TRIBUTE DAY

Today is Tribute Day, a day when we remember those we have lost and stand with those who are still fighting. It is also the day that the riders and their loved ones are honored on a billboard in Times Square.

This Tribute Day is surreal. Exactly a year ago today, Steve was admitted to the hospital. We had taken him to the ER the day before for shoulder pain, and they had taken an X-ray and discharged him. After observing extreme disorientation, we went back, and while he was still only complaining of shoulder pain, he was admitted because of his extremely low blood and platelet counts. We had no idea that three weeks later, Steve would take his last breath. Today, I can't believe a year has passed. I am still trying to wrap my head around all that happened during those three weeks.

This year, I ride to honor Steve. He brought joy to so many people and was a shining light in this dark world. I hope those who were in Times Square when his picture came up this afternoon were able to get a hint of that joy that Steve's smile always brought.

Starting Year 7 with GRATITUDE!

Last year I pledged to ride 100 miles and promised to add 1 mile for every $10 donated before September. Y'all showed up and my commitment increased to 126 miles.

But then life happened, cancer bombarded our family personally. First our dog Nala was diagnosed with Lymphoma in the middle of August 2025. Then, 10 days later my Father-in-law, Steve, was admitted to the hospital. Less than 3 weeks later, Steve passed away at home from Acute Myeloid Leukemia on September 16th, 2025. In November of 2025 we had to say goodbye to Nala as well. And then in July of 2026 we found out Oso had metastatic cancer of unknown origin that had reached his lungs and we had to say goodbye to him too.

We've truly been wrecked by cancer in the last year and I wasn't sure if I could continue on with this challenge. I have lived my experience but I still cannot fathom what these kids go through and their families. I've always done this for the kids and I realized I can't stop now. But I owe you, last year I did not ride any of my pledged miles but y'all came through anyway and I raised over $5,000! So I am starting my pledge at 126 miles but the same rules apply:

This year, my mileage goal starts small—because it's more about raising funds than racking up miles. BUT: for every $10 donated before September, I’ll add 1 mile to my goal!

There’s also a Kick Cancer’s Butt Day in September (date TBD) where donations are matched—so if you’re planning to give big, that’s the day!

Can’t donate? No problem—sharing this post helps spread the word! Every share = more eyes on the cause = more kids helped. 💥

Every dollar now = more miles I ride 💪 Every dollar then = double the impact. Let’s do this together!

Thank you for your support.

Kara