Off to the Tom Baker this morning for my weekly hydration.  I'm always a little grumpy on the days I have to go there.  It would appear that Ivy has become my personal nurse.  I get her almost every time.  Last week she had some problems getting my IV started....this week much better.  A neat thing happened in the Daycare today.  A lady arrived with a very large carrot cake and a flat of coke for the nurses and patients.  It was her last of 21 chemo's!  She also had a file of letters from all around the world from friends and family thanking the nurses for saving her life!  There is a large bell sitting on the counter that you get to ring on your last day of chemo and she was very excited to ring that bell today!  I was so happy for her, but I also couldn't help thinking how badly I want to ring that bell!

I left the Tom Baker feeling absolutely frozen.  For some reason whenever I get hydration I get the chills.  I was debating whether or not to go to the club for a workout and then decided that would be a great way to kick start my metabolism and get myself warmed up. While I was riding the bike I was watching the news.  I could not believe it.  They now have a channel for canines to help dogs when they are left home alone to alleviate the stress and boredom dogs experience when left on their own.  For heavens sake....I didn't even think dogs could see images on a TV screen.  I know Boomer never pays any attention to it at all.  I also know exactly what he does when left home alone.....he sleeps!  I cannot believe anyone would leave a TV on to entertain their dogs while they are off at work.  Unbelievable!   Did my time on the bike, a few weights and hit the steam room.  All in all good warm up therapy and by the time I was done, the chills were gone!

I had a visit with a friend who is contemplating purchasing a bike this weekend.  For those Honey Badgers who do not have a bike (there are a few) or who are planning to upgrade their bikes, apparently Bow Cycle has a sale on this weekend.  Might be some good buys!  At least it's worth a look.  This same friend was asking me about the ride today and it occurred to me that I have appealed to people for donations with no explanation as to what the ride is all about.  I guess I just assumed that everyone knew but perhaps I should explain it a little better.  The Ride To Conquer Cancer is one of the biggest fundraisers for Cancer Research.  People must raise a minimum of $2500 to participate in the ride.  They have the option of riding as individuals or on teams and can dedicate their rides to people they are supporting.  100% of the money raised in donations goes to research.  None of it goes to administrative costs which is excellent compared to many charity fundraisers out there.  The ride itself is sponsored by Enbridge and each rider must pay a $75 fee to participate.  Cyclists ride a total distance of 220 km over two days.  This years route is new and heads west towards Canmore and then back to Calgary on Day 2.  My son Geoff started a team last year and named them the "Honey Badgers".  He dedicated the ride to me and the team raised $80,000!  This year many of the same "Honey Badgers" are returning to ride once again with the goal to raise $100,000!  Bill, Geoff and Lindsey, Kelli and Mike and I are all riding.  There are other "families" joining our group as well. ..  Maureen, her husband Duane and their kids Mark and Danielle and Jenifer, Trevor and Krista.  I can't even begin to express how this makes me feel!  I honestly don't know if I will be able to complete the entire distance but I am going to give it my best shot!  Last year as Maureen and I drove along the route I saw many bikes with yellow flags identifying riders who were cancer survivors.  I want to join these people and show my support!  Thanks to each of you who has contributed to our fundraising efforts.  I want to stress that the amount is not important....every little bit helps us reach our goal.  It makes me think of all the Terry Fox Runs I have organized over the years.  I told my students the same thing and it always made me smile when a little person brought in a bag of pennies from their piggy bank or donated some of their birthday money.  Those small gifts meant a lot and they were gifts from the heart!

Each rider on the team has their story and reason for participating in the ride.  If you have time it is worthwhile to read their personal page as to why they are doing the ride.  Very few of us have not had personal experiences with cancer whether it be ourselves or a friend or family member.  Hopefully the dollars we are able to raise will aide in finding a cure and new and better treatments for this terrible disease!