When people hear we’re bicycling across the entire country, the first question is usually about the miles, the hills, or the gear. But for Jeff and me, it is not just the literal road beneath our tires— it is also the cause we’re carrying with us.
Most people view fundraising through a single lens: financial resources. While those dollars are the lifeblood of organizations like the American Cancer Society (ACS), we’ve discovered that fundraising offers so much more than a line item on a budget. It strengthens, sustains, and connects us in ways we never expected.
1. The Power of “The Collective Check”
The most obvious benefit is, of course, the funds. Jeff and I could have simply written a personal check to the ACS, but that would have just been the two of us.
By opening up our journey to our friends, family, and community, we’ve turned a solo contribution into a $50,000 goal. Fundraising allows us to amplify our impact, turning individual ripples into a tidal wave of support. We are well on our way to that goal, and it’s a testament to what happens when people unite for a shared purpose.
2. Amplifying the Message
Every social media post, every roadside conversation, and every “Why are you doing this?” becomes a moment of visibility. Fundraising acts as a grassroots marketing engine. By sharing our story, we are providing “free marketing” for the ACS, raising awareness for the vital work they do to fight a disease that has touched almost all of us. You aren’t just donating; you’re helping tell a story that needs to be heard.
3. Connection and Community
Of all the benefits we’ve seen, the human connection has had the deepest impact. This trip is a dream come true for us, but inviting others to join the fight against cancer has turned a personal dream into a communal mission.
It has been surprising and deeply moving to see who steps up. We’ve found that with each conversation started there are barriers being broken down. With each gift of support it feels like a big “hug” to Jeff and me as we prepare for this physical challenge. And finally, with each loved one honored, we have been humbled by the stories you’ve shared—the names of those you want to honor and the personal battles you’ve fought.
Why We Open Up
Cancer impacts everyone. By opening up about our personal struggles and listening to yours, we create a community that refuses to let this disease have the final word. Coming together to “crush cancer” is rewarding in ways that a bank balance can’t capture. It’s about love, memory, and the grit to make a difference.
Thank you for joining us in this fight. We aren’t just pedaling for ourselves; we’re pedaling for all of us.
