News Postings is our version of a BLOG and will address topics under multiple categories including: Reflections, News, Events, Christopherisms and others we may add in the future.  These categories are intended to give you a glimpse into our life as we deal with the diagnosis of ALS.  We invite you to click on comments and give your feedback which will appear on the site.  The comments you make may spark further discussion and are greatly encouraged.  If you don't want your comment public, just send us an email instead.   Thank you for being here!

We have many challenging and exciting decisions to make this fall.  As a nation, we will elect a new president, and whomever we choose will be a first in our nation’s history.  As a community committed to the Extra Hands mission, we have begun to pursue strategic partnerships which will enable us to reach more PALS and their families as well as to serve others who are homebound and need support.  Currently, we simply do not have the resources to offer the program beyond the ALS community by ourselves, much less keep pace with the ballooning demand for it within the ALS community across the country. 

As you may know, the Angels for ALS Gala will not take place this fall as our efforts are focused on exploring all the possibilities and making the best decision for the next stage of our growth.  Many of you were planning on contributing to the gala and we hope that you will still consider investing in Extra Hands so our potential partners fully witness the passion and commitment of our patrons.  Please click here to contribute securely online. 

Once we come to terms with the right partner, we will resume the planning for the gala which allows us to honor the pioneers like you who always ‘believed’ as well as to celebrate the beginning of a new chapter for Extra Hands.

Thank you for your continued support of Extra Hands for ALS!

One month has blazed by since the Angels for ALS Gala 2007.  Time seems surreal to me, knowing I am outliving ALS expectations.  It also confirms that time appears to accelerate the older we get!

The evening was a very elegant and classic event.  It was an enchanting site to see everyone dressed to the nines at a beautiful venue with a common purpose in mind.  The silent auction area was bedazzled with lights, music, conversation and excitement.

Inside the dining room, 250 seats beckoned for company as the tables dazzled in their simplicity.  Black linens topped with red accents and white china glowed in the soft light of votive candles, highlighting the red cyclamen in the center.

Introductions and welcoming ensued before the theme of the evening was revealed.  Addie, one of our overachieving student volunteers, was impacted by the statistic that every 90 minutes an ALS patient is diagnosed and another one dies.  She produced a video simply asking what everyday people might do in 90 minutes.  As a 90 minute hourglass was overturned, Addie challenged the audience, asking what they could do in the next 90 minutes to make a difference in the ALS community.

After a scrumptious dinner topped off by a decadent flourless chocolate tort, Addie returned to the podium.  She addressed the audience by describing her transformation from the year before.  The patient her Extra Hands team was assisting had died this past summer.  The reality of ALS overwhelmed her.  In her grief, she had grown and become even more dedicated and motivated to make a difference.  By sharing her story, everyone in the audience understood what Extra Hands for ALS is all about. 

Thereafter, local musician, Jeff King, mesmerized us with the song, “Angels Among Us,” to solidify our purpose in gathering.  Between Addie and Jeff, tears of sadness and joy were commonplace, reflecting the evening’s momentous impact on all who attended.

The live auction changed the reflective mood into one of excitement and anticipation.  Over $15,000 was raised as top notch destinations, LASIK surgery, beautiful fused glass artistry, music composition and a concert were auctioned off.

One of the highlights of the evening for us was to be able to recognize the many volunteers that make Extra Hands for ALS possible.  First, the outstanding student, mentor and family were acknowledged for the profound impact they are having on other people’s lives.  Then, all the students and mentors in attendance stood after their names were called.  As the audience understood just how many volunteers there were, a standing ovation erupted.  We are so incredibly proud of the people that choose to volunteer their time to make a difference in the ALS community.

The evening was topped off by dancing, mingling and picture taking. 

Thank you so much to the gala committee that made the evening possible.  We met for weeks on end before the gala to plan, prepare and execute.  It's difficult to imagine doing this event without the help of such selfless and caring people.

The generous support of many in kind donations that reduced our overall costs is extremely appreciated.  Especially, Signal Graphics, located at 1777 Larimer Street and Gourmet Fine Catering at 2601 Blake Street, Suite 105.  There were many others, but these two went above and beyond anything we could have hoped for.  Please patronize these businesses to help a show our gratitude.

Also, thank you to all the attendees and donors; from the table sponsors to the individuals and last but not least, our incredible volunteers.  Your generosity raised over $81,000 in support of Extra Hands for ALS and ALS TDI, our research partner.

It is never too late to contribute, so please follow this Angels for ALS Gala link to securely donate by credit card if you have not already done so.  Please make any checks payable to:

Extra Hands for ALS

c/o Steven & Jennifer Bishop

8237 Swadley Court

Arvada, CO 80005

We ordered too many Angels for ALS Gala 2007 champagne glasses and are selling them for $10 each.  We have approximately 80 left and they are not raising any money in our basement!  Lindsey, our outstanding student award recipient, designed and makes ALS Bracelets with the Extra Hands for ALS motto, BELIEVE in them. They come in S, M and L selling for $20 each.   Please specify quantities  with your check and provide contact information so we can get either/both or multiple items to you. 

One last enormous thank you goes out to everyone who participated in the 2007 Angels for ALS Gala.

Hi everyone,

We have been planning for months and the Angels for ALS Gala benefiting Extra Hands for ALS is less than two weeks away.  We will be ready for an incredible event!  The RSVP date was Friday, September 28th and due to our new electronic format, the online registration form closed the guest list completely.  Oops!!!  I didn't know that was going to happen.

If you were planning on attending and attempted to register online, please try again as I have changed the RSVP date to October 7th.  That is the drop dead date for the caterer to know how many meals to prepare?  You still have the opportunity, convenience and security of online registration. 

I apologize for the confusion this may have caused and please forward this email to anyone you know that was considering the Angels for ALS Gala!

In regard to the previous posting about Noodles & Company, we are honored to announce that $418.51 was raised on August 21st to benefit Extra Hands for ALS.  Thank you to the many satisfied diners and the generosity of the folks at Noodles & Company who donated 20% of their gross sales that evening.  This is the restaurant located at 12023 East Arapahoe Road at Peoria in Centennial, Colorado. 

Every once in a while we find a gem of a company in our locale that is community oriented.  Please help us in showing our gratitude by patronizing this location.  The food is great and you will feel good supporting a local business that cares. 

For all you local readers out there, the great folks at Noodles & Company have been so kind as to offer 20% of their sales for the night of Tuesday, August 21st, 5-9pm to benefit Extra Hands for ALS.  This is for their restaurant located at 12023 East Arapahoe Road at Peoria in Centennial, Colorado. 

Please join us for a great meal from a generous and community oriented company!

The second annual Angels for ALS Gala is scheduled for October 13th, 2007 at 6:30 pm.  Last year, over 250 people attended with almost $90,000 raised benefiting Extra Hands for ALS and our research partner, the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS/TDI).  This year we are reaching for 400 people to enjoy this beautiful night out.  We will be honoring the student, mentor and family volunteers that make Extra Hands possible.

We are fortunate to be at the same venue at the Belmar Center in Lakewood, Colorado.  Our sit down dinner will be presented by our friends at Gourmet Fine Catering.  The evening will include silent and live auctions, dinner, entertainment and dancing all in a black tie optional theme.   

Table sponsorships from $1,500 to our $10,000 are available with multiple marketing and recognition opportunities as well as individual tickets for $125.  Click here for more details and online registration.  If you did not receive a formal invitation last year, please respond to this posting with your contact information as soon as possible so we can include you in the mailings.  We would appreciate you forwarding this posting to anyone that you think might be interested in participating in this incredible event as it is our main fundraiser for the calendar year. 

If you are unable attend there are still many ways to participate.  We are always looking for silent auction items and volunteers for the evening to help with all the details an event like this requires.  Also, if there are companies that could help offset the hard costs, i.e. venue and caterer, we would be honored to have you listed as event sponsors for marketing purposes.  Please contact Steven or Jennifer Bishop at 303-423-3779 or email denver@extrahands.org for more information.

