Craig Feringa
As a cyclist on the LessCancer.org 2 day, 300 mile ride from Port Huron, Michigan to Mackinaw City, Michigan a few weeks ago, I was proud to wear the ‘kit’ that proudly displayed the LessCancer.org logo and the logos of many of the sponsors. When I put on the kit to ride in our local bike shop ride I wasn’t expecting to be recognized as one of LessCancer.org’s riders who rode into Mackinaw City.
After the ride, at our local post ride restaurant, I was approached by a father of two boys (10 y/o and 8 y/o) who were part of a boy scout sailing team who sailed a 49 foot sail boat in the Bayview Port Huron to Mackinaw race. Their crew consisting of 6 boys and four dads followed our progress online while they sailed. They had noticed my jersey and asked if I was one of the cyclists who rode to Mackinaw. I said yes, and introduced them to Brian Burke, a fellow rider who was with me. They said that they were inspired by our efforts and felt connected to us as they were also involved in their own effort to prove something to themselves and to others to prove that young boys with adult mentors can accomplish special things.
This simple community experience of meeting a father and his two sons has impressed upon me that our efforts over those two days were noticed by many people who were part of their own struggles and quests. I would like to think that those who have experienced cancer, either first hand or through a loved one, took some comfort in knowing that a small group of cyclists cared enough for a few days to bring some attention to their experience.
What a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing it with everyone!