Take Time Tuesday: Another Amazing Cycle for Survival

It’s Tuesday and I normally try something new and link up with Sara for “Tried It Tuesday.” This week, I am going to take a time out from this format, because Katie mentioned that she was bringing back “Take Time Tuesday.” Take Time Tuesday is a reminder to stop and share what you are grateful for. This is the “Winter Blues Edition.” There’s no better event for me than Cycle for Survival to remind me of so many things that I am grateful for.

photo(5)

As you may have seen, this weekend I participated in Cycle for Survival for the 4th year in a row. We had an 8 woman (and 1 male cheerleader) team of riders on our Erica Finds team. We set an aggressive goal of $10,000. I am so proud and grateful to report that we crushed it! As of this writing, we have raised $11,752! The event total this year so far is over 16 17 MILLION dollars in funds that go directly to research and clinical trials at Memorial Sloan Kettering. Since its inception, Cycle for Survival has raised over 60 MILLION dollars.

cycle images
Scenes from Chicago – we were team #8 on the leader board for money raised!

We had an amazing time at the event. Every year, I wonder how it could get better and it does. As always, the instructors were amazing and the Equinox staff and team went above and beyond any expectation. The rides were challenging but fun. We were encouraged to give our all, to sweat, to dance, to push ourselves to the limit. Several physicians from MSK told us how our efforts from previous years have directly impacted studies that are finding treatments and even cures for previously untreatable cancers. Survivors rode with us and a few shared what this event meant to them. Family members of people who are currently battling cancer or who have passed away shared why they ride. I saw a sign on the tribute board that said “Ride to help me live a little longer.” I wanted to cross out “a little” and write “a lot.”

Our amazing team!
Our amazing team! All smiles and sweat!

After this year’s ride, I am grateful for…

… my health and the health of many people whom I love.

… my amazing friends who rode with me and raised over $11,000!

… friends and family who donated to our team, spread the word and offered support and encouragement.

…  the amazing people at Memorial Sloan Kettering who never give up.

… Equinox and all of the amazing sponsors of Cycle for Survival including New Balance, Smart Water, Kind Bar, Ginny Bakes, Pretzel Crisps and many more who enable every dollar raised to go to research to find cures and treatments.

… for you – thank you for supporting my blog which brings me much joy.

… and so much more. I could keep going with this list all day and for that I am the most grateful.

I am working through my raffle winners and prizes. 5 prizes have been awarded. I am emailing each person in order that they have been picked. I hope to get them all distributed by Wednesday. Click the raffle link to see which prizes remain.

Take time today to remember what you are grateful for and if you want to share, please tell me about it in the comments. Thank you, Katie, for suggesting this “winter blues” edition of take time Tuesday.

PS. Don’t forget my great giveaways!