Of course, we always appreciate a donation of any kind which can be done online by clicking here or sending a check made out to Extra Hands for ALS at 8237 Swadley Court, Arvada, CO 80005.  Lastly, thank you all for your continued support of ALS awareness, programs and research.  It is your involvement in these issues that provides purpose and hope in our lives.  We are humbly touched by your dedication and interest. 

The dust is finally settling on the Angels for ALS Gala.  What an incredible ride it has been.  The Belmar Center lease was signed on June 16, 2006, thus committing us to full-time planning for this event.  Four months later on October 14, 2006 we experienced one of the most rewarding, emotional and successful events of our lives.

Jennifer and our incredible army of committee members and volunteers spent the afternoon decorating and organizing for the gala that evening.  At home, I was still working on seating arrangements and fielding calls.  I did manage to sneak in a nap to save some energy for the evening.

We arrived at about 5:30 p.m. in order to address any last-minute details.  This was my first opportunity to view the venue in its entire splendor.  From previous experience, I brought my walker which has a seat on it.  It would be a very long night if I had to stand for the whole evening.

As we entered the elevator that took us up to the vestibule, a rush of excitement and nervousness overwhelmed me.  The doors opened and our trusty volunteers were busy at work setting up the registration tables.  Behind them the dining room remained closed.  Jennifer and I made our way out to the terrace where the silent auction was set up. 

It was just beautiful.  Lights twinkled above our heads as we gazed over the tables draped in black and tastefully covered with 105 graciously donated items up for bid.  The tables also had black and red painted “Angel” and “Believe” signs carved out of wood, emphasizing our theme for the evening.  Each auction item was meticulously described and/or displayed. What an amazing first impression!

Guests began filtering in while I was able to absorb the joyful look on their faces as they experienced their first impression.  Everyone looked incredible decked out in their suits, tuxedos, cocktail dresses and gowns.  It was such a privilege to greet people as they came in and thank them for attending.  Soon the area was buzzing with guests scribbling in their bids and having wonderful discussions.  Delicious appetizers were hand served to the mingling crowd.

Jennifer and I strategically separated so we could visit with as many people as possible.  I sat in my walker right in the middle of the auction area so I could catch people as they walked by.  Jennifer fluttered around like a butterfly, gracefully greeting everyone she could.  Time flew by and according to the schedule we needed to shut the auction down and move into the dining room.  It seemed as though things were just getting started so we extended the time another 15 minutes.  All too soon, we had to get the dinner program started, therefore ending the silent auction.

Enormous blinds were lifted exposing the elegantly decorated Main Ballroom.  It seemed as though our guests did not want to leave the Terrace, however, dinner beckoned.  The walls were decorated with large photographs of Extra Hands for ALS families and volunteers, tastefully outlined in black with red trim.  The tables were adorned with stylish centerpieces, black linens and white place settings.

Appetizers and dinner were catered by Gourmet Fine Catering and received accolades for days after the gala.  Apparently, people expect rubberized chicken and soggy vegetables at these types of events as opposed to our succulent meal.  With the decadent caramel cheesecake and coffee being served, the evening’s program began.

Angie Austin and Chris Parente from KWGN/CW2 Morning News co-emceed the event with flare and wit offering light moments as well as emotional praise.  Angie has been a dear friend to us for five years and brilliantly suggested Chris for her counterpart.  Together they were a terrific team and we are truly grateful for their time and generosity.

Next, our CEO for Extra Hands, Jim Presbrey was introduced and provided the general greeting and introduction of our organization to the mix of 255 attendees.  Jim is from New Jersey and made a point to arrive two days early to help us with the final plans.  His eloquent and sincere presentation offered an air of integrity to the gala as well as setting the tone for the whole evening. 

We then had the opportunity to address the audience.  I had to take a moment and absorb the whole atmosphere with the venue and all the incredible people glimmering in the warm candlelight.  Jennifer greeted everyone and thanked them for attending along with encouraging everyone to introduce themselves to someone they didn’t know.  We believe in the power of positive influence and all these people had something to offer someone else.  I closed with several definitions of the word “Angel” when used in the human sense and the description that stood out the most was the act of being selfless.  We were definitely among angels on this night!

In a shroud of secrecy, three of our student volunteers from Cherry Creek High School and founders of their Extra Hands for ALS club had been planning a presentation and video for the gala.  At last we were able to hear and see the fruits of their labor and love.

They had prepared a heartfelt speech in which Addie, Cynden and Aly all had roles.  The words spoke from their heart and touched us deeply.  A standing ovation followed and then their video presentation.  They had interviewed several Extra Hands families, mentors and volunteers.  The participants expressed their sincere gratitude for the program in a way that made it real for all guests attending.  We have watched it three times since the gala and are continually moved.

This turned out to be one of the key elements in the program.  It showed how much these students were emotionally involved in Extra Hands and the people they are affecting.  It was also evident how they were affected in such a positive manner by the families and mentors involved.  That is the magic of this organization. 

The live auction ensued with the donated items of a Lasik eye procedure, a bronze angel sculpture, professional wall glazing, a week stay in High Country Club property and finally a private plane ride over the Rockies.  The auction was a bit confusing, but fun and quite successful.

Extra Hands has partnered, in essence, with an ALS research laboratory called the ALS Therapy Development Foundation (ALSTDF), located in Boston, Massachusetts.  Mat Mendel, Event Development Director, introduced a video from the Founder, Jaime Haywood of ALSTDF in which he described the efforts of their organization and the importance of research.  Mat arrived a day early to help and his presence added even more integrity to this event.  This was followed by an auction for research minutes in which over $12,000 was raised!

It was a long program, but with all the right features.  We were able to recognize some very inspirational people with trophies for Outstanding Students (Addie, Cynden and Ally), Mentor (Lisa Terry) and Family (Chris Hoeffner) as well as special recognition for Courage (Ellen) and participation (Suzanne Bellis) in honor of her late husband John Bellis.  She sponsored three tables of ten for the gala.  We were also able to recognize our own student volunteers, Carly and Allie, who opted to forego their Senior Homecoming in order to attend this event.  That meant more than they will ever know.

One by one the student volunteers present at the gala were invited to come forward for a plaque presentation.  Nineteen students shared the stage.  It was incredible to have them there and show the audience that these lives were a large part of why they were there supporting Extra Hands for ALS.  Mentors were then recognized in the same manner for their dedication to the organization.  Thank you, all.

With that, the formal program closed and the rest of the evening was opened for dancing to the music spun by DJ, Barry Sterling from Sterling Entertainment.  Most of the students jumped right in with many others and then the night ended all too early. 

We simply cannot thank everyone sufficiently for their participation with this event.  We had an incredible team of gala committee members along with volunteers who gave up their Saturday night to work during the evening.  Over a dozen companies donated services and there were about 100 individuals and/or companies that donated items for the silent and live auctions.  The attending guests were both generous and gracious and hopefully had a joyous and memorable time. 

Finally, we got to honor the people that make Extra Hands for ALS more than just a vision and turn it into a reality that is changing lives for the better and making a real difference in the fight against ALS.  Pictures will be added to our site, shortly.  Thank you all for this very special night.

We are so excited about how many items that we have received for the Angels for ALS Gala Silent Auction, that we thought we would give you a sneak peek! 

Over 60 of the Silent Auction items are now online.  Additional items will be on display at the Gala this Saturday at the Belmar Center.

To view these Silent Auction items, Click Here   Additional information is online if case you have interest in one or more of these items!

Thank you so much to those that generously donated these wonderful items.  Also a huge thanks to so many people that were involved in obtaining these items!  

It has been so long since we have posted anything, there are probably many of you thinking all sorts of things.  The lack of communication is not indicative of my health, thank God.  My progression remains blessedly slow.

