In September 2000 I started working for Money Control, Inc. and met Greg Mermilliod and his wife Jennifer. Soon thereafter their son Nathan was born. Nathan has Hemophilia B. Rather than let this negatively affect Nathan, or their family, Greg, Jennifer and Emma (Nathan’s cute as button younger sister) became proactive. Greg and Jennifer are both board members of the Hemophilia Foundation of Southern California (HFSC), where they volunteer their time, skills and passions to finding a cure for hemophilia, and advocating for the entire California hemophilia community.

Greg recently told me of a fundraising event for the Foundation called the California Coastal Race for Hemophilia that is taking place from August 23-29. It goes from San Francisco to San Diego – that’s over 600 miles in a week! Greg was the person who got me into cycling, telling me stories of how great it was to be out on the bike, admiring the scenery and exercising for good measure. Consequently, he thought it would be a great idea for me to join him and other friends on this ride for a great cause.

With encouragement, I have managed to put in several thousand miles over the last 3 years. Also, I have become a board member of The Bicycle Lounge, a group of dedicated riders who promote bicycle advocacy in all its forms – a fortuitous match if there ever was one!

As a friend of Greg and Jennifer, their passion and commitment to this cause has inspired me to join them in this fundraising opportunity. They, and I, need your help though. I have committed to this ride and need to raise $3,000 by August, 14 2009.

While this ride will be a great time for those participating, the real goal is to raise awareness and money for the individuals of all ages who are affected by this disorder. The money that you donate to me will help fund such things for the groups, summer camps, educational support and outreach that help support the families and people who are impacted by hemophilia.

I appreciate everyone who decides to contribute to this cause, and more importantly, helping people like Nathan who deal daily with this disease.

If you'd prefer to donate with a check rather than make a donation online, please mail me a check made out to HCC at my home address:

Virgil Burns
3880 Rosewood Place
Riverside, CA 92506