Testimonials

The Jersey
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
By: Dana Haake

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How did we become "Anne's Pool Crew?"
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
By: Anne Lynn

In January 2003, I walked into the Mecklenburg Aquatic Club. I needed to learn how to swim efficiently because I had just signed up for 3 triathlons. If you threw me in the water, I wouldn't drown since I did grew up on the Jersey shore, but I needed major help. Bike, I didn't own a race bike, but I could borrow one and peddle. Run, that I could do!

The first person I met at the MAC was Linda Sullivan, an enthusiastic swim instructor. She said, “I can teach you to swim." I was thinking to myself what have I gotten myself into. I told her that I didn’t have a bathing suit with me, as I was looking at the gigantic ocean looking pool. I tried to think of any excuses, like I don’t have a blow dryer, it’s cold outside. Linda calmed my fears about swimming and showed me to the pool store. I bought a suit, goggles, jumped in and had my first lesson that hour. Linda helped by encouraging me through my first two triathlons. Then she sent me to Coach Patty to help me with my half Ironman that was coming up in September.

In the lake, I waited in the warm water for my turn to start swimming. I looked up at the sunset rising over the evergreens. I cried with a wave of emotions. Linda had died a few days before from breast cancer. I would swim for her.

The following year Coach Patty and I signed up for a full Ironman triathlon. During our training we fondly reminisced about Linda and what a wonderful person she was to everyone.

October 8 2005, we were ready to take this day on full force. In September, I had just turned 40. The day before my birthday I found out my own Mom had breast cancer. Now, I was determined to finish for my own Mom. Thankfully, we finished, and ironically the event benefited Duke cancer research.
Only eight short months later, the uninvited cancer chewed a quarter size whole in my own left hip. I had one liter of fluid in my right lung and a big old ugly tumor made a home on my once nice healthy, smoke-free lung.

On May 18, 2006, I was diagnosed with NSCLC Stage 4. During this time, I have had surgery, radiation, chemo, and a hip replacement. Shortly after my diagnoses my dear friends at the MAC signed us up for the 24 Hours of Booty and that's when we became "Anne's Pool Crew." This is a 24 hour road cycling charity event that takes place in the notorious bike loop in Charlotte, NC known as the "booty loop." It is the official 24 hour road ride of the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Since our team first started we have welcomed many other new friends to join.

Thankfully, as of today, my cancer is stable and I take a daily chemo pill. My Mom and I did battle our cancers together, making the best of the situations. She moved home to Heaven this past April.
I am living a happy and content life enjoying my husband and four children whom I cherish more than ever.

Anne’s Pool Crew is now a piece of a bigger picture, people’s life stories connecting, caring, and honoring loved one's we have lost. Our teams motto is "Best Day Ever!"

Please be a part of the 24 Hours of Booty Event. Donations go to national and local cancer initiatives.To learn more go to www.24hoursofbooty.org.
Thank you and God Bless,
Anne Lynn

***Cold Stone Creamery at Blakeney, EpiCenter (Uptown) & University will donate all proceeds in the month of July from the "Anne's Booty Creation"~a yummy mixture of vanilla bean ice cream with raspberry,graham cracker pie crust and whip topping. 1/2 of the proceeds of Cold Stone Creamery's Grand Opening Day at the Epicenter will go to Anne's Pool Crew.***

Karen Sain
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
By: 24 Hours of Booty

Do it for Aaron

Last summer was our first experience participating in the 24 Hours of Booty. It turned out to be such an exciting, fun and meaningful event that we will henceforth be enthusiastic participants and supporters! We had over thirty people riding in memory of our son Aaron, who on August 28th, 2004, at the age of eighteen, lost his seven-year struggle with an extremely rare brain tumor. Aaron was in the sixth grade when first diagnosed with this tumor. He underwent eight surgeries for tumor resection alone and additional surgeries to attempt to remedy tumor damage. He also had forty treatments of experimental proton beam radiation therapy at Loma Linda University Medical Center in southern California. Aaron’s seven-year journey was an incredible and remarkable story far too intricate to do justice in this writing, but I do want to explain our motive for riding the 24 Hours of Booty.

There are three main reasons for our participation. First and foremost, we rode in honor and in memory of our beloved Aaron. He was such an inspiration as he so quietly and courageously fought this battle. Having a brain tumor was secondary to anything else in his life. He never made an issue of it or used it as an excuse. We were all painfully aware of the uncertainty of his future, but he lived his life as though he had many tomorrows.

Secondly, Aaron pursued his hopes and dreams fervently because in the back of his mind he had faith and hope that a cure would be found. We know that we are now Aaron’s voice in finding that cure. If there is anything we can do to enable someone else to have more options than were available to us, then we are ready and willing.

Thirdly, throughout this journey, countless people whom we could never repay helped us in innumerable ways. This is our way of giving something back to all those who helped us. We never know who among us will receive the next challenging diagnosis. To aid in the discovery of new regimens and cures should be an investment of interest for us all.

