a bicycle ride from sunrise to sunset
to
raise money for and awareness of Guillain Barre Syndrome
Lisa Dennett will be riding her bicycle in NY in honor of her mother
and others affected by Guillain Barre Syndrome
Lisa Dennett and her Mom
T H A N K Y O U
THE GBS RIDE - a personal journey
After a few days of concern over predicted thunderstorms, September 22, 2002 turned out to be a perfect day for cycling. I was joined by three hearty souls at 6:00 am in Queens. 30 minutes later, my mom, sleepy but full of smiles and an encouraging sign, greeted us on our sunrise to sunset journey out to Long Island. Along the way three other cyclists joined us, making this inaugural GBS Ride a cheerful group of seven, ranging in age from 11 to 50-something and ranging in personal cycling distance from 20-115 miles. Yes, two of us made it 115 miles from Queens at sunrise to East Hampton by sunset.
Along the way were volunteers in vehicles who offered to help by carrying supplies and be there if an emergency occurred - thankfully none did. Thanks to Shelley, Bruce, Joan, John and Terri for this SAG (Support And Gear) help which eased my mind greatly - not to mention chocolate chip cookies and smiling supportive faces always keep me going. There was unexpected support as well: Joanne and Kyle rode in what became our “sweep” car for 25 miles; and Mark whose contribution at the end was arranging a place for us to shower. Special thanks to the anonymous one who managed to convince 1010 WINS that my GBS Ride was important enough for airtime.
Though the ride was small in participation of cyclists, it was huge in the support I received from those who did come out to ride, those who volunteered, and you - one of more than 100 sponsors who donated needed funds for Guillain Barre Syndrome. Because of you, I was able to raise much more than I’d hoped for. The total result: over $4500. I cannot express my gratitude and I know my mother shares in those feelings. November will be 4 years since my mom’s GBS diagnosis. We are both grateful that she was able to be standing there to cheer us on as we rode by.
Also showing up to cheer us on were (at mile 28) Harriette, Nassau County GBS Liaison and (at mile 42)Pat, Suffolk County GBS Liaison. Your contribution of «Amount» was forwarded to the Guillain Barre Syndrome Foundation International where it will help to provide information and support to GBS patients and their loved ones. Monies received have also gone to the Foundation’s research efforts to aid in understanding this baffling and complicated illness.
Very sincerely,
Lisa Dennett
718-507-8425, LDennett@MSN.com
The GBS Riders: Lisa, Sam, Patrick, Louise, Frank, Brianna, John. BRAVO TO ALL
to be updated soon with photos from the Ride.
Thanks to Bruce for creating and hosting this site.