PABLOg!

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 21 Afternoon Dedication: Rena Malcolm

2011-10-28T14:00:00.000-07:00

Meet Rena! She was diagnosed with Wilms Tumor stage IV with over 20 lung metastasis in June 2010. Rena and her mom temporarily moved from their family in Florida to Pennsylvania in order to be treated at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. After chemo, radiation, surgery, and many complications, Rena was declared NED this past February. She has since returned to her home in Tampa, Florida and just celebrated her 5th birthday. Rena is living life, back in pre-school, and can't get enough of being home with her family, especially with her little sister and her friends.

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 21: Marisa Rosa and Tyler Blick

2011-10-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

Tyler is 6 years old and lives in Mission Viejo, CA. He was diagnosed with ALL Leukemia on July 13, 2010. Being treated at Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego, CA, with approximately 2 years of treatment left to go. He loves Lego's and Hot Wheels, playing outside!!! His parents Steve and Jen say they would not nearly as fortunate without the humbling support from the cycling world. Steve has put together irideforthekids.com as a resource to parents of newly diagnosed children.Marisa was diagnosed with Leukemia (ALL) in September 2006 and completed treatment in December 2008. She was then diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma in November 2010 and is currently in treatment. Marisa is a vibrant 9 year old who has battled cancer for more than half her life. First leukemia and now rhabdomyosarcoma. She doesn't let cancer stop her from being a normal little girl who loves to dance and sing and have fun with her friends. She's going to win this fight and show cancer, again, who's boss!

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 20 Evening Dedication: Zachary Greene

2011-10-27T21:00:00.000-07:00

Zachary was born on April 3, 2001 and diagnosed with Wilms Tumor on April 12, 2005. On Thanksgiving Day 2005, Zak and his parents had their last conversation. His breathing was labored and he had to go on a ventilator. Before he went under they told him they loved him and that they were proud of him. His condition worsened. Three days later he passed away never regaining consciousness. He was a unique and brilliant child, perfect in every way says his dad Steve. His life revolved around his Mom, Scooby Doo, Hot Wheels, dinosaurs, trucks, trains, mud and beach sand. He is his dad's hero and easily the best person he has ever known. Zak is missed every second that is he gone.

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 20 Afternoon Dedication: Mark Kattus and David Ochowicz

2011-10-27T15:00:00.000-07:00

Mark is now 22 years old and just had his 4 year anniversary of his diagnosis; he was diagnosed at the age of 18 on October 9, 2007 with stage 3 Hodgkins Lymphoma. He went through 6 months of ABVD Chemo and when chemo was completed, he had 5 weeks of radiation. He is doing absolutely great and is living a very healthy lifestyle. He's a senior at UCSD where he's majoring in Astro Physics and helping to run the Rock Climbing gym on campus. He spends all of his free time climbing with his girlfriend Lauren and on occasion, he'll take his little sister Venessa with him. Venessa is 14 and Mark is her hero; she loves climbing with him. This past summer he climbed the face of Half Dome in Yosemite; he started his climb at dawn and finished it at dusk...that's fast! He is also a surfer and cyclist and just genuinely loves the outdoors.In 2008 the state of WI changed their laws and allowed 16 year olds to donate blood. David signed up immediately. It was from that blood drive that he discovered he had MDS, a rare form of bone marrow cancer and his only treatment option was to have a life threatening bone marrow transplant. Out of 11 million people on the bone marrow registry not a single one was a match. His dad and sister were not matches, and his mom Mary was only a partial match. They decided to use Mary as the donor anyway -- she was his only shot. Her to-do list before the surgeries included her yearly mammogram. It was then she discovered she had breast cancer. Finally in 2009 a donor was found. But David's fight wasn't over. He would relapse multiple times and require many risky additional