DAY 11 EL PASO SAMMYRIDES

Today began with a trip to Crazy Cat Cycle Shop in downtown El Paso.  Replenishing bike supplies was needed as well as browsing for some individual bike needs.  Along the trip to the shop, we got to see some interesting architecture....a big change from the miles and miles of sage brush, Yucca  and Pecan trees.  
After doing the cycle shopping, it was time to head off to the Providence Children's Hospital where we had an appointment to visit children in the cancer unit at 1:00.  Since getting there early, we decided to have lunch in the hospital coffee shop and I have to say, it was truly delicious!!  Hospital food isn't what it once was!  

At 1:00, we met Peggy Schuster, who so kindly took us up to the cancer unit where we also met up with local reporters and a newspaper photographer.

  We were most fortunate in being able to visit with many of the children undergoing treatment and giving them SammyRides shirts, medals, and cards written from kids in the Sun City Center, Fl. area.   It was an emotional time for all four of us.  These children, without exception, demonstrated such incredible heroism....each one meeting us with a huge smile and each demonstrating enormous gratitude for the things we gave them.

 They also got to sign the biking shirts of Michael, Adolf and Mike Brown.   Photos will be posted soon so you can see for yourself how truly unique these kids are.  It was such an honor for each of us to have the opportunity to visit with them today.

Again, another 30 pound box of Tootsie Rolls arrived for the older kids and staff and we hope they enjoy every last bite....well deserved!!

Tomorrow, we're off to Fort Hancock, Texas.  Getting a good bike route has been a bit tricky.....the interstate doesn't allow bikers on it so an alternate route was found and we will be biking through Clint and Fabens, Texas before arriving in Ft. Hancock..  
From El Paso, Texas, Michael, Adolf, Mike Brown and myself, send our love and best wishes to you all.   Lois