Dear Ones,
On May 17, I'll be riding in the Tour de Pier cycling fundraiser in Manhattan Beach to raise money for pancreatic cancer research. My cousin Frank’s father has pancreatic cancer and Frank and his fiancée, Terina, (both of whom are in wheelchairs and pictured here) are able to also participate in this fundraiser because the organizers have worked with them to make this event inclusive for adaptive athletes (folks who are disabled but who use modified equipment to be able to compete in sports). The Tour has long advocated for disability rights and is one of the rare community events that includes and supports people with disabilities.

I’ll be riding with the WE ALL RIDE team: 10 adaptive athletes who participate on handcycles alongside 10 able-bodied friends and family who cycle on stationary bikes with the team (that's me!).

You know me, and you know that I rarely reach out to fundraise. Participating in this event is very personal for me and is as much about disability activism as it is about the important work that the three cancer research and education organizations do for pancreatic cancer. This event, and Frank and Terina's commitment to disability activism, have inspired me - and I hope they inspire you.

Thank you for your generous support!

Love,

Heather