And so it begins!
Here I sit (unfortunately taking a break from my training) battling a very common virus! However, I just returned from a seminar at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and I am very energized to carry on with my journey to the third annual Ride Ataxia.
I will be riding with some wonderful people who have a common goal-to raise money to find a treatment for Friedreich’s Ataxia. Kyle Bryant started the ride with just his dad and himself. He lives his life with Friedreich’s and knows all too well the challenges faced when dealing with this progressive disease. I spent some great time this weekend in Philadelphia with Kyle (interview coming shortly) as well as seeing my two daughters (Sam and Alex both with Friedreich’s) learn as much as they could, as they met some wonderful peers from all over the country who deal with the same challenges as they do. Sam was a guest speaker and had the pleasure of making her “mom” the straight man in a very funny presentation. But I can take a little joking!
I am hoping through this blog to do a couple of things. First, find as many kind souls as possible who will sponsor me on my four day 200 mile ride from Portland Oregon to Seattle Washington. Second and maybe even more important because It’s not always about the money, I am hoping to inspire, touch and enlighten as many people as I can.
This has been a very challenging year – Even for me 
! But I continue on with hope and drive. It has been a year of unexpected medical issues, significant loss and relationships gone bad but then also enlightenment!
I will write as much as I can about the small things in life that really are what is so important…..I hope as many people as possible will find inspiration in it!
So……here we go! Hold onto your bike helmets and lets learn together and then do our part to make this world a kinder and gentler place
with love and peace….
Always
Mary
6:51 pm on December 9th, 2008
I knew you would get it!
6:55 pm on December 9th, 2008
Looks great, Mary!! Glad to hear the seminar went well. I look forward to reading your blog!
p.s. feel better!
6:59 pm on December 9th, 2008
You are such an inspiration. You have my support!! Sandy
7:39 pm on December 9th, 2008
Mary-
You and the girls have our hearts. Keep on keeping on. We’re with you.
8:39 pm on December 9th, 2008
Goooooo MAMAAAAAAAAA!!!
8:42 pm on December 9th, 2008
Keep on peddlin’!!!!
3:44 pm on December 10th, 2008
Mary:
I feel happy, honored, and privileged to be part of you blog.
I will help you with sponsorship. You, Sam & Alex are awesome!
I want to hear more about the 200 mile ride.
-Adam
4:28 pm on December 10th, 2008
It’s enlightening and inspiring! Take care of yourself!
8:07 pm on December 10th, 2008
Mary, your strength and kindness inspire me each and every day! I am behind your ride all the way. (not literally, i would never make it)
9:07 pm on December 10th, 2008
We’re gonna have so much fun! You rock Mary!
6:19 am on December 11th, 2008
Mary,
You never cease to amae me! You are truly an incredible woman, one that every one you touch can learn great things from. You have my total support as always. I consider myself a very very lucky person for being included in your circle of friends. You, Sam and Alex are perfect examples of a true humantarian! I look forward to hearing more about the ride and getting involved with your efforts to help future generations who are facing a life with FA. I love you guys!!!
7:56 am on December 11th, 2008
Great job Mary. You know you and the girls have my support for any thing you choose to do. Carry on the good work.
10:23 am on December 12th, 2008
Excellent site Meir. Look forward to reading how the training is going, Christopher and I stand by to support you on the ride, and you and the girls in any other way we can. I am proud to be your family!
6:48 pm on December 12th, 2008
You are one of a kind Mary. Good Luck to you on your journey. Keep us informed.
5:38 pm on December 14th, 2008
You go girl! What a great adventure.
5:49 pm on December 14th, 2008
You go girl!!!! You have an incredible drive and perseverance that i just admire! Never stopping, never giving up…. the things that you teach your girls is just amazing and it shows! Alex and Sam are just wonderful woman and I just can’t say enough about all of you:) I will support you all the way!
6:12 pm on December 14th, 2008
Mary,
I admire your spirt, will and most of all you not giving up in the face of signigicant challange and adversity. You are a model for us all. Alex and Sam are very fortunate to have a mom with such drive and determination.
Best of luck and God Bless you and your two wonderful daughters!
8:17 pm on December 14th, 2008
Mary,
The site looks wonderful! I am excited to follow you on your upcoming ride and your many journeys. Thanks so much for including me in your very special circle. My heart is with you and the girls…
I’ll be reading…
Jay
9:07 pm on December 14th, 2008
This is the coolest looking blog, Mary! You are amazing! How is the training going? You are going to do great!
