“Don’t give up” she whispered, her voice quivering. Though her body was ravaged by cancer, she somehow had not allowed it to extinguish her spirit. She repeated the parting words to her friend and fellow cancer patient, “Don’t give up!”
I was privileged to bear witness to this farewell between two teenagers fighting cancer many years ago. I still marvel at the spirit of this teen, who at the end of her life, had only those three simple words to say to her friend at their last meeting.
As I reflect on my reasons for doing this ride, I am reminded of her strength of spirit and how she chose to pass that on to her friend in the last days of her life. Not as a cliché or trite post in a journal or meme, but as a gritty, authentic sentiment. It always struck me as a bit of rebellion aimed at her disease – a final statement declaring, you may ravage my body and I have not allowed you to take my soul. I admire her grit and the grit of all those kids, teens and families fighting not just cancer, but the many other diseases that can wreak havoc on the body. The tenacity and dedication that all of the healthcare professionals exhibit day in and day out to care for these families is nothing short of remarkable.
I ride to honor the grit, tenacity, dedication, service, strength of spirit and courage of all impacted by unforgiving diseases.
Join me in ensuring they can continue the fight by contributing to The Courage Classic.