My CF Cycle for Life Story
Paul Edelman
Fundraising for Virginia CF Cycle for Life
Paul Edelman
I am riding in the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Cycle For Life event again this year. I do this for three reasons: family, health and honor.
I first became involved with CFF after my nephew, Paul, and his younger sister, Olivia, were diagnosed with CF. We quickly learned that several of my family members are carriers of the CF gene.
After almost two decades of walking in Great Strides events, I heard my local chapter was holding a Cycle For Life event. To ensure my own health following a heart attack, I had taken up cycling and had become something of an aficionado. So, I rode -- for my own health – and for the health of all those with CF. I have found the Cycle For Life event was both fun to do and made fundraising for CF a pleasure.
But when it comes down to it, I ride to honor the sacrifice that Paul and Olivia have made, that my family has made and that all CF patients and families have made to fight this disease. At our 2014 and 2015 rain-or-shine Cycle for Life events, it poured. I don’t normally like to ride in rain, and there I was doing 30 miles in a torrential downpour! With every pedal stroke, I thought of my sister and the sacrifices she made every day to power her children through treatment and life. I thought of the medications and therapies my niece and nephew endure daily. The hardship of riding in the cold and wet was nothing compared to the hardships these patients and families face. I am proud to do what I can to honor them and help make CF stand for cure found!
This year I am issuing a challenge, challenge to you and to myself. My goal is to ride at least 65 miles each month and by the time of our “event” in October my goal is to achieve 650 miles. A healthy goal indeed.
Your challenge is to match my miles with your dollars or quarters. 650 somethings! All contributions will help me reach my team’s fundraising goal of $10,000.00.
I first became involved with CFF after my nephew, Paul, and his younger sister, Olivia, were diagnosed with CF. We quickly learned that several of my family members are carriers of the CF gene.
After almost two decades of walking in Great Strides events, I heard my local chapter was holding a Cycle For Life event. To ensure my own health following a heart attack, I had taken up cycling and had become something of an aficionado. So, I rode -- for my own health – and for the health of all those with CF. I have found the Cycle For Life event was both fun to do and made fundraising for CF a pleasure.
But when it comes down to it, I ride to honor the sacrifice that Paul and Olivia have made, that my family has made and that all CF patients and families have made to fight this disease. At our 2014 and 2015 rain-or-shine Cycle for Life events, it poured. I don’t normally like to ride in rain, and there I was doing 30 miles in a torrential downpour! With every pedal stroke, I thought of my sister and the sacrifices she made every day to power her children through treatment and life. I thought of the medications and therapies my niece and nephew endure daily. The hardship of riding in the cold and wet was nothing compared to the hardships these patients and families face. I am proud to do what I can to honor them and help make CF stand for cure found!
This year I am issuing a challenge, challenge to you and to myself. My goal is to ride at least 65 miles each month and by the time of our “event” in October my goal is to achieve 650 miles. A healthy goal indeed.
Your challenge is to match my miles with your dollars or quarters. 650 somethings! All contributions will help me reach my team’s fundraising goal of $10,000.00.
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