Dan and I have never met, but he found out he has Multiple Myeloma the way most of us do - broken bones in his back. Unlike mine, however, his were severe enough to need emergency back surgery. This turned into a wheel chair, physical therapy, and eventually walking again. Oh and by the way, “you have cancer”.

Randy is work teammate who has been a cancer warrior for a while now. He was one of the first to message me about a whole food, plant based diet. While Randy has done medical treatment, this tool is only #3 in his war chest. Diet is #2. #1 in Randy’s fight (and #1 by a long shot) is his faith.

I’m in Utah for my son Cole’s wedding. I wanted to ride from Salt Lake City to where he lives in Park City. I tried today. As I rode up hill for those first 2 hours, I thought a lot about Rodger.

Cathy, I do not know if I have been any help to you, but I think about you every day. All of us with Multiple Myeloma are fighting a completely unique battle. It is so genetic specific that for the most part we are all alone. On the other hand each of us knowing that the other’s battle is unique is what binds us together.

A couple weeks ago I took my folding bike out west and got the chance to do some real climbing. Along with my bike, I took along the flag for Brenda.

I normally ride 100+ miles on each flag and then send it out. I do it to give myself purpose, to make sure others know they can care in their own way, and hopefully provide a little boost for whoever I rode for. I cut this one short because Shavon is now in the care of Hospice.

I have been riding with Quenton for a long time. I started the flag in Michigan. Then took it to Florida for a week. Back to Michigan and then to Texas for a long weekend. Now back in Michigan—enough is enough. Time to git-er-done!

Mary has gone through some real physical crap in the last 2 years and with that comes the mental baggage drain as well. One of the things that has gotten her through 3 different kinds of cancer and all the treatment was heavy metal and thrash metal music. “Getting angry and mean saw me through radiation.”

I have learned in the last 12 months that all cancer is different. AND the way we all deal with the side effects including mental health is as different as the stars in the sky. Some fight. Some fold. Some research. Some follow. Some pray. Some look for just one more day. I do not know where you fall, but I know what I hope, wish, pray for all of these paths: That you find shalom (peace) along the way.

I thought I’d ride here in Florida to celebrate the discipline that Jeff has shown during the past year of his Cancer war. - Larry Mulder

I Ride for: Nancy

Like all cancer warriors, Nancy’s life is unpredictable. Unfortunately she has gotten an extra dose, with the loss of her husband a year ago. With kids at home and a business to run, she has no time to relax and let someone else carry the load for even a day. So much of the fight with cancer is built up with our support people.

“I have a friend who might have Multiple Myeloma. Would mind if I gave him your contact info?”

This is how I was introduced to Mike a few months ago.

No matter what my attitude is, Nicole has taken on “What ELSE can I do?” No sugar or carbs (sugar free KETO), cold plunges twice a day, and long walks. She is also at Sloan-Kettering, which Jeri and I have heard nothing but good things about as we have researched in 2023. Chemo every Wednesday, which for sure has made my “Crabby Thursday” much less Crabby. I can only imagine Nicole’s day after Chemo, but I know my sleep deprivation does not compare. Suck it up, Jeff, right!?!?

PS Hope this flag helps Cole get his not the “circle of trust”. 😩

I do not know what your prognosis is and I do not know what mine is. What I do know is I will choose my bone marrow biopsy over your cystoscopy. Yikes

Like most of the people I ride for, I have never met Melina.  I know she was born in Italy, but do not know if she immigrated to Canada

Interesting set of connections on this flag. While I have never met Charmaine, I was clearly supposed to ride for her this week.

Another weird/interesting/God Nudge with this flag for Betty. When I got the call from her husband I had just finished the flag for

225 miles is what I did with George’s flag. Not too bad for a week. It helps that day 2 was my 102 mile ride last Saturday.