The Busted Knuckle Chronicles
The Ride For Lupus - Ride Re-Cap
biker looking guy, long beard, long hair, faded There were at least 12 people present on Ride patches, the works....he came up to me and day who are living with Lupus. I heard stories that quietly pulled me aside. This man had tears in his day form 2 different men who had lost their wives eyes and said this to me, โI wanted to personally to Lupus. thank you for doing this today. My wife, though she didnโt have Lupus, had Cancer so I know I saw the relief and sinking of shoulders (the what going through daily life with pain is like. *finally, someone who gets it kind of relaxing) in my fellow Lupiesโ faces and more than that, I had I lost her last year and this is the first ride Iโve a great time. Along this journey, I have helped done without her. It was very difficult for me, but a lot of people and changed a few lives. People make a point of telling me this, and to them I would just like to smile and say, โhappy to help, anytime. Youโve got my contact info.โ
I did it and I needed to thank you.โ With tears now running down his face, he gave me the warmest hug (this is when my waterworks let loose) and then quickly turned and walked away, head down, wiping his face. If that gentleman is reading this now, I will never forget you. Please stay in contact; Iโm easy to get a hold of, and having run support groups before, please know that you are not alone.
Putting together a Ride is no easy task. In all my years of riding, Iโve always just ridden with friends socially. Having never even been to a charity ride before, and now having hosted one, all I can say is wow. I learned quite a bit, got some valuable advice from some good friends and know where adjustments need to be made. To my friends who know who they are, thank you gentlemen. I will indeed be taking your advice. On May 31st I will be going to the Hospital for Sick Kids (Children) in Toronto and personally handing a check over to Dr. Silverman, the head of the Pediatric Lupus Research Unit. This man was my doctor when I was a kid at Sick Kids, and so far everyone Iโve met who has been
May 23, 2013
Page 83
diagnosed when they were younger, he was their doctor too! I am very much looking forward to this day.
Once again, a tremendous thank you to all whoโve helped me along this journey. I have enjoyed every moment of it, and am very excited to watch this event grow. Ride safe everyone, and I look forward to meeting you all again soon. Jenn Ephgrave www.rideforlupus.ca