Riding the 24 Hours of Booty was a unique and simply incredible experience. It gave us a unified feeling of accomplishment not only for the amount of money and awareness we were able to raise, but the bond we formed throughout the ride with fellow team members and others committed to honoring those whose journey might have taken or could yet possibly take a more positive pathway. The home of our son’s neurosurgeon is at the top of the only significant climb on the entire booty course. In his yard he placed a banner that read “Do It For Aaron.” Every single time we got to the top of that hill, we were inspired and reminded of our mission. Yes, we each rode for Aaron and in memory of his gallant fight but we also rode for all the Aarons in this world. In times of loss, many people ask, “What can I do?”  We now have an answer. . . “Help us help another ‘Aaron’ in the world”. What an awesome way to surround others in need with our friends and family to make a difference. We invite you to join us this year in the 24 Hours of Booty and let’s just “Do It For Aaron”!!!!!!!!

Cathy LaMarre - Team Blue Ridge
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
By: 24 Hours of Booty

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Shannon Carney and Dave Pschire
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
By: 24 Hours of Booty

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I have been involved in the 24 Hours of Booty for the past 3 years. It was at the event 3 years ago that I met the couple who owns Great Harvest Bread Company, Janet and Jeff Ganoung. During that year’s event, I could only ride one, maybe two laps at a time because I was having chemotherapy treatments. I would come in for a nap and Janet would feed me another slice of Dakota
high protein bread with honey. From that point on, I would visit their store whenever I need a good dose of protein, support, and love. To this day, every time I go into the shop, I am still embraced with a huge hug.

I think the 24 Hours of Booty is a fabulous event and I am happy to support it again.
                      

Thomas Cole
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
By: 24 Hours of Booty

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I did it! I did it! I did it! I started at six in the morning and rode until two in the afternoon, at the end of which time my odometer told me that I had covered 162 kilometers or just over a hundred miles - a "century" in bikespeak. It was a great day for me and for cycling in Charlotte. Of course, generous contributors did not give money merely so that hundreds of people in stretchy clothes could enjoy a fine roll through the city. The purpose of the event was to raise funds for the Lance Armstrong Foundation and the Brain Tumor Fund for the Carolinas. This it did. As a participant in the event, I got to talk to people personally committed to the cause of cancer research and treatment.

Despite the loss of my Uncle Charlie and Uncle Ed to cancer, and more recently, my Aunt Betty, I joined this event with my own physical fitness in mind rather than any loftier goal. A funny thing happened on the way to reaching my goal of riding a century, however. I found my consciousness enlarged not only by the encounters with amazing participants and volunteers, but also by raising funds. Every time I asked someone to give to the Lance Armstrong Foundation and the Brain Tumor Fund for the Carolinas, I asked myself if I was living up to the same high principles that I was asking others to act on. My contributors never failed to touch and inspire me.
                      

Josh Getts
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
By: 24 Hours of Booty

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My day to remember is June 15, 2004. I was deployed with the 22nd MEU to Kandahar, Afghanistan as a U.S. Marine helicopter mechanic. We had been in the country for a couple of months and had just started getting used to it. I had noticed a lump on my shoulder that had been getting more painful as each day went by. The flight surgeon had assured me that it was no big deal and I had been ignoring it. After about three weeks, I knew that I couldn't ignore it anymore. After a couple of hours, I was on my way to a hospital in Germany. I was told that there was a tumor in my shoulder, then sent back to North Carolina to find out about a type of cancer known as chondrosarcoma. Primary chondrosarcoma is rare, but it does have a good prognosis. I underwent surgery to remove the tumor and surrounding bone area in July 2004. In March 2005, I had another area on my right arm operated on. I know that it could come back any time, but I also know that I can't stop living just because of that.

In May 2005, I stumbled across some information on the 24 Hours of Booty. The idea of taking part in an event that combined my past cancer experiences with my passion for cycling appealed to me. My focus changed, however, when I started reading more about Spencer and the Lance Armstrong Foundation. These people understood the widespread effect of cancer and what was needed to find the cure. Money. With that in my head, I started chasing down all of my buddies at my squadron and asked for donations. In the end, we raised around $4000. When I got to Charlotte, it started raining. Nonetheless, hundreds of people rode in the event. There were many cancer survivors, like my wife and I, but there were even more supporters; people who had lost someone to cancer or who had family members and friends still fighting. I was amazed at the amount of people who responded to the call for help! The truth is, cancer affects everyone at some point in their lives. It takes more lives than any war or sickness out there. When you donate to this cause, you are doing more than getting a tax deduction. You are taking an active role in the battle against a fierce enemy.

I will be taking part in the 24 Hours of Booty again this year, despite its eyebrow-raising name. I hope there won't be any rain, but even if there is, every day on the bike is another beautiful day as a survivor. LIVESTRONG!
                      

