Riding for a Cure: My Journey with Team Challenge

INJURY UPDATE!!

I fractured my patella training for the Cycle Sequatchie event. I’m very disappointed not to be able to ride. We are still fundraising for the foundation and we will be traveling to Chattanooga to support the other riders on October 4th.

This October 4th, I'm participating in Cycle Sequatchie in Chattanooga, Tennessee, as part of the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation's Team Challenge. This isn't just another cycling event for me - it's a deeply personal mission to support the organization that has been instrumental in my health journey.

This isn't a race. It's a powerful statement. Our team is made up of riders from across the country, many of whom are patients and families directly affected by Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). We will ride together, supporting each other to the finish line.

Living with Crohn's disease and having an Ostomy has given me a unique perspective on chronic illness. During my sickest moments, I didn't fully realize how much the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation was working behind the scenes.

Cycling has become my way of reclaiming my health, rebuilding my body, and proving what’s possible. I often hear from others in the Ostomy community who are surprised that someone with a "Barbie butt" can tackle long-distance cycling. I’m riding to show them that a chronic illness does not have to define your limits.

I've committed to raising $2,000 to participate in this event supporting the Foundation's research, education, and support programs. My wife Christy and I are matching every donation dollar-for-dollar up to the full amount because we believe deeply in this mission.

The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation is the only nonprofit in the U.S. dedicated to finding cures for IBD. Their work spans three critical areas:

• Research: With 300 active research projects, they're pushing breakthroughs in treatment and working toward cures. They maintain the most comprehensive database of patient data and coordinate clinical trials that bridge the gap between patients and providers.

• Education: They provide free resources, virtual support groups, and educational events. With IBD rates rising 20% in Crohn's disease and 29% in ulcerative colitis among children and adolescents, their educational programs have never been more crucial.

• Support: From Camp Oasis locations that provide hope for kids with IBD to virtual support groups, they create communities where patients and families can find understanding and encouragement.

With IBD rates rising significantly in children and adolescents (20% increase in Crohn's, 29% in ulcerative colitis), affecting over 100,000 young people, the Foundation's work has never been more crucial.

Your donation, of any amount, will be doubled and will make a tangible difference in the lives of others, just as it has mine. Thank you for joining me in this effort.