Sitting down to write my annual fundraising ask for the Courage Classic, the idea of inspiration runs through my mind. What inspires me? What pushes me to complete that next pedal stroke, reach that next summit, push myself to the very limits? What motivates me to fundraise year after year?
Certainly, my brother Koby– his memory inspires me. After his glioblastoma diagnosis, his ability to smile, to share love rather than bitterness, to speak passionately about justice, that inspired me. His ability to push forward, despite the tears, the pain, the darkness of a brain tumor’s prognosis, that pushes me to reach the next summit.
Certainly, Koby’s medical team at the Children’s Hospital– they too inspire me. Their constant ability to compassionately administer care, to put their hearts and souls into healing, to face some of the most difficult moments a family will ever experience, and to do it all with extreme empathy and care, that too inspires me. Going to work day after day, working in the Children Hospital of Colorado’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders(CCBD), and doing that work exceptionally, without regard for the cost of emotional investment in such a place, that drives me too to fight to support them. Not only are they dedicated to the physiological health of each and every patient, the CCBD’s programs, largely funded by emails like this, support patients' psychological health as well. Truly, the staff of the CCBD are extraordinary.
Certainly, past and potential donors alike– they inspire me. They have supported me year after year and together we have already raised over $150,000. Their generosity, passion for this cause, and selflessness, inspires me to finish my ride every year. None of this could be done, without donors like them. I am so eternally grateful for their remarkable generosity. Thank you.
This year, I will not be able to attend the Courage Classic, due to conflicting schedules(being a 17 year old is hard), however I am certain that my inspirations will drive me forward ride after ride. Still, that does not mean I will not be fundraising. Rather, I will be doing the Denver Century Ride(a 100 mile loop) in honor of those who inspire, with a goal in mind, to not only push myself, but to raise more money than ever before.
I rare make such blunt statements as this, but for this cause, it feels appropriate. Please donate. However much you are willing, however little you can. I promise you, it inspires the future.
With so much gratitude,
Micah Gruenwald