Stephanie Brown & Her Dad
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
By: 24 Hours of Booty

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This will be my third year participating! I am not a super cyclist, but every pedal stroke is for my Dad, who I lost almost four years ago to cancer. Last year, my Mom donated $85 since it would have been my Dad's 85th birthday. Because of that, I set my goal to ride at least 85 miles in honor of him. I always ride with a "in memory of my Dad" bib on my back.

An amazing thing happened on the course right as I was approaching the 85 mile mark. Another rider, who I had never seen before (and haven't seen since!) rode up next to me and said, "Doin' it for your Dad, huh?" He rode on as I had tears in my eyes and felt there are angels everywhere, especially on the 24 Hours of Booty course. I thought it was amazing that all the time I was on the course no one else commented, until that exact moment.

I love this event and will continue to ride as long as possible since I feel it's my way to contribute to all the folks that are touched by cancer. Thanks, Bootyfolk, for allowing me to share this story...I know there will be more again this year!
                      

Scott Fredricksen and Susan Rebel
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
By: 24 Hours of Booty

A Love Story

Scott Bodien
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
By: 24 Hours of Booty

In Memory of Paige Wilsek

My name is Scott Bodien and I ride my bike in memory of Paige Wilsek, a courageous 9-year old who died of leukemia following multiple relapses in 1997.  I never met Paige in person, only through her mom who was posting Paige�s ordeal on a bone marrow transplant mailing list. I was there because I was too fighting cancer. 
 
In 1996 I was still living in Seattle and on the verge of finishing college.  I noticed an almost instantaneous lump under my arm just before Thanksgiving.  I was diagnosed with Burkitt�s, a Non-Hodgkin�s Lymphoma that is one of the fastest growing cancers known.  The only recourse was a very high dose of chemotherapy, which has disastrous consequences.  I contracted an even rarer flesh-destroying bacteria in my thigh and faced a quick end unless the infection was physically removed.  The original plan was amputation but instead the surgeons cut a section out of my left leg.  In addition one of the drugs caused widespread peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) in both legs and feet.  Somehow through this I got back through a skin transplant, chemo, radiation, and ultimately a bone marrow transplant.
 
My recovery literally included learning to walk again.  After returning and finishing school, I began to bike to gain my strength.  Upon moving to North Carolina in 2000, I started to run and was eventually convinced by a friend to start swimming and do triathlons.  Since then I have run four marathons and completed twenty plus triathlons, including six Half Ironman distance events.  Recently I passed the ten year anniversary of my transplant and remission!  I will shortly be attempting an Ironman Triathlon, but felt participating in 24 Hours of Booty was just as important, not just for the fun and friendship, but raising money towards better cancer research and advocacy.
 
I have never considered myself a hero, Paige Wilsek is mine though.

Jim Baginski
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
By: 24 Hours of Booty

Team BAGINSKI

Team Baginski rides in honor of Jim Baginski who died in 2006 shortly after the 24 Hours of Booty. Jim was an extraordinary person: smart, funny, big hearted and an amazing athlete. In addition to playing hocky and volleyball, Jim was a cyclist. His wife, Connie wrote the
following:

We were shocked when Jim was diagnosed with cancer in 2004. Little did we know as we stood in the orthopedic dr.'s office and stared at the dark spot on the x-ray of Jim's arm, what the future had in store for us. RENAL CELL CARCINOMA... This silent Cancer had stolen into Jim's body and delivered it's damage long before we could plan a more strategic fight. Jim never said "why me?". He continued living his life and continued to fight for his future. Jim stayed optimistic and executed a determined battle plan. He was so convincing in his outlook on life that it was difficult to accept that things would change.

Recently I discovered his bike riding journal. He documented all of his rides on his road bike and his mountain bike. On August 10, 2004 he wrote: "bone tumor discovered in right arm ... all riding stopped today" .At first when I saw this my heart sank but then I saw where he had added Jan.1, 2006: "greenway ride J.B. and C.B.--12.18 miles."

This was so Jim. He never gave up. His journal reflected his willpower and strength...something cancer would not take away.

Laura & John Williams
Sunday, December 9, 2007
By: John Williams

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Four years ago I rode my last fifteen miles of the 24HOB with a pretty lady named Laura Smith - we had an amazing conversation and three months later we were engaged!  Two years ago we rode together as a married couple with my team the Rank Riders and her team Roadkill.  Then in spring of 2006 I was diagnosed with prostate cancer.  Following surgery, I was unable to ride in last year's 24HOB, but Laura and I walked a lap at the beginning to cheer on our numerous friends who ride every year.  Fortunately we caught the cancer before it could spread and I have not needed additional treatment.  I have recovered well and Laura and I are both back on bikes and excited to be raising money for 24HOB and its worthy beneficiaries!  We can't wait to ride this year in honor of Laura's parents, my father, my sister-in-law, our dear friend Shannon, and many other friends and family who have been challenged by cancer.