The title of this posting is extremely accurate as we are in the midst of an incredible amount of action due to the planning of our Angels for ALS Gala on October 14th.  We are nervous, anxious, excited and blessed now that we are in the month of the actual event!!!  It is like planning a large wedding and asking people to pay to attend.  Just for fun we’ll add live and silent auctions! 

It has been busy, but very fun and rewarding.  We love our volunteers!  Thank you to all who have helped with either planning the event or donating in kind or auction items.

For anyone wanting more information on the gala, we have updated our site with the logo on the upper right side of the main screen.  Simply click on the Angel’s Wing on www.alsliving.com.  All are invited, but we do need to get the final numbers in by the end of this week for the caterer!!!  So please, if you have any interest in attending you can register online with the link at the bottom of the event description.  If you are unable to attend, please consider a donation and proceed in the same manner, but choosing “I am unable to attend…”  You can always contact us if you have any questions.

FYI, the bicycle from the Tri-State Trek is still in the box!  Thank you so much for supporting us with that effort as we did meet our goal of $6,000.  Yea!

More Reflection and Christopherism columns to come after October 14th!

I did it!!!  I can’t believe I actually made the entire 270 miles, but I did.  I could not have made it without the support of so many.  First and foremost, God. The support of Steven has truly been a Godsend from the beginning of training to the very end. Of course, I can’t forget all of our friends and family that have helped us along the way as well as the volunteers and staff at the Tri-State Trek and ALSTDF.

The first day started out with a big hill. Just getting out of the hotel parking lot, many people fell so I just waited back in the pack of 70+ riders.  Gearing down and pedaling hard I made it up that first hill just fine. The gentle mist, wonderful cool temperatures and rolling hills made the first morning not too bad.  I hung out with Ted (our friend, Angie’s brother from Boston).  He is a far better rider than me and he provided great tips for the upcoming challenge.  Beautiful scenery, great little towns, and then the first rest stop (rest stops were set up every 13-21 miles) seemed to come in a blink.  I was starting to think I can do this; maybe I did prepare enough. 

Then right before the lunch stop the sun started shining through with high humidity.  This creates a heat index.  Something people from Colorado are not that familiar with.  Think of wind chill then reverse it.  The temperature seemed to rise dramatically and really slowed me down.  I drank as though I had never drunk before and I ate more than I have ever eaten in any three days of my life.  Every rest stop the first day I had an Uncrustables (a no crust peanut butter and jelly sandwich from Smuckers) and fresh fruit with plenty of Gatorade and water. 

I was hearing about the hill at the end of the day, but nothing could have prepared me.   I was in the lowest gear possible and wishing for more, but I made it up the hill.  Towards the end, I wanted to get off my bike because my legs were burning and I was incredibly winded  I just kept thinking of all those who can’t ride and have died from ALS and started crying.  Those angels really helped me up that hill.  It was amazing sight seeing Steven at the top of the hill ringing that bell saying “Great job Jennifer, I am so proud of you.”  We pulled into a room where all the bikes were to be held.   I got off and started bawling (kind of like when we were diagnosed.)  I told Steven that all I could do is think of all the people that have died from this terrible disease and I wasn’t going to stop. 

So we headed for the dorms.  We were in Storrs, CT at the University of Connecticut, UConn for short.  They were nice and clean with sheets and towels provided.  The shower felt sooooo good.  I have to admit that it felt like when I gave birth to Christopher.  My legs were shaking, I felt like I had to throw up, my knees hurt so bad that I couldn’t sit on the toilet and my shoulders felt like they were up to my ears.  I got dressed (didn’t do my hair or put any makeup on) and headed to my massage that Steven had so kindly set for me!!!  It was great, and after 11 hours of riding I just wanted to head to bed.  I had had it.  But Steven said no, you have to eat something. 

We went down to the eating area and I got a little food down, still feeling terrible.  I remember telling Steven that if I feel this way tomorrow it wouldn’t be possible to ride.  On the way back to the room we ran into Mat (the Event Coordinator.) He said he would send up the nurse to check on me.  So in the room Mary Beth came to my rescue with a little help from Steven and Ty.  With both knees iced and elevated while trying to eat some crackers, I went to bed.  I know some of you are thinking I might have been dehydrated but I don’t think so because I went to the bathroom 5 times that evening.  Well, about 4am I woke up and was feeling quit a bit better.   Still sore, but I was determined to ride, so I Chamoise Butt’rd (slippery goop for a rider’s groin area) my bike shorts and went back to bed until 5:30am.

 I woke up and got dressed, figuring if I can just make it to the 1st rest stop, maybe I would quit there.  We lucked out with another cool start, but this time a bit more rainy.  Ty hung with me most of Saturday and I started out with my knee brace on.  Most everyone was moving a little slower on the second day, but just as determined. 

The most motivating person I met for the day was Daryl Goss with his girlfriend Robin.  Daryl was set to ride the second day and so was Robin until she injured her knee two days before the ride, but it worked out good for us because Steven rode with her that day.  You see Daryl has ALS and was riding!!!!!  What an inspiration he is to me and so many others.  While on the ride we talked a bit.  I remember we were waiting for the ferry to take us across the CT River and he asked if I was really selling my bike after the Trek was over.  I told him yes and that riding didn’t fill my soul.  It was a lot of work for me and very lonely.  It seemed to represent what it is going to be like when/if Steven is gone and I’d rather put on a headset of great music using our Nordic Track at home for an hour and call it good for the day.  Anyway, it took too much time away from Steven and Christopher training and I felt extremely guilty leaving all the time. 

Daryl seemed to be kind of miffed at my response but didn’t say much.  Later that day he told me that he thought about it and told me that it means more that I did this ride because it is something I don’t even enjoy and to train so hard and do such a long ride so unselfishly he highly admired me.  I thanked him and told him how much I admired him, and he said he loved to ride!!! 

Saturday was a much easier day on the whole but it was very still difficult for me.  There were several large hills, but not like the prior day.  The big issue for Saturday was the rain.  It was really coming down and I had never trained in the rain so I was especially scared going downhill!  With the help of Ty saying don’t think about completing to entire ride just little legs you can do it.  It reminds me of ALS or any other disease if we think about the entire disease it’s overwhelming and seems impossible.  If we take each day as it comes we can make it through it!!! 

Saturday was the day of incredible views as I especially remember being right next to the ocean.  It was the day we called our riding troupe the “scenic group” because we would stop and take pictures together at great spots.  Our group consisted of Shannon, Tracy, Ty, Ted, Sylvia, Diane, Andrea and Billy (our ride marshal), with Mike coming in and out and many others at times.  We worked well together and really helped each other when needed. 

The second day ended at University of Southern Connecticut after another 11 hours of riding with much poorer room conditions than the night prior.  I physically felt much better than the night before and actually dried my hair and put some makeup on after my shower.  The massage therapists were awesome, for both nights I had Bill who I “LOVE.”  He was great and took extra time with me each night…thanks Bill.

After very little sleep, we woke up at 4am so we would have time to eat and have it digest a bit before riding.  We were told that the slower riders had to start early since we needed to be at the staging area by 2:30pm, so our group decided we would leave at 5am.  It was still a bit dark and besides a little stop to fix my seat we were off.  Well, only two miles into the day we were given a huge hill!!!  I made it three quarters up the hill before my calf cramped up.  Ty stopped with me and we walked the last bit to stretch out.  I was on an adrenalin rush all Sunday knowing that I could make it.  Sunday was another day filled with hills both up and down; I think I actually went over 38 miles per hour which is the fastest I have gone yet.  Incredibly scary to say the least, but you start thinking that if I don’t get going it’s just going to be more work for the next uphill.   

