Connie Merchant
- National: 74th
- State: 1st in NJ
I'm Riding For
Sully Shields, Zora
My Story
This September, I am taking part in the Great Cycle Challenge to fight kids' cancer!
Why? Because right now, cancer is the biggest killer of children from disease in the United States. Over 15,700 children are diagnosed every year, and sadly, 38 children die of cancer every week.
Kids should be living life, not fighting for it.
One such kid is Sully Shields, a brave 13-year old from Maryland. He was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma at age four, was treated, relapsed and then cancer free for years. In April of 2023, he was diagnosed with another form of cancer. Sully fought bravely with a positive attitude and a winning smile. Unfortunately, he lost his battle with cancer in early September 2023.
We have come to know several families on this cancer-fighting roller coaster. We have to find better treatment options for these kids!
So I am raising funds through my challenge to help these kids, thinking especially of Sully and his family every mile, to support Children's Cancer Research Fund to allow them to continue their work to develop lifesaving treatments and find a cure for childhood cancer.
Please support me by making a donation to give these kids the brighter futures they deserve.
Your support will change little lives.
Thank you.
Connie
aka Geeber Con, Con Dizzle, Contraire, Sis
My Legacy
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102 mi Ridden$3,332 Raised2023
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164 mi Ridden$4,357 Raised2025
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47 mi Ridden$2,644 Raised2026
My Challenge
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11.0 mi ride - Y 1 - Friday, September 4, 2026
Logged this ride 2 days ago -
$2,500 raised to fight kids' cancer!
I just raised $2,500 to fight kids' cancer and achieved SUPERHERO LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.
Posted 2 days ago -
11.0 mi ride - Powderhorn 1 - Thursday, September 3, 2026
Logged this ride 3 days ago -
10.0 mi ride - Indoor1 NJ - Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Logged this ride 4 days ago -
Week of August 23-30
2 Sep 2026This week, during every ride, (practicing for the real thing which started yesterday) I thought about teachers. Many of them already started, preparing their classrooms, buying supplies, and creating interesting lessons for their new students. Teaching these days is not easy. There are multiple pressures from administrators, parents and the community. Sometimes we forget that teachers are people. They are caring for their own families, young and old, they have to pay their bills, drive their own children to after-school activities, prepare meals and squeeze in some sleep. They often work on school activities late into the evening.
I think of my own schooling, and the many teachers that shaped my life. In both elementary school and high school there were teachers that went the extra mile to increase my confidence and help me to grow. As a teacher myself long ago, I hope I inspired my students.
I am grateful to the teachers that supported and nurtured our three boys and now help our five grand grandchildren.
I wish for each administrator, teacher, teacher aide, cafeteria-worker, janitor, and every student a positive and supportive school year.
Let’s think about how these kids we are riding for are affected-not only physically but socially. Their schooling is no doubt complicated by their cancer treatment treatments.
Praying for better treatments and solutions for the kids and their families.
Posted 4 days ago -
15.0 mi ride - Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Logged this ride 5 days ago -
$2,000 raised to fight kids' cancer!
I just raised $2,000 to fight kids' cancer and achieved LEGEND LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.
Posted 8 days ago -
$1,000 raised to fight kids' cancer!
I just raised $1,000 to fight kids' cancer and achieved WARRIOR LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.
Posted 16 days ago -
Riding this week. August 16-23
22 Aug 2026I’m going to make an attempt to blog about my cycling this year. I did not get the writing genes that my sister and brother have- they are amazing-but I’ll try.
All this week, while riding, I’ve thought about my two dear friends, Jim and Helene. Jim is my “brother from another mother “ Helene is an additional “sister” to me.
They are major cyclists-clocking more miles than I could imagine. I will not post how many miles they’ve ridden-I’m sure I would get that wrong. But it’s impressive. They ride in their NJ neighborhood, in Florida, in Delaware. They always meet new people along the way.
Unfortunately this week Jim has had some neck surgery that’s become more complicated than anticipated. They have had to sideline their cycling for now. Jim is probably the most resilient person I know. After each of his many surgeries, he keeps working hard and bouncing back. He continues to have a great attitude and a terrific sense of humor. Helene is always by his side, either cycling or at a hospital or doctor appointment. They are quite the team!
Over the years they have cared for many family members and friends, (including my own mother and stepdad ) often quietly, behind the scenes.
So this week as I was riding 15 to 20 miles each day, I thought about Jim and Helene and prayed for their continued resilience and healing. They inspire each of us to be the best we can be.
