fun after the race getting to enjoy the atmosphere of the party! I got to visit with my team, my coach, hang out with some of the Tulsa Shock cheerleaders and Volt! Well, I sure hope I see more of you at Tulsa Tough in 2012! I will be training till then!

CIAO YA'LL

Blue Canyon State Championship Time Trial-June 5, 2011

My mom (in all black) crossing the FINISH LINE

This has been a great weekend! First, my mom ran in her first 5K. I was really proud of her. She is a cyclist and has not run since she had her knee surgery in 2008. Hey, she wasn't the fastest but she finished strong and absolutely wasn't last. She said that was a win! I don't know about that but I was still proud.

5-4-3-2-1 GO!

So, why else was this a great weekend? It is because this was the weekend for the Oklahoma State Time Trial Championship! It was a super race put on by the OKC Velo Club! Thank you!

I have been battling bronchitis so mom & dad were worried but I knew I felt like it was going to be a good day. I got up at 4:45 am, ate a good breakfast, got the car loaded and then slept all the way to Lawton! It's good to be a kid! I ate my pre-race snack, warmed up and got to the start line ready to RUMBLE!

And, I'm off!

Well, I felt good and strong and finished the same way! And, when the results were posted it was an AMAZING day for Team Rad Racing. My teammate, Sawyer, won the 15-16 and I won the 10-14! So, we are both STATE CHAMPIONS!!! The guy who won the 17-18 is Grahmm Smith. He is really cool and races for Chipotle Jr. Development Team!

Two REALLY Happy Guys!

I was really happy because when I got home my mom checked and I had taken 6 minutes and 22 seconds off my time from this race last year! WOO HOO! I am getting stronger and faster! I love being on the bike!

State Champs Luke (10-14) Sawyer (15-16) Grahmm (17-18)

Ok, I know this is silly but last year when I won we drove to the top of Mt. Scott and took a family picture. So, we did it again this year! My parents are pretty awesome! Don't forget to LIVESTRONG!

Top of Mt. Scott



****AUCTION****

HOSTING AN AUCTION FOR A LIVESTRONG CANVAS STARTING NEXT WEEK!!! PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR ALL THE DETAILS! http://bit.ly/ga4nb4

SO MANY RACES!! Part I

OK, I have been racing so much I haven't had enough time to catch on my blog! So, I don't wear you out and I'll split these up into at least two posts! Sorry but this is going to cover many races. I will try to not write too much! BUT...No Promises!

  

OKC Velo TT March 19, 2011



It was a chilly day!

So, after the Salt Creek and Talk Chief races I was preparing for my first TT of the season. I love participating in the OKC Velo TT Series. Although, I didn't post the fastest time that day I still set a personal best. Last year was this was my first TT of the season too and from that TT to this one I have taken a total of 4 minutes and 26 seconds off my time. Although I am not as fast as I want to be yet I am pleased with my progress.

  

I love my Honey Stingers!

 


Bringing it Home!

NW Arkansas Spring Classic March 27, 2011

Can you say COLD?  This was a crazy race for many reasons but I will only talk about some of it! First, a cold front came through Arkansas this weekend and temperatures dropped into the 30's and it was sleeting on us during the race. This was a 24 mile road race and it was part of the Lance Armstrong Junior Race Series. Well, it all started pretty good but I learned a valuable lesson on this day. And, that is no matter who they are or what their intentions I will NEVER let anyone work on my bike during a race again. Anyway, after this happened I was never able to get my bike to shift properly again. This was not the course to be stuck in a bad gear...Weaver Hill was looming. OK, it is a 1/2 mile climb and it's not pretty but I didn't quit! I climbed that hill...ugly...but I climbed it! I really can't remember ever being unhappy on a bike but I have to say this was my worst day ever. I just kept thinking "Lance Armstrong Never Quit" and neither would I. I got a medal but wished I'd had a better day on the bike. 

I just have to tell you it was so cold my buddy Ryan, a Cat 2 racer, lost complete feeling in his left arm. They, obviously, went longer than the Jr.s but he had to reach over his body to shift his front derailleur and he still had a great placing! Great job buddy! 

Trying to bring it

 

LAJRS Medal



Lincoln Road Race April 10, 2011

1st Place

I have one word for this race...WIND!! Wind gusts close to 50 mph is what I heard people saying! I just know it was WINDY! I left the race with a 1st place trophy and I felt strong. I was still having some gear problems but I just trying to work through them! Good day overall!

OK, I will not post anymore tonight! Stay tuned Part II will be along shortly! And, remember always LIVESTRONG.



PASSIONS

I have two passions! Cycling and LIVESTRONG!

If you read my blog enough you probably know this but if you don't well...I'm a 13 year old competitive Jr. cyclist. I believe in going fast and giving back!

I need your help! I am raising money again this year so I can participate in the LIVESTRONG Challenge in Austin, TX! This became my non-profit of choice because I lost one of my best friends to prostate cancer and Lance Armstrong is one of my heroes. My Poppy was an awesome grandfather! He was also a father, a husband, a brother, a friend, an awesome golfer (he shot a 70 on his 70th birthday) and one of my best buddies. Unfortunately, he didn't get diagnosed soon enough and passed away in November 2007. It was the saddest day of my life!

I put on my yellow LIVESTRONG bracelet and have never taken it off! I am raising money to continue the fight Poppy lost! I don't want anybody else to lose someone they love like I did. It hurts really bad! If we all pull together we can be sure others get the help they need. You never know it could be you who needs the help! Please give what you can...because every $1 helps. Click here to visit my fundraising website or print off a donation form. Please write my PARTICIPANT ID #297759208 on the check. All donations must have a form attached. I want to thank you for doing whatever you can to help me reach my goal of $5,000. Together we can all LIVESTRONG!