The third day was also the day I got to try out my tire changing skills.  I had never really changed a tire before, but during training a friend and I took a class at Bicycle Village on bike safety which included how to change a tire.  Luckily, I wasn’t by myself but I am sure I could have done it.  Ty was with me and said “well let’s call Rick to change the tire.”  I said no and that I took a class and knew how.  Ty really helped a lot, but when we looked down for my pump, it was missing, at some point it must have fallen off the bike.  So we had to wait until Harold came by with his CO2 pump which made the inflation much easier.  But I/we did it, and we were back on the road in no time at all.  

Rest stops were well supported and after that first day I stopped eating Uncrustables and starting eating Clif bars (an organic energy bar) and fresh fruit.  Butt balm was all our best friends.  I do have to say that by the third day my butt and girl region were quit sore, but bearable thanks to butt balm. 

There was an incredible hill that everyone kept talking about all day starting on Jon’s street.  It was at the end of day three; I was becoming more tired and just planned on walking it.  I made sure everyone was aware of my plans so as not to have anyone worry.  When we got to the hill, Ty was in front of me and said that he was going to pull off and walk; something or perhaps someone else (hmmm….) had other plans for me.  It was like I was being pushed up that hill by angels.  I just remember saying to myself just keep going.  It helped having people cheering us on every hundred yards and I made it.  With huge tears rolling down my face, I knew all my angels helped me up that hill.  Ty later told me I actually got faster as I went up the hill.  It was amazing, a definite “God moment.” 

The rest of the ride about 10-13 miles, was pretty uneventful.  When we all rode in to the finish together in White Plains, NY, I got off my bike where Steven and I hugged and cried for I don’t know how long. We cried for so many reasons.  For me, I couldn’t believe I actually made it.  I was so proud to do this for so many; so thankful of all that had supported the ride; so thankful of all that supported and prayed for myself and all the riders for the weekend; thankful to experience the feeling I had and finally to have such a wonderful husband to be there for me.  

It was incredibly nice to see Jim Presbrey, our Extra Hands COO, and his wife Joann who drove 1 ½ hours just to pick us up and take us to another friend’s home who lived another 45 minutes away, only to drive back home, we feel so blessed! 

I have recovered better than I expected.  I actually worked out Thursday morning (back on the Nordic Track.)  Steven and I actually went for massages as well.  Overall I discovered during the ride that instead of feeling this was God preparing me for the future without Steven, now I have the feeling that I have so much support from so many sources that I don’t even know about.  Special thanks to Team Bishop for all you have done. Thank you to all that have supported us for so many years.  Also, for those of you who continue to support us.  I know there is a long journey ahead but I can’t be focused on the end result.  I only have today to make it through, which I guess that’s what we all should do, because the future is not guaranteed for any of us. 

It WAS the hardest thing I have ever done and don’t plan on riding again next year; however, I would love to support the riders!!  I assimilate my ride to having Christopher everyday for three days.  I hope that gives perspective of my feelings!!!  I am so glad I did it as it was an amazing experience. It will forever be something I will look back on when I need extra strength and be able to pull from.  Thanks Mat and Jim for talking me into it last year…..God Bless

Jennifer conquered 270 miles, three states, insane hills, high humidity, high anxiety, pouring rain, extreme pain, early hours and dorm rooms.  She got a flat tire, the rear one, of course and changed it herself (with a little help from fellow riders. Her tire pump fell off at some point.)  I'll leave the rest of Jennifer’s details for her to express in a future posting.  I simply could not do justice to what she went through to accomplish this feat.

As far as my details; honestly, there were times when I felt so useless, because I couldn’t ride or even help much.  I struggled as the ride proceeded with fatigue and pain from too much walking and standing, yet I survived.  That’s not what this posting is all about.  By the end, I realized how selfish those feelings were.  Overall, it was an emotional, humbling and inspiring event.   

I was so happy to have been able to participate in the whole ride this year as I saw the event truly unfold and reveal itself.  It was like popping the cork on a bottle of wine; smelling and tasting it develop as apposed to just looking at a bottle sitting on the shelf as in the previous years when Jennifer and I just spoke the night before the ride and had to leave the next morning.  (Sorry, I had to get a wine reference in the article somehow!!!)

Last night, I thought of some things I wish I said to all the riders, volunteers, sponsors and our event coordinator, Mat Mendel.  I’ll do that now because I think a lot of what I have to say applies at least in part, to all the people reading this posting.

After the ride, most everybody settled under a tent at the finish line in White Plains, NY for some dinner and a few speakers.  I surveyed the crowd and began to tear up.  These people just worked their butts off, some literally, for the last three days.  There were months of preparation leading up to the event including training and incredible fundraising efforts.  Some people participated to honor a loved one lost to ALS, others to support those still in the battle and still more simply out of the goodness of their hearts.

I am humbled by the fact that all of this took place to raise money for ALS research via ALSTDF.  This action benefits me directly by providing me hope for a treatment or cure, possibly in my lifetime.  Attitude is everything when dealing with this disease and hope is the cornerstone.

I am inspired by the overall goodness in people and the extremes that they are willing to go to even if something doesn't affect them directly.  It's easy to turn a cold shoulder with all the negativity that permeates the media.  When you experience an event like the Tri-State Trek and the people that are involved, you can’t help but be in awe of the power of humanity.  The more we work together, the more we can accomplish.  Jamie Haywood, founder of ALSTDF, mentioned at the closing ceremonies; what a better world we would live in if more people would ask, ‘How can we help?’ versus, ‘What do you want?’

Most of all, I am grateful.  I am grateful to all the people who worked so hard to make this event possible.  I am grateful to everyone who rode their bikes and fundraised.  I am grateful to all who sponsored, whether corporately or personally.  I am grateful to ALSTDF for their determination in finding a treatment or cure.  And finally, I am extremely grateful to Jennifer for being my hero and pushing herself far beyond anything she could have imagined and finishing this ride in my honor.

Jennifer had many moments of struggling, but you can ask anybody I talked to and they will tell you I never had a doubt that she would finish.  She had the prayers of hundreds of people for safety and strength.  She had her angels of those we have known that have passed away from ALS.  She had the support of all who are reading this now.  Thank you, everyone.

WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU, JENNIFER!!!

XXXXXXXXOOOOOOOOO 

Two weeks from today, Jennifer will be crossing the finish line for the 4th Annual Tri-State Trek.  It has been a while since I wrote about it so feel free to click on the link to find out more.

Let me first add some perspective to the situation.   We have been the motivational speakers for this event for the last two years, an honor to be sure.  Somehow, she was convinced to ride in this year’s event by the riders and event coordinator from last year. 

It’s easy to say “Yes” when it is a year away! 

In no way do I mean this to be insulting, but Jennifer is not an athlete.  She takes pride and feels good working out for a few hours a week, whether it’s walking with a friend or using our Nordic Track.  Cycling is not and never was even an occasional activity.  Yes, we had mountain bikes that I think we rode a handful of times, but they still have the little rubber knobs on the tires!  The bottom line is that this ride is WAAAAYYYYY out of her comfort zone. 

I really need to put Jennifer’s efforts into writing as I think it will make me appreciate them even more, it that is possible.  She has been training on our Nordic Track since August of 2005, three to four times per week.  In November of 2005 she joined a “spinning” class designed to simulate riding, build the correct muscles and perform cardio-vascular training.  The first gym changed from paying by class to requiring an expensive full membership.  The second gym had a reasonable membership price with great classes and then promptly went out of business after 5 weeks.  It was late March at this point, so we decided to buy the road bike Jennifer would need for the ride.  This way, she could experience actual road conditions and get used to her bike at the same time.

The main psychological reason Jennifer is doing this ride is similar to many other riders.  The premise being that if ALS patients can endure their symptoms and circumstances  daily than surely 270 miles of cycling and 3 days of physical and emotional stress can be tolerated by one in good health.  It doesn’t hurt that we are raising money for ALS research!

I cannot imagine what she will go through or quite frankly, all she has already experienced in preparation for this ride which it is so out of the norm for her.  I know she is dedicated, overwhelmed, nervous and scared.  She is frustrated with the amount of time training takes from all the other things she feels responsible to do.  All prayers are welcome for Jennifer, but most of all for her safety. 