Just like the kids that we are riding for, they are determined and resilient.
Posted 16 days ago -
$500 raised to fight kids' cancer!
I just raised $500 to fight kids' cancer and achieved GUARDIAN LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.
Posted 18 days ago
My Sponsors
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Stephen Bragg
“Happy to support two great causes in one!”
$517.50Received this donation 16 days ago
Connie
“Wow, Steve! Thanks so much for your generous donation. This will fuel me to keep cycling for the kids and their families. I’ll check in with you again in September to share my progress and my blog posts. Thanks again!”
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Sarah and Frank Kaiser
“We are so proud of you cycling for this worthy cause. Thank you for being so dedicated. We will pray for all affected by cancer and honor your efforts. Much love. Sarah and Frank.”
$207Received this donation 8 days ago -
The Mehans
“Wishing you good luck, Connie!”
$207Received this donation 10 days ago
Connie
“Helen-thank you so much for your donation. Researchers are working hard to find better solutions for these families.”
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Michael Simpson & Janice Volk
“Go, Connie, Go! And thanks for upping the mileage goal too! That's an awesome effort!”
$155.25Received this donation 3 days ago
Connie
“Thanks Mike and Janice- your donation will go towards more research to find better solutions for these families.❤️”
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Erin Johnston
“Go Geeber!”
$103.50Received this donation 16 days ago
Connie
“Thank you my dear daughter in law.!❤️”
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Helene and Jim
“Go Connie!!!!”
$103.50Received this donation 3 days ago -
John&Toni Simpson-Whitfield
“Do it, Geebs!”
$103.50Received this donation 10 days ago -
Kathleen kimple
“Way to step up for kids. You are amazing ! J&K”
$103.50Received this donation 9 days ago -
Lauren Wright
“Thank you Connie for riding for children. I greatly appreciate your effort. I make this donation in honor of my niece Heather who died from brain cancer. Heather had reoccurring cancer three times. I also do this to help my sweet nephew Declan who lives day after day fighting his autoimmune diagnosis. So much research and trials need to be continued in order to find improved treatments and hopefully, cures in the future. Please remember the families of these children for they too suffer so. RIDE ON DEAR FRIEND”
$103.50Received this donation 26 days ago -
Marilee Casale
“Connie - we are so proud of your hard work and big heart. Pedal strong, have fun, and remember we are cheering for you every single mile! Good Luck!”
$103.50Received this donation 18 days ago -
Stephen Merchant
$103.50Received this donation 11 days ago -
Steve Page
“Keep up the great work - riding with you in spirit!”
$103.50Received this donation 13 days ago
Connie
“Thanks Steve-your donation will go towards supporting the latest research to discover new solutions for these families.”
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MaryEllen Waldron
“Supporting you all the way to the finish line, for all children who have faced this disease. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness for pediatric cancer and funding research needs. The gold ribbon is the international symbol, representing the strength and resilience of the children facing the disease. Maybe you can add a ribbon to your bike to celebrate the life of a sweet friend’s daughter, Madison, who lost her battle with cancer 7 years ago @ age 12. She was a warrior! We are forever grateful for the time we had with her💔💛🎗️”
$100Received this donation 2 days ago
Connie
“Mare- thanks so much for your donation. you know firsthand that we need to find better solutions for these kids and their families.. I will think of Madison as I am riding❤️”
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Betty Lou Schwoebel
“Good luck, Connie!”
$51.75Received this donation 12 days ago
Connie
“Thanks Mom and Gary! Your donation will help these kids and their families. ❤️”
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Carol Grassie
“Thanks Connie for your efforts for this important cause!”
$51.75Received this donation 26 days ago
Connie
“Carol-thanks for your support for this important research. These children and their families go through a lot. We’ve got to find some better answers.”
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Iona Harding
$51.75Received this donation 24 days ago
Connie
“Thanks for your support, Iona!”
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Iona Harding
“Thank you for doing this!”
$51.75Received this donation 11 days ago -
Marian and Russ
“Good for you, Connie! Enjoy every minute of your ride for good!”
$51.75Received this donation 5 days ago
Connie
“Thanks Marian-your donation will support this critical research to discover better solutions for these kids and their families.”
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Mary Ann Heenehan
“Go Connie Go!”
$51.75Received this donation 3 days ago -
Teddy & Quinn
“Supporting the best neighbor and friend, you rock Mrs. Connie!”
$51.75Received this donation 14 hours ago