I loved that Sam did a comedy routine with you as the straight woman! And you know you all have my love and support. Whatever you need…
9:57 pm on December 14th, 2008
Good luck Mary!! You have always been a huge inspiration for all those you meet, especially me. I hope you’re doing really well. I would love to sponsor you. Let me know the details and keep me informed with the journey!!
5:48 am on December 15th, 2008
i am so touched by all the wonderful support and heartfelt comments!
anyone who wants to know how I go forward in life? now you know,,,, just feel the positive energy i get from family and friends! that’s what life is all about. next post coming soon………in the mean time many thanks from the bottom of my heart
6:18 am on December 15th, 2008
Meir,
thanks for including me in your journey. Look forward to following with you. You have mine and Julie’s support through your training and for the ride. Good luck.
11:47 am on December 16th, 2008
OK, so now I’m not only amazed…but flabbergasted! My first thought after reading the “details” of this venture is to ask you “ARE YOU FREAKIN’ OUT OF YOUR MIND????” But then I realize who I’m dealing with…so…Bravo Mary…I don’t know that I could even THINK about doing what you are going to attempt…(and accomplish no doubt!) I love that you are still the humble, wonderful friend I met 14 years ago…I am with you 100% and love hearing about your progress. I’ll keep a lookout for you (and your bike) while traveling thru town…as always…whatever you need…I’ll be there
8:05 pm on December 16th, 2008
Thank you for giving more detail as to what you are about to do!!!! I LOVE it!!! Hey, have you seen our wreathe at the Community Center? It is a huge PEACE WREATHE!!! I look forward to reading this blog and seeing how you are doing but I hope to see you soon too!!! Have a wonderful holiday with your family and tell Sam and Alex the same for me:)
8:23 pm on December 16th, 2008
Mary,
For somebody so unassuming, you always push yourself to new places. Keep on! I am from Seattle and all my family is still there. My brother-in-law is the tourism director, so I’m going to see what special tlc he can arrange for you and your group when you arrive safely–which I’m fully confident you will do.
6:40 am on December 17th, 2008
Hi Mary, Sam and Alex:
As you all know I encounter people everyday that have many obstacles in their life. Your family is truly an inspiration for all who endure much of the same challenges in life. I have never been in your company when your not smiling or baking or cooking! When I have come to see you and the girls, I feel like I am family. Your home exubes warmth and caring. Even when the chips are down, you continue to make great strides. I am so excited for you that you are taking on this adventure. I truly believe that you make a difference in this world. I will support you and the girls with a donation, but also know that I think of you often and admire you for who you are!
6:07 am on December 24th, 2008
Mary Sam and Al:
Merry Christmas! Sam you were able to make another year exciting at your own expense, don’t do that again! Good thing Jack is a powerful
guy. My second family, we love you all so much. You never stop to inspire me. Your love and dedication to your family and friends is beyond this universe. I hope this year is going to be filled with more laughter, fun and great memories. We will start it out with a bang on our trip to Fort Lauderdale. Hopefully this time when we get on the elevator instead of laughing our butts off we will push the button and get to our destination. As for the ride for Ataxia, all I can say is Holy Cow you are nuts! But I know you can do it!!!!!! And we will be there to support you all the way! Your amazing! God bless, Love You ALL
11:15 am on January 1st, 2009
Your too much! The bike is only a bike and it could be replaced. If someone stole you, then we would have a problem. Who would bring us dinner, cookies, walk Blue, send us e-mail cards, listen to me complain play with Matt and there would be one less person for Jack to give advice to in a very LOUD tone. We are so lucky to have each other, even know we have only know each other a couple of years (ha ha) It feels like a couple of life times, at least! We love you and know the bike being stolen will not stop you from achieving you goal.
Happy New Year!
10:18 am on March 12th, 2009
Youre gonna do great, Mary! You looked so nervous last night, but I know you’ll make your girls proud, and all of us back home cheering for you very proud, too!
We have more hearts for you on the way from some very cute little kids, I’ll drop them off again tonight!
Love,
Alli
p.s. if you’re thrown into jail i’ll figure out a way to get you outta there! the law should always be kind, too!