Several people have asked how to sponsor her so please click on Sponsor Page and make sure you put her name and rider number 44.  We ask for your financial support at various times throughout the year, so please do not feel obligated if this particular effort does not call you.  This is just one of those opportunities.  To those that have already generously sponsored her, thank you so very much.  The money Jennifer is raising goes to ALSTDF for ALS research.  We know the people in this organization personally; they are very dedicated as well and are doing an incredible job with their work.  

To Jennifer,

            I am so incredibly proud of you.  The dedication you have shown emphasizes one of the characteristics in you that I love so much.  Your willingness to participate in this event and follow through with it inspires me to continue my fight with unending vigor.  Thank you.  

We have been busy planning so please mark the date, October 14, 2006.  The event name has changed to the Angels For ALS Gala.   We feel the title describes the extraordinary people that we have the privilege of being involved with.  The Angels For ALS Gala will benefit Extra Hands for ALS and our Denver Chapter. 

As you may be aware, Jennifer is the Program Manager and I am the Program Ambassador for the Denver area.  This unique ALS organization teams up student volunteers and adult mentors with families affected by ALS.  The result is the empowerment of all parties involved by the contribution each makes to the other’s lives.  We will be honoring the volunteers that make this organization possible. 

The venue will be the new Belmar Center in Lakewood.  This black tie optional, Saturday night extravaganza will feature a live and silent auction; sit down dinner catered by our great friends from Dolce Vita Restaurant and dancing afterward.   

We are setting our sites on 600 people attending and a have a fundraising goal of $100,000 (It’s a nice round number!).  Tickets will be the same price as the last gala Jennifer and I hosted in May of 2004 at $125 per ticket.  Table sponsorships will also be available and are strongly encouraged!  These opportunities are not yet finalized.  A portion of all ticket prices will be tax deductible. 

If you would like to help by donating your time, auction items or perhaps sponsor part of the event please contact our event coordinator extraordinaire, Karlye Burge at (720) 934-9299 or mailto:kburge@collegeamerica.edu. 

There are many more details to follow, but get October 14th on your calendars now!

The New Year is already in full swing and I have much to be thankful for these days.  I've got an incredible support system of family and friends.  My progression remains steady, which is actually good, because it is very slow.  Jennifer and I plan on using this extra time to continually pursue our mission.

In May of 2003 and 2004, Jennifer and I were the hosts of ‘The Gift of Time Gala’ that benefited MDA’s ALS division.  We netted approximately $54,000 and $65,000 respectively.  MDA did a great job of organizing the event as we all had a blast both years.  However, MDA has chosen not to participate in this event.  We would like to apologize to all those who attended the previous two galas as to the lack of information that was distributed in 2005.

With that behind us, we are now looking forward to the ‘The Gift of Time Gala 2006’ benefiting our new Denver Program of Extra Hands for ALS.  Remember, at Extra Hands for ALS, we are not only helping families with ALS cope with day to day living.  We are also developing the leaders of tomorrow through the fight with ALS.  We picture this event honoring those that make our organization possible…the volunteers.

We are just beginning to conceptualize the gala and are looking for a committee to help organize it.  We have been blessed by the involvement from two of our Extra Hands volunteers, Karlye Burge and Blair Orton who will be co-chairing the committee.  They have already been brainstorming and can't wait to discuss the event in more detail.  They have a background in event planning and have a trememdous amount of energy.  Jennifer and I are in the midst of recruiting student and mentor volunteers as well as families to participate in Extra Hands for ALS.  The money raised from this gala will support our local efforts as well as fund ALS research looking for near term treatments.

At this point we would like to find persons willing to commit some of their time to this event.  The date, venue and theme of the event are of utmost importance.  The Gala Committee will agree upon these crucial items.  From that point Karlye and Blair can organize and delegate appropriately.

Please consider and inquire as soon as possible.  Simply send us a message by using the “Contact Us” tab above.  Also, we welcome any corporate involvement via event sponsorship on some level.  We can only hope that despite the Gala sabbatical in 2005, you will join us for 2006.  Thank you so much for your support.

This workshop is sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the ALS Association.  It is a four week program designed for newly diagnosed or new to the area ALS patients and their families.  Information about the disease, support and resources available from ALSA will be the main focus.  The dates of this event are the first four Mondays of February on the 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th, all from 6:00pm to 7:30pm.  The workshop will be held at the local ALS office: 1060 South Parker Road, #29, Denver, CO 80231.  We encourage anyone involved with ALS to attend.  This information is available on our "Events" tab above.  Remember, knowledge is power!

On a sidenote, if anyone wants to promote an upcoming ALS event or program, please drop us a note and we will publish it here if it supports our mission.

I wanted to write one final note on the Tri-State Trek.  As of last count we reached $4,454 in Team Bishop contributions for ALSTDF and support for our incredible riders.  This ended up being 44% of our $10,000 goal.  I guess that is just a number that is prevalent in our life!  That goal was simply a nice round number to shoot for and please know we are thrilled to cover our dedicated riders commitments and exceed that by over $1,000 in this first year of our fundraising for this event.

Jennifer has vowed to do this ride next year and she has been very dedicated since August working out on our Nordic Track.  She is looking forward to taking a spin class soon as well. 

Please take a look at the following email we received from event coordinator Mat Mandel in regards to summarizing this years efforts and looking forward to next year:

Good morning!

On-line registration for the 2006 Tri-State Trek is now open!  We’ve already begun receiving paper registration forms, and are well beyond where we were this time last
year!  Thanks to the folks at active.com, on-line registration is available to both Crew and
Riders.

As of now, reg fees for the 2006 event will remain what they were last year ($125 for Riders and free for Crew).  However, after November 25, these will increase to $150
for Riders and $35 for Crew.  Why?  We’ve spoken to our friends at UConn and have secured air conditioned dorms!  Because we don’t fundraise for air conditioning, we
need to pass these costs along to continue to ensure that as much money as possible is returned to the ALS TDF.  Next year’s fundraising commitment will remain $1650.

Though not all 2005 fundraising has been collected, we are able to project that we will bring in almost $92,000 in participant fundraising.  This, along with about
$18,000 in sponsorship income and registration fees will bring the total funds generated for 2005 to over $109,000!   So now you have an idea of what kind of growth we’ve
seen, two years ago (our first year) that number was $41,000.  Not too bad!

Finally, here are some more great pictures of this year’s event sent in by Craig Roth.  Click on Tri-State Trek Photo Gallery.  Then click on “Slideshow” at the top of the page for best viewing.

See you all soon!

Mat

We would love to go back to Boston with a much larger contingent of riders next year.  We know a lot of you reading this are avid bicyclists.  This is an incredibly well run and beautiful ride.  Don't hesitate to register early under Team Bishop!

All of Team Bishop consisting of Todd Morin, Ty Ricker, Jennifer and myself want to express our overwhelming gratitude to everyone that contributed financially and in spirit.  You are our inspiration to continue our fight and maintain our positive attitude.  Thank you so much for your generosity! 

It's been over a month since this incredible event. I still think about it each day. I wanted to share with all of you some of my thoughts about the bike ride, Steven and Jennifer, and what lies ahead. This is likely the last entry about the Tri-State Trek so please take a moment to read below.

I consider myself very lucky. Lucky to have two healthy children, a wonderful and beautiful wife, and good health (so far). The Tri-State Trek made me truly appreciate what I have in life.

I have been a cyclist for over 20 years now with a stint of competitive racing while in college. In the early 90's quickly realized I didn't have the "genes" to be the next Greg Lemond (Lance wasn't around yet) so I just became the occasional rec rider. 13 years and 50 pounds later I said "You know, I better get back in shape." I lost 40 pounds when I got serious on the bike again; that was 2003.

