WHY I RIDE
2024 will mark my 17th year as a member of the Wheels of Justice bicycling team. While I was unable to actually ride in Colorado on this wonderful event weekend I was riding Europe to close out a chapter that was interupted by the pandemic in 2020. This year the ride was in memory of Will.
Will Maniatis was treated by fellow teammate and friend, Brandon, 20 years after Brandon fought the same sickness. Will had AML the ugly leukemia. Not because ALL leukemia is simple, but because AML is not. Brandon had both. I cannot give you some great medical reason why Brandon lived and Will didn’t.
In February of 2020, two young men lost their little brother, mom and dad lost their baby boy. It’s not okay, and I ride and raise money to change the tide.
The day Will died his mother, Claudia, forged the Willstrong Foundation. Raising money to create a biobank and give researchers access to cells and data they didn’t have before. She has not let up since, so while we ride for Will, we are really emphasizing blood cancers in 2024.
The money we raise directly benefits the pediatric cancer and blood disorders program at Children's Hospital. Your donation will be GREATLY appreciated. Many of you have been so generous in the past. If you can support these kids, doctors, and great care takers in any way this year, we will be truly grateful. Know that every dollar counts. NO AMOUNT is too small. Donate your Starbuck's drink you were going to buy and that $5 will add up to thousands of dollars....just from my contacts alone.
MANY Thanks!
Bradley
