Thoughtfully posted by John on Tuesday, July 19, 2011.
It goes without saying that almost everyone you know, including yourself, has been affected by cancer in some form. Perhaps you have lost a neighbor, 
friend, loved one or have helped support those in a time of need. I have lost family and friends to this disease, while also supporting those closest to me, including my mother who stood up to her affliction nearly five years ago and kicked it straight in the teeth. Many victims and families are not as fortunate and they need as much help as they can get in both fighting the disease in the hospital and receiving support along the way from organizations whose sole purpose is to work towards a cure.
friend, loved one or have helped support those in a time of need. I have lost family and friends to this disease, while also supporting those closest to me, including my mother who stood up to her affliction nearly five years ago and kicked it straight in the teeth. Many victims and families are not as fortunate and they need as much help as they can get in both fighting the disease in the hospital and receiving support along the way from organizations whose sole purpose is to work towards a cure.And on August 20th and 21st, my wife, a group of friends and I will be participating in the LIVESTRONG Challenge in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Lance Armstrong started LIVESTRONG after he nearly lost his life to cancer and since its inception, the organization has raised millions of dollars in the fight for a cure as well as providing support for those during treatment. Each year, Lance hosts Challenges throughout the country and this year, I will be running a 10K on Saturday, August 20th and then riding the 45 mile bike course on Sunday, August 21st. Some members of the team will also be pushing themselves along the 100 mile course.
Our team, Kramerica Industries, has been participating in the Challenge for a few years now and we have received overwhelming support from family, friends and strangers along the way. Many of you know me through The Wine Culture Project and perhaps we have never met in person, but have chatted via Facebook, Twitter or other forms of wine-related social media. And for those of you who have had a glass of wine with me over the years, you know that I have a fairly care-free and relaxed love for life and those around me. However, many lives, both in and out of our circles have their lives unfairly interrupted by cancer and these people need our help. Chances are one day some of us will be in the same position. Hopefully that day never comes, but for many it has. And that’s why our team is taking the same attitude we have here at The Wine Culture Project with us to the Challenge – it’s a day of love, sharing and community with one sole purpose in mind – saying fuck you to cancer. It’s a weekend to help those during the most difficult moments of their lives, while also remembering those who were taken from us far too early in their lives.
I hope that you can donate any amount to our team – 100% of your donation goes to LIVESTRONG – bikes, hotel, time and energy are all paid in full by the participants. And if you are in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania on August 20th and 21st, let us know – it’s going to be a great weekend as we push ourselves to our physical limits while also have a glass of wine or two at the end! I will be riding in memory of my godmother, Margaret West and college friend and the second biggest Yankees fan I knew, Ryan McGrath*. And I will also be riding for the most important survivor of them all – Beth Reinwald, my mother and biggest fan.
My LIVESTRONG page.
My LIVESTRONG page.
-John
*The Fuck You Cancer t-shirt above was made for Ryan while he fought his ass off against Leukemia. They are made by close friend, Christina Contaldi and are available for purchase at her website linked to the shirt. All proceeds will go towards Livestrong.
*The Fuck You Cancer t-shirt above was made for Ryan while he fought his ass off against Leukemia. They are made by close friend, Christina Contaldi and are available for purchase at her website linked to the shirt. All proceeds will go towards Livestrong.
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