My wife Jodee and I have known The Bishops for almost two years now and have become very close. Our daughter Anna and Christopher Bishop are the best of friends. We have been through a lot with Steven and Jennifer and consider them family. When Steven introduced me to this year's Tri-State Trek I was a little apprehensive about riding it because of the oppressive heat and humidity of the Northeast in July.  But since I started biking again and had been putting miles under my belt, in late May I finally decided to support Steven's quest for a cure. I started riding hardcore in the heat to prepare myself for this grueling event. I hoped it would pay off.

When you ride a long distance on a bike you have tremendous time to think. You have yourself, the road, and the sounds of the surroundings. What I thought about a lot during those three days was my good friend Steven Bishop, his family and my family. I so much wished he was there to experience the ride with all of us.

Nikki Whittle who I rode with for a majority of the event had bike jerseys for each day made up with a picture on the back of her best friend who recently passed away from the effect of ALS. Her friend passed away in March. That same day Nikki committed herself to do the Tri-State Trek. Every time Nikki was riding in front of me I saw the face of her good friend. I memorized that picture.

At one point on Sunday when it was raining sideways and the hills kept going up and up and my crotch was so sore from my shorts being so wet, I wanted to give up. The signs were horrible (see Ty’s blog), I got off track twice and I almost crashed twice. I was mad and DONE! But I kept looking at that face on the back on Nikki’s jersey and realized how lucky I was that I could push these pedals, breathe with my own lungs, and force myself over the hills. When you think about things like that the hills get a little easier, the crotch doesn’t hurt as bad, and suddenly you have new energy. I kept thinking about my wife Jodee, my kids and how much I loved them. The fact that I could hug my kids, kiss my wife, carry my son, and just be. I also thought about the day to day pressures of life that take a toll on all of us; We fight, there is never enough time, the kids are screaming, etc. You get the picture. Then I would think all of that has no weight to losing the one you love to a horrible disease like ALS.

On Sunday afternoon after the ride was done and we finally made it to Pace University, it was overwhelming. Nikki, who to me was this stoic and hard-edged person, just broke down and cried. All her pain, all of her riding, all of her training, she did for her friend. What a wonderful accomplishment.

I did this ride for my good friend Steven. All the pain, all the riding, and all of the training was for him. I cried too.

I did it so I NEVER have to put his picture on the back of my jersey.

I thank all of you who supported me through donations and emotional support. I especially want to thank my wife Jodee, for giving me the opportunity to do this trek for our friend Jennifer and Steven. Jodee had her own challenge keeping our two children at bay!

For those of you reading this for the first time and have not donated, we still have time. Help me. Make a donation so I never have to put Steven's picture on my jersey. Help to stop this horrible disease. Help my friend Steven.

Steven, thanks for the inspiration.

Thanks for reading,

Todd Morin #77

P.S. Click "Online Pledge" at the top of this page to make a donation.

Steven has asked that I create a posting on his website about my experience during the Tri-State Trek.  Please take the time and read my comments.  I think they are important because they are not about me as much as they are about those that need your help!

I thought I would share with you some of the remarkable feelings that I had on the third and final day of the 270 mile event.  This was after riding more than 11 hours the first day and about 10 hours the second day.  On the second day I suffered near heat exhaustion and also crashed crossing a railroad track!  However I must say that I really did not "feel" the significance of what I was doing until day three.  I hope you enjoy this posting.  Please click on the link at the bottom of this posting to make a comment.  If you are reading this by email, please follow the link at the bottom and then come to the website!

Posting - Day Three Tri-State Trek by Ty Ricker

After more than 180 miles already accomplished in the first two days and after a great night's sleep, although I was still very sore from the rail road accident, I was ready for the final day!  At about 5:55AM I checked out of the dorm room we stayed in - great room, private shower and air conditioning!  To my surprise the group I had been with the first two days decided to get an even earlier start.  I decided that it was actually a really good thing as I had not spent really anytime by myself for the first two days.

It was a very cloudy morning and talk was that it was going to rain most of the day.  As I started off on this last day - the third and final 90 miles, I started thinking a hundred different thoughts.  One of the first thoughts was why did it seem so hard to get any speed today?  I was having a tough time and right away there was a huge long uphill climb.  One of the tricks I came up with the previous two days was to just look a short distance ahead.  If you don't look up the hill and try to figure out how much more to go, it seems so much easier.  I just kept looking straight ahead about 10-15 feet and focused on some small rock, twig, broken piece of glass or whatever.  Every time things got hard, I had to go back to WHY was I doing this – to support ALS patients and to find a cure!

It also turned out that I was riding in this event to be close to incredible people, and to feel some pain of my own.  So when there was pain, and there was... I just keep focusing on those things, and that short 10-15 feet to go.  It was thinking about small distances and how in life, having just one small accomplishment after another is what often defines success.  However every 10-15 feet I kept thinking more and more about the daily life of someone dying from ALS.  I thought about the tremendous amount of things every day, that had to be so difficult for someone who was losing their strength, who had now already lost use of their hands, arms, legs, voice, etc.  The more I thought how blessed I was to have the health that I have, the easier the push became!

Before I knew it I was on top of the first hill.  I then decided to stop and look back.  It was a moment that I wish I had a camera with me.  

But back to this first hill… It was only about two miles into the day and between thinking about how hard this first hill was, the rain that was coming down... I discovered that my front tire was flat!  I actually think now that looking back it was either extremely low or flat for all of the first two miles and the first "HUGE HILL".

The great thing about this event is that it is so well ran.  I can't say enough about Dakota and Rick.  These two guys worked non-stop on everyone's bikes.  Not just the needed repairs, but also making sure each night they were tuned and safety checked.  I had both of their cell numbers and left messages that already I needed their help with this flat tire repair.  While waiting, most all of the other riders past me.  Of course all of them offered to stop and help, but I told them that Dakota or Rick would be along soon enough. 

While waiting it was more time to think about what was ahead of me.  The rain was really coming down and I was wondering if this was the Hurricane Dennis rain that we all thought would be with us the first two days.  It was not long before a van with several volunteers stopped by.  They were headed to the first rest stop.  They waited with me for a few minutes and then had to get going to the first stop for the first group to arrive. 

Dakota showed up a few minutes later.  I expected him to be in one of the support vehicles.  He actually got on a bike and road the two or three miles with a broken wrist to
help me.  Again it was raining pretty hard then!  My thoughts moved from being concerned how far behind I was to how lucky I was that I was surrounded with some great support!

The whole day it was really thinking about the time alone, and looking forward to seeing others at the rest stops.  I kept thinking about ALS patients that are alone often either physically or in their own thoughts.  They must be thinking about their own pain, or who will soon hopefully visit, perhaps an upcoming doctor's appointment, of course the unknown, a support group meeting, or perhaps another funeral to attend.  Time alone is hard, and caregivers perhaps don't know how special they really are.  I pray that if you are a caregiver, a spouse, a family member, etc. that you don't misunderstand what I'm saying here.  My three day experience is in NO WAY close to what I can only imagine you live each and every day. 

After my flat tire was repaired I was looking forward to often what is the most enjoyable parts of the ride - the down hills.  You really look forward to those down hill moments.  I kept thinking about the ALS patient and I wondered what things could be compared to a down hill moment?  My only guess is perhaps the feeling they get when someone has spent time with them, or the hope that what they are doing today is making a difference some how. 

This particular downhill ride was different.  Instead of pleasure, it was extremely steep and it was still raining hard.  It was VERY slick and I was losing control.  I actually went sideways twice traveling at way too fast of a speed for these conditions.  I started to panic.  I thought for certain I was going to fall again, and this time the crash may be the worst yet.  After gaining control, and slowing down I was starting to feel better.  My attention went back to this new emotion I just had.  I was alone, and I just had a frightening experience and there was nobody around to share it.  I worried about what if I did crash here, would anyone find me right away.  I wondered if I would be able to finish what I had started. 

