Please join me in this race for healthcare heroes
For years I have used the bike, not only for my own personal athletic challenge, but as a way to express myself, support causes that are important to me, and rally a community to make a difference. In 2012, I co-founded the nonprofit Team PHenomenal Hope, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of those living with pulmonary hypertension (PH), raced in the Race Across America in 2014, and continue to help grow this organization into one that serves our PH community. Through our ultra events we ask for people to support us by donating to the nonprofit, supporting our programs including a patient assistance fund and our research program. We pair athletes with patients in our Let Me Be Your Lungs program, so that they literally racing together (one physically, the other in spirit, each playing an equal part in this team). And I look forward to wearing my Team PH kit in the Breck Epic this August. But first, another race for another important cause.
When I was in the depths of my own pandemic struggles last November, I remember telling my good friend that if I didn’t race for Team PHenomenal Hope, I would want to ride for my healthcare worker colleagues. I told her that if I raced in honor of fellow docs and nurses and respiratory therapists and all hospital workers, that it would not only be for myself and my own wellness, but an expression of love for my healthcare worker brothers and sisters, and to help shine the light on improving conditions that would improve mental health in our community. So out of this grew and idea, a campaign, and now one crazy event.
This summer I will ride the Colorado Trail. It’s a through-ride, 540 miles from Durango to Denver, most of it above 9,000 feet. You carry everything you need on your bike. Food, water, clothing layers, first aid for you and your bike, etc, and then pedal (and push) your way on one of the most challenging trails in the country. The last time I did an ultra event was the Silver State 508 in 2017, but that was a road race, supported by an awesome crew. This is a solo effort, with all the complexities that come along with it. For me personally, it’s a challenge, a ride not only to train for, but a puzzle to solve (How do you fit that all on your bike? Where to resupply? How much water to carry? Where to filter water in that long stretch at the beginning of the race without trail towns? How do I stay on trail? Electronic guidance (with need to charge) or maps or both?), and also a time to be completely disengaged from work, the internet, and out there just thriving, and trying not to get eaten by a bear. But this ride means so much more, because I will be wearing a jersey from the Panache Heroes Collection, supporting my healthcare worker colleagues in mind, body, and spirit as I ride with you all in my heart.
And today, rather than ask you to donate, I’m asking you to join me. Express yourself through your own creative activity, in our super sweet gear in July/August, and together we can support our community. Today is the last day to get your own tech T or cycling or running jersey (or super cool hoodie) so that in July you can express yourself with panache. And the best part is that the profits from the clothing sales will be donated to the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation, which literally advocates for improving the mental health and wellness of healthcare workers. So buying and wearing this kit can not only raise awareness and show your support, but literally it can save lives.
So there it is. The Colorado Trail. The CT. My expedition will begin on July 25. But this is not about me and my journey. It is about we and our journey.
Will you join me in spirit to honor our healthcare heroes?
Check out the store (last day is today) at http://tinyurl.com/panacheheroes and please join me today!
