My friends and family are amazing. To know that you have the desire to empower people affected by cancer means quite a bit to me.

After my last post, several people made last-minute donations. To all of you who opened up your wallets, my heartfelt thanks and gratitude:

Matt Smith
Kristin B – in memory of her father
Denise and Guy Netherey
Mike Hemme – In honor of Noreen
Scott Adair
Mark Giardina
Kurt Pennypacker – in honor of Uncle Jame Merello
Kristin Garcia – in honor of Sandra Marines
Kelly Doyle
Joe and Margaret Udell
Jodi Henderson – in memory of Heather Munsel
Jeff Hermann – in memory of way too many people to list
Jean Ashley – in honor of all the survivors
Danny Stipp
Christian Gray – in memory of Phyllis’ Grandbaby
Bruce Turner – in memory of Ineke Lauran
Mike Cacciabondo
Brian and Tiffany Galligan (Blake and Mason, too)

The day was wonderful. Hot and dry – the course was loose and fast. I enjoyed a call up in front of the whole SS class. Those who weren’t listening in the cattle chute said “why is he going up there” and “who’s that guy”? I quickly let them know it was because I helped raise fund for LIVESTRONG and that was all they needed.

It’s not about the race, but I finished 23rd out of 42. I shaved six minutes off my fall time on the same course, albeit the terrain was very wet last year. The images in this post are free from Ingot Imaging, but here are some great shots of me from Liz Keutz, too. Who knew I smiled so much while in pain?

The staff from LIVESTRONG was extremely nice. If you ever get the opportunity to be a part of their micro-donation grassroots effort, you should give it a thought. The barrier to entry is low, and the perks are high. All told, the LIVESTRONG racers at the Mellow Classic raised over $27,000.

Live strong, friends. Thanks again.