My point is that I had only been riding about 5 miles now and I could not stop thinking about all these emotions in such a short amount of time.  I kept thinking about Steven, Jack and Linda.  They are really the only three ALS patients that I know that well, or have known now for sometime.  I thought about them and I thought how they must feel some mornings, perhaps many mornings.  Feeling like they wake up to a struggle, not knowing was on the other side of that hill that day.  What is the worst, not knowing what is ahead of them.

I decided to stop and call my boys and my father.  One the greatest comforts anyone can have when they are anxious about something, afraid of something is knowing that you have people you love and that love you.  Just talking to them, telling them how much you love them and letting them know you care about them and want them to be happy is a wonderful and comforting thing.  When you take focus off yourself, and put it on to others it makes not only them feel good, but you feel good.  I think that is what I'm impressed with in knowing Steven.  He does not spend much time at all talking about what hill he just climbed, what frightening experience he has just had.  He puts focus on others, making others feel good.  I'm sure he feels the same as I do, you feel better when you focus on others!

So the next experience which I want to share with you is about not only not knowing what is ahead, but the emotions you have when you are not sure you are even on the right path.  I shared this with the event director Mat.  Again Mat is an incredible person.  The first two days the course were marked perfect.  Every 50-100 feet you would see a red arrow.  If you were coming up on a turn, you knew way ahead and it was clearly marked.  The people involved the first two days of marking the course and taking down the thousands of arrows did an amazing job. 

The third day was a bit different.  The arrows often were no where to be seen.  I don't mean they did not mark the course, it was just that in the previous two days you always had an arrow in your vision.  It was a great comfort to know you were on the right track at all times, not just some of the time. 

Now I caught myself constantly wondering did I do something wrong?  Did I take a wrong turn?  The confusion started to turn into something different.  It turned into anxiety.  The anxiety turned into fear, and then worst it turned into anger.  I was getting angry. 

When I stopped putting the focus on me and my troubles, I could only once again think about why I was doing this, and who this ride was really for.  I really can't imagine the confusion, anxiety, fear and anger that goes on when you are living and dying of ALS.  Early on I'm certain there are clearly marked paths for the ALS patient.  Things to look for that most all with ALS experience.  Things that you must do in order to live with this disease.  As you get beyond most all of the knowns, you are then faced to struggle with the unknowns. 

I think often about one of Steven's quotes: "The best advice we every got was to stay one step ahead of this disease."  This is exactly what I'm talking about... IF you are lucky to know what is next, you can clearly see the signs pointing you in the right direction, then you can eliminate some of the confusion, anxiety, fear and possible anger.  I started thinking about how after 3 or 4 months with all the reading I have done online about ALS, that I can only PRAY that the course gets better marked for all of those that get this horrific disease.  Every 90 minutes another person is lost and dies.  Every 90 minutes another person starts this journey.  In just the three days I was involved in this ride, 24 people died – just in the United States.  Since I did this ride, – more than 500 more have died and more than 500 more have learned that most will die in the next 2-5 years unless we find a cure!

By the time I made it into the first rest stop I was the last person for the day to get there.  I started feeling bad that I was holding up these volunteers.  Often you hear a person with ALS feeling bad they are holding up others lives.  However right then it occurred to me that even though I was really sore, already very tired early in the day, was hot, soaking wet, and an emotional wreck after thinking about that was happening that I was actually doing incredible!

I was not someone that could no longer use their hands.  Someone that could not any longer use their arms.  Someone that could not any longer walk or talk.  I did not need to be on a feeding tube or a ventilator to survive.  How could I feel at this moment anything but blessed and lucky to be who I was, and  ABLE to help others!

Mat heard me talking about this and he asked his brother to get his bike down off his car.  He wanted to ride with me.  It was great being able to ride with Mat and talk for a good amount of time.  I was able to further explain how I was feeling, and more important share what I can only imagine someone with ALS is feeling or has felt at sometime in regards to the confusion.  We talked about his event – this being the third one.  How impressed I was with all of the work that went into something like this.  We also discussed how I'm going to record a 30 minute audio interview with Mat soon and share with everyone as much as possible about all of the work that goes into this event, but more important how others can help!

Before I knew it I was at the second rest stop. I was still the last person because of the flat tire and also stopping to make calls. Once again it was great to have the encouragement of applause as you rode into a stop.  It was that way every time, and the volunteers need to know how wonderful that feels!

The next saga of this day came when I left rest stop number two.  Being the last on the course, the markers were being taken down right behind me.  The signs for this rest stop were down when I left and I guess the arrows pointing to go left were also gone. 

I looked left, looked right and saw two riders up on top of a huge hill to my right.  I came into this stop making a right, so it only made sense at the time to go right and not back track the course to get to stop number three.  I was wrong!  That huge hill to my right was a killer and then I was excited with the thought of being able to coast down the hill.  Coasting down the hill turned from pleasure into the same as before: confusion, frustration, anxiety, fear and anger.  I was now not only last, but perhaps a mile or two mile in the wrong direction!  This time my cell phone had no service.  After maybe 15 minutes or so I was back on course, and although the volunteers had cleaned up and left the last rest stop, thankfully the red arrows appeared again.  Rick is the last one behind all riders making sure everyone is okay.  He was also confused because he did not find me. 

More frustration, more emotions, more heat and more rain!!!  Good news is that the crew that was picking up the arrows caught up to me again.  They assured me they would give me 10 minutes or so and then start picking up arrows again.  They placed calls on their cell phone and shortly after I was greeted by others that were out there looking for me!

When I made it to the third rest stop, Craig and Kevin were waiting for me.  These guys I talked about in my previous posts on my website, but I again can't thank them enough. We talked about the fact that others were now hours ahead of us.  But now having someone to be with, knowing that if I had a problem they would be there gave me new strength.  We still had about 35 miles or more to go at this point.  Oh, I forgot to mention that today there was no planned lunch as we were to be at a point around 2:30PM for all of us to ride into together with a police escort.  And at the finish there would be a great deal of food, etc.

So I made sure I had plenty of fluids and packed a bunch of power bars with me.  We took off pushing it hard.  I learned the art of "drafting" behind another rider. This is getting as close as possible to someone in front of you, and this allows you to be able to rest a bit as their energy actually pulls you forward.  It was another incredible feeling, thought and emotion about the importance of having someone close to you when you are battling something.  The caregivers I know, are those kind of people that stay close, work hard for those that they love, and help pull them through the difficult moments.

When we made it to the fourth rest stop, we found out we were only a few minutes behind another group.  We continued to ride extremely hard and make up for the lost time.  Seemed that even though my body should not have been able to move, just knowing what was ahead and having others close to me kept pulling me forward.  My anxiety, fear and anger disappeared.  I was now focused on and thinking about what was to come next. 

Going back to NOT hurting someone's feelings who has experienced far more pain than what I’m discussing here, and not just for a few days, but for months or years... I don't want to make anyone feel like I could possibly know what you or your loved one felt or now feels.  I can only now share with you what I was personally feeling during this event.  I do feel that one important thing in getting through a difficult and painful period is knowing that you are not alone, that there are others that feel the way you do.  If you are blessed to have someone close to you that cares – be thankful.

Just a few miles from White Plains the entire group was there waiting for us.  We were then all were escorted by the White Plains police department down the freeway into the finish area.  There was a tremendous amount of people waiting for all of us to come in, and the applause once again made all the effort feel so wonderful.  Best for me was the hugs, and the incredible conversations that followed. We all were able to shower and then listened to a number of people speak.   The speakers remarks brought back to focus what ALS is and how we MUST all help to find a cure.  The research at ALSTDF and events like this one are making a difference in people's lives.  With more events like this, there will be a cure someday!

I'm still getting reports from Mat and Dori on those of you that made these pledges.  I really want to thank you so much for your support to ALSTDF and to me personally.  I can assure you that after personally visiting the research lab, personally meeting several key people there, that your money is being put to good use, and we ARE on the right path!

