Ride For 3 Reasons
 

"A RIDE FOR 3 REASONS"

www.3reasons.org.

(Skokie, Ill.) – Not many people would choose to celebrate their 65th birthday by riding their bicycle 6,500 miles across the country, but for Bob Lee of Barrington, Illinois, there are three good reasons to take on such a challenge: ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), cancer and hospice. In late March, Bob will kick off “A Ride for 3 Reasons” in Jacksonville, Florida, and spend nearly six months riding across the United States. Bob draws inspiration from the people afflicted by ALS and cancer and the amazing spirit that so many of them posses as they face challenges brought on by disease. With a passion for fitness and charity, Bob is combining this ride with a fundraising and awareness campaign, and hopes to raise $195,000 for the three charitable causes.

Bob has selected the Les Turner ALS Foundation, the American Cancer Society and the National Hospice Foundation as the beneficiaries because these causes are personally meaningful to him and his wife, Anne. First, as a member of the board of directors for the Les Turner ALS Foundation, Bob has witnessed the impact of this horrific illness and knows the importance of funding research into the causes and cure. Years ago Bob read Mitch Albom’s Tuesdays with Morrie, and was greatly moved by the story. So much so, that in 2001, when he completed “A Ride for a Reason,” which was another cross-country bike ride, he raised funds for ALS research. During that ride, he developed meaningful relationships with ALS patients and their families; these relationships continue today.

Secondly, as a cancer survivor and a friend to many people who have been touched by this disease, Bob wants to support programs that will benefit cancer patients and families. Lastly, he has chosen to fundraise for the national hospice organization because he strongly believes this is an important and compassionate approach toward the final stages of life. When his mother passed away in 1998, Bob and his family relied upon the counsel and support of their hospice center.

This effort involves physical training, coordinating logistical details and fundraising. Bob has secured corporate sponsorships from Gatorade, Hunter Douglas Corporation, Norman Shutters, Quicken Loans and Designer Blinds of Omaha. Also, he approaches friends, neighbors, business associates and family foundations for donations.

His goal of raising $195,000 is ambitious, and requires that he continually pitch his story to everyone he meets. To help meet this goal, the Duchossois Family Foundation has presented Bob with "Challenge 65," in which the Foundation will contribute $65,000 to Bob’s efforts if he obtains a minimum of 650 donations by March 15, 2007. To learn more about supporting the Ride and to make a contribution, visit www.3Reasons.org. Donations may be mailed to: 3Reasons/BADC, PO Box 365, Barrington, IL 60010.

In addition to handling the fundraising component, Bob must spend time physically preparing for the cross-country ride. He maintains a healthy diet and active lifestyle year-round, and as the ride nears, he increases the number and intensity of workouts, incorporating at least three spin classes into each week.

Along the route, Bob will record daily journal entries and post photographs on his Web site, www.3reasons.org. Bob hopes to meet with ALS and cancer patients and families, and visit hospice centers in an effort to raise awareness of these causes.

“As I cover the miles, I will be thinking of the people who will benefit from my efforts,” said Bob. “The truly special people I met through the first ride and the ones that I plan to meet during this adventure are the fuel that will keep me pedaling.”

About ALS and the Les Turner ALS Foundation
ALS is a terminal, progressive neuromuscular disorder that causes impaired speaking, swallowing, breathing, muscle wasting and eventually, total paralysis and death. Many ALS patients describe their struggle of living with ALS as becoming a prisoner in their own bodies; the mind usually remains sharp while the body deteriorates. Currently, there is no cure for ALS.

Established in 1977, the Les Turner ALS Foundation is one of the nation’s preeminent organizations dedicated to raising funds for the treatment and elimination of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), better known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The Foundation has been affiliated with Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine since 1979, where it funds both a clinical care program (Lois Insolia ALS Center) and world class scientific research. The Les Turner ALS Foundation's patient service programs are available to all ALS patients and caregivers in the Chicago-area, regardless of where they receive their medical care. These services include support group meetings, professional in-home consultation services, communications and durable medical equipment programs; respite care grants and many educational activities.

For information about ALS and the Les Turner ALS Foundation, call 847-679-3311 or visit www.lesturnerals.org. Photos from the 2001 “A Ride for a Reason” are available.