On May 20, 2017, recent retirees Steve Rice and Dave Kummer embarked on a grueling cross country bike ride from Oregon to Maine in an attempt to increase awareness for Fanconi anemia, connect with families affected by this disease, and raise money to improve medical treatment, increase life expectancy, and ultimately find a cure for Fanconi anemia. Eli will be honored by Kummer and Rice on Day 48 of the ride, Thursday July 6th as they ride from Rochester to Fulton, New York to encourage him in his continued lifelong fight against Fanconi anemia.
Eli has already endured a bone marrow transplant but he continues to fight Fanconi anemia. A marrow transplant fixed his failing marrow, but he still faces an uncertain future with a 700xs higher likelihood to develop cancer than the general population. Eli and his family are excited to meet the riders when they ride into Rochester on Wedensday evening! Maybe Eli will hop on his own bike and ride for Fanconi anemia too!
Over ten years ago, good friends of cyclist Rice, Dr. Ken and Jeanne Atkinson, lost two children to Fanconi anemia. Despite their tremendous grief, they were inspired to create the Kendall And Taylor Atkinson Foundation (KATA) for the purposes of raising money to continue the fight against Fanconi anemia and enhance the lives of children. Steve Rice is currently the President of the KATA Foundation in Denver, CO. To date, KATA has raised over $1.8 million to benefit Fanconi anemia research. Last April, Ken was senselessly killed outside his own home as he saved the life of a neighbor who was a victim of domestic violence. While the loss of his great friend was devastating, Rice knew Atkinson would want us to continue the fight in his honor.
The difficult journey of Rice and Kummer will parallel the challenges, obstacles, victories, and defeats that those with Fanconi anemia, like Eli, endure on a daily basis. Their route is generally crossing the northern US from Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Canada, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.
The ride will last approximately 2 months and cover 4068 miles. Each day of their ride will be dedicated to a different child or adult with Fanconi anemia who will inspire the riders and remind them of their purpose. In the end, Rice and Kummer hope to accomplish the one thing all of those affected by Fanconi anemia strive for: a cure for this disease.
We have set a lofty goal to raise $1000 towards Fanconi anemia research. Can you help us reach that goal and give Eli hope for a brighter future? Click HERE to donate https://katafoundation.ejoinme.org/95001
Thank you for your support!
Please help me raise money to fight Fanconi anemia. Your donation is tax deductible.