Pelotonia - Riding to Fight Cancer!

My husband Patrick is very excited to be participating in Pelotonia this year.

What is Pelotonia you ask?

The Story:

Despite the fact that the groundbreaking cancer research performed at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC-James) is beating cancer every day, there remains a desperate need for additional resources to fund the research that will change lives.

Moreover, due to ever-dwindling federal funding, it is becoming harder for great hospitals like OSUCCC-James to attract the talented doctors and scientists whose research will make the difference.

Facing these obstacles in 2008, Dr. Michael Caligiuri, Director of the OSUCCC and CEO of The James, began exploring ways to fill the voids. From his colleagues at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Dr. Caligiuri learned about The Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC), an extraordinary cycling event that has raised hundreds of millions of dollars for cancer research at Dana-Farber.

Dr. Caligiuri was excited about the way the Boston community had come together to support the Dana-Farber through PMC and he knew that, given the amazing generosity and tenacious spirit of the Columbus community, a similar Ohio-based cycling experience would go a long way toward generating the additional funding that the OSUCCC-James needs to save lives.

Fortunately, Dr. Caligiuri quickly found gracious and enthusiastic support throughout the Columbus community. Thanks to that support, 100% of every dollar raised by Pelotonia and its riders is directed to essential and innovative cancer research at the OSUCCC-James.

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I'm sure everyone out there has been touched by Cancer in some way.  My husband lost his Uncle John to Cancer over 20 years ago and is dedicating his ride to him.  He is also riding for his Aunt Betsy and Uncle Larry who are both survivors and for my Grandfather and Uncle John who lost the battle with Cancer several years go. 

I am so proud of my husband for commiting to this type of event.  He really wanted to participate last year but decided to hold back and volunteer.  This year he couldn't sign up fast enough!!!

A Little More Info:

Patrick will be riding from Columbus to Groveport for a total of 20 miles.

He needs to raise $1200 but hopes to raise more!

If you would like to donate please visit his "Rider Profile Page."

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at talesofourjourney@gmail.com

Patrick and I both thank you for taking the time to concider donating!!!

~Erin

Let's Talk New Years Resolutions!

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It’s mid-February and I have a feeling that most people’s New Years Resolutions have been put the way-side.

Am I right?

Come on, be honest!

I’ll admit that I’m not 100% on track either, or have ever been 100% on track.  My New Year just so happened to started out with having a horrible case of the stomach/intestinal flu.  Seriously, I got it on New Years Eve and it lasted till the first week of 2011.  By the time I got better classes had started and my motivation to start new goals had been thrown out the window. 

Some of my goals were to lose the 10 pounds I gained over the fall/winter, volunteer more and to not get so stressed out (basically work on controlling my stress in a more positive way). 

Well with the flu I lost 5 pounds but managed to gain those back within a week. 

Wonderful right!?

I don’t seem to have any time to volunteer since school gets in the way all the time! 

Stupid school!

And my stress level has been heightened since I recently quit my job to go to school part-time and take on a nurse’s aid position at a local hospital working twelve’s!

Even though the first month and a half of 2011 has kicked my butt I’ve decided to kick it back.  I mean there are so many changes going on in my life right now that eventually they all have to work themselves out and adding a couple more things to the mix won’t hurt right?

So for the 10 pounds I want to lose I’ve decided to join Weight Watchers.  So far I’ve lost 5 pounds and have learned a lot about eating right.  But WW has its challenges like tracking, trying to find healthy snacks that fill you up, etc.  In time I will be sharing some of the recipes I’ve tried, some are phenomenal!  You would never guess they were WW.

Oh, and we bought an elliptical.  That should help out too right?!?  Just need to get my butt on the thing!

Now the volunteering thing is going to have to be put aside until I can see if I can work it into my schedule. 

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And for my stress level I’ve turned to yoga!  I can’t say enough great things about yoga.  It relaxes me and it’s a great workout.  My arms are starting to look great! 

So how have your New Years Resolutions gone?  Are you still on track?  What keeps you motivated?  I’d love to know!!!