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. Israel Beccera will be honored by Kummer and Rice on Day 50 of the ride, Saturday, July 8th as they ride from Boonville, NY to Newcomb, NY to remember Israel and his lifelong fight against Fanconi anemia.
Israel will always be remembered for his bravery, the funny characters her portrayed, and his strength and courage as he fought Fanconi anemia. He wished for 2 things in the weeks before he passed away - to plant sunflowers and to meet Jesus. He only got one of those wishes - he gained his angel wings and flew to Jesus on June 28th 2015. Now those sunflowers he never planted will always remind us of his beautiful soul and the brightness he brought to the lives of so many.
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 Israel, endured 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. It's too late to save Israel, but we can certainly try to save his many friends that still live with Fanconi anemia.
We have set a lofty goal to raise $1000 towards Fanconi anemia research by July 8th, the day they will ride for Israel. Can you help us reach that goal and give Israel's friends hope for a brighter future? Click HERE to donate!
Thank you for your support!