SammyRides, Day 1

Hi Everyone,

  Many more pictures will be downloaded on the blog in the next day or two, but for now, we wanted you to see why we are doing this ride....the picture says it all.  

Ken Scarberry, from Team Will, is having Chance sign his biking shirt in the Children's Playroom of the hospital.  All the riders had children sign their shirts.  SammyRides shirts were given out to all the children, along with a ribbon and hero medal that had the biker logo on it.  Letters and cards written by children from around our own Sun City Center area, were also given to the staff for distribution to the children, and the Tootsie Rolls that came in, were given to the staff on the unit to say," thank you," for all they do for these kids...

It was a wonderful visit.

This morning, a fantastic send off was given to us in Sun City, Arizona.  Balloons, food, and drinks were provided to all the residents who came out to wish us well and to cheer us on. A cash jar filled with additional donations was presented to Michael.  Thank you Sun City residents for helping us raise $3,000 during our visit with you.  We continue to be overwhelmed by the generosity you have shown for SammyRides and your belief that every dollar raised will make a difference in the fight against pediatric cancer.

  Following the presentation, a large number of residents, many in SammyRides shirts, followed the riders, with police escort, to begin the first leg of this incredible journey.  After the visit to the hospital, our riders, Ken Scarberry and Ben Roloff, continued the ride to Tempe, Arizona, where they met up with me at the motel we're staying at for the eve.  Saying good bye to Ben, was hard....his phenomenal leadership brought about this unforgettable experience and we are and will always be, so grateful.

Our two day visit to Sun City, Arizona, was such a genuine gift of friendship.  It was difficult to say, "Good-bye".....lots of hugs and well wishes left us with such a joyous feeling; one that is truly indescribable.  We will never forget what these wonderful people did for us and we're hoping that when we return on April 30th, many of them will be coming to Florida and biking in with us!!!  

So, tonight, the five of us will get a good night's sleep and tomorrow, bid farewell to Ken Scarberry as he heads back to California.   Another difficult good bye for all of us.  How lucky to have had him here to bike the first leg of this journey and to join us in all that we experienced in Sun City, Arizona. 

   Michael and I send our love and best wishes to you all.  Knowing all the support of friendship we have received from everyone, gives us the great motivation to take on a challenge such as this.  As always, thank you!     Lois