The 270 mile Tri-State Trek for ALSTDF is next week and we are excited to announce we now have a Team Bishop.  Our own Ty Ricker, from Network for Giving has committed himself to ride the trek with Todd Morin.  Ty may be committed to a mental institution after the event for taking on this insanely long ride in humid New England heat, but his dedication is as unstoppable as Todd’s.  His rider number is 44, our sign of the angels.  Feel free to read the previous posting from April 29th of my 40^th Birthday Party to know how important this number is to us.  Don’t forget, Todd’s rider number is lucky number 77.

These two gentlemen are using their own cash to fund the trip to Boston and are required to raise a minimum of $1600 each for ALS or the balance goes on their credit cards.  We need your help.  We are actually setting a goal of $10,000 for Team Bishop because we know there is incredible support out there.  Take a listen to this MP3 Postcard recorded by a great friend of Todd Morin’s and former DJ, Gavin Scott from the Denver radio station, FM99.5 The Mountain.

We will do our best to keep you updated with Team Bishop’s progress in fundraising and through the event weekend for these dedicated riders.  Support can be donated in three ways, just refer to Team Bishop for proper credit.  First, checks made payable to Tri-State Trek can be given to us and delivered personally as Jennifer and I will be speaking at the carb-loading dinner the night before the ride.  Second, click on the following hyperlink to download the sponsor page .pdf and mail in your check or credit card information directly or fax just the credit card info and page to (860)-656-7197.  Third, click the Online Pledge button on the menu bar of our site.  This gives you the option to do an online credit card payment through Paypal going into our account and we will write one check to the Tri-State Trek.  If you require a receipt for this transaction for tax purposes, let us know in the notes section and we will have them send you one directly.

The Tri-State Trek is 3 1/2 weeks away, July 15-17.  As a reminder, this is a 270 mile bicycle ride from Boston to NY.  Proceeds will benefit ALS/TDF.  Mat Mendel, the event coordinator has been hard at work with his volunteers and it is crunch time to get involved. 

We have a great friend, Todd Morin that has decided to participate in this fantastic event.  He will be flying from Denver to Boston on his own accord, riding all 3 days and 270 miles then finally flying back as soon as the ride is over to be at work the next day.  Todd is a Colorado native, has a lovely wife and two great kids.  His oldest is one of Christopher’s best friends.  He began cycling in 1985 and raced competitively for Colorado State University in 1991 and 1992.  Hit by cars twice, he still is insane enough to ride…2500 miles this season alone!  As you can see he is very dedicated and we are honored he will be riding for us and ALS!

He is truly treating this as intended by the Tri-State Trek as being “a fund raiser with a bike ride as a reward.”  However, we need your help to sponsor him for his efforts.  Support can be donated in two ways.  First, checks made payable to Tri-State Trek can be given to us and delivered personally as Jennifer and me will be speaking at the carb-loading dinner the night before the ride.  Second, click on the following hyperlink to download the sponsor page .pdf and mail in your check or credit card information directly or fax just the credit card info and page to (860)-656-7197.  The fax machine is right next to Mat Mendel in case you have security concerns.  For proper credit to Todd, please include his full name, Todd Morin, rider # 77.  His address is 12727 West 85th Circle, Arvada, CO 80005.

People are always asking, “What can we do to help?”  Well, here is how you can help. We just received 2000 full-color posters from Classic Copy and Printing (our printing sponsor) and we need help passing them out!  We’re taking orders for packets of ten posters and all you have to do is go to your local bike shop, outdoor store, ice cream shop, burrito shop, food market, or anywhere else you think cyclists may be and post one.  Write Mat an email and tell him how many posters he should send you.  

One Day Rides

This year cyclists may join us to ride our first 60 miles or our last 75 miles.  This is a great opportunity for anyone who can’t make the full 270 miles, or for any friends and family who would like to experience the Trek.  

Training Rides 

We’re looking for people to lead rides in their areas.  Spin Instructors, please let me know if your gym will allow open classes and we can list those as well.  

+1 

Keep sending us your referral riders!  So far, participants in the +1 Program have raised $550 towards their individual pledge accounts.  

Our NY Finish 

A special thanks to Rick Brooks for sending us a much better route into White Plains!  Dori and I scouted it a few weeks ago, and it is perfect!  The best description would be to say that it really matches the rest of the route - no longer will we climb that dreaded Route 22 over the Kensico Reservoir!

Right now we are less than 9 weeks away from the 3^rd annual Ti-State Trek.  If you have not yet registered, now is the time to do so!!  I hope everyone is doing well, and I look forward to seeing you in July.

As mentioned in our biography we will be speaking at the 2005 Tri-State Trek, taking place from July 15-17.  Check out http://www.tristatetrek.com/ for details.  This is a fantastic event coordinated by Mat Mendel and a terrific group of volunteers. 

They are accepting 60 riders so get your registration in as soon as possible.  The course is beautiful and challenging so start your training now. 

This event raises funds for the ALS Therapy Development Foundation (ALS/TDF).  Go to http://www.als.net/ for more information on their research efforts.

Folks, this is why this site is here.  It's events like this that will make our life mission a reality.  Please take a look at how you can help, whether it is volunteering, donating or the best yet riding.

Due to maternity leave issues, we will be rescheduling the 2005 Gift of Time Gala benefiting the MDA's ALS Division for October.  No, not our maternity!  Please make a mental note to attend and/or support this 3rd annual event.  Date confirmation and further details to follow.  Thank you for your continued support of this growing event. 

We are excited to be joining with our local MDA office as we establish an ALS research driven gala.  We envision this gala to be a celebration of the lives of those affected by ALS, and the funds raised will help progress much-needed research.  What a thrill it is to have an event of this caliber in our own backyard of beautiful Denver, Colorado. 

MDA’s ALS program includes grants to leading researchers’ worldwide and medical care at approximately 230 hospital MDA clinics and 29 MDA/ALS research and clinical centers across the country.  MDA has invested 135 million dollars in its ALS research program to date and is the leading ALS research organization.

Now is the time you can help the MDA help us.  The gala will be held on May 13, 2004 at the Adams Mark Hotel in downtown Denver.  We will be honoring Mike McNiel the current Vice President of The International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), because of his continued dedication and support to finding a cure.  The Reverend J. Langston Boyd, Jr. from the Shorter Community African Methodist Episcopal Church will also be receiving the MDA Colorado Personal Achievement Award. 

If you would be interested in helping us with the gala, please contact Erikka Backes at MDA (303) 691-3331 or by email.  We look forward to working together with you and your families as we celebrate our mission, a quest for a cure.

Guardian Angel Sponsor        $40,000 Donation to MDA

• Same Advantages As Our Angel Sponsor PLUS
• $27,000 Worth Of Production & Advertising Provided By KWGN-Channel 2 

Angel Sponsor        $20,000 Donation to MDA

• One VIP table for 10 at A Gift Of Time Gala
• Name/Logo on front cover of Commemorative Event
• Journal Name/Logo included on invitations
• Signage opportunities at event
• Verbal recognition and plaque presentation at event

• Listing as sponsor in all press releases, public service announcements and  additional forms of event publicity

• One VIP table for 10 at A Gift Of Time Gala
• Signage opportunities at event
• Plaque presentation at event

• Listing as sponsor in all press releases, public service announcements and additional forms of event publicity

• One table for 10 at A Gift of Time Gala
• Plaque presentation at event

• Listing as sponsor in all press releases, public service announcements and additional forms of event publicity

• One table for 10 at A Gift of Time Gala
• Name listed in the Commemorative Event Journal

• One table for 10 at A Gift of Time Gala

Individual & Couple Sponsorship         $125 Per Person $250 Per Couple

Please RSVP: Erikka Backes   email
District Director
Muscular Dystrophy Association
720 So. Colorado Blvd. #450
Denver, CO  80246
Office: (303) 691-3331
Fax:    (303) 691-3379