Matthew Feliciano's Team In Training Page
Racing to Save Lives
Welcome to my Team In Training home page.
This year as I train for my seventh El Tour de Tucson, I have committed to raising $ 5,000.00 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Back in April of 1999, I never thought this day would come. It never occurred to me that I would become so involved with something; that I would ride a bike several thousand miles and raise several thousand dollars for a cause. In fact during those whirlwind weeks in April of 99, I didn’t think I would be around for seven more years.
During my seven year involvement with Team in Training I have known several Honor Patients. I have seen many of them relapse and require more treatment. I have watched others struggle through bone marrow transplants. A few have lost the battle along the way. Last year after returning from Tucson, we lost one of our honor patients, Patrick Good, in January. Patrick had a tremendous sprit and was truly able to live each day like it was his last. At his memorial service, his uncle spoke of a time when Patrick would have his chemo in the middle of the week so he could play soccer on the weekend. One weekend, he scored so many goals that the opposing parents wanted to see his birth certificate to prove he was in the right age group. His uncle wondered what they would have though if they had seen his medical chart. I have a card from Patrick in my office; it has a picture of him and his brother at Disneyland with Goofy. The caption reads, “Because of your efforts…I celebrated my tenth birthday!” He gave one to everyone on the team last year; mine is signed in red crayon.
I know that you are probably asked to give to numerous charities, but I am urging you to contribute to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society this year. A gift of $100 can fund a Society researcher for a day, provide a child with a one-month supply of medication, or test one or two individuals as potential bone marrow donors. Of course, any donation is greatly appreciated and can help in numerous ways. This year, anyone who donates $100 or more will receive a pair of Team in Training socks that our team had specially made. They are black with a purple stripe and white lettering.
I need to have my donations in by 10/31/06. Make sure you include your address so I can send you your socks!!!
Ride to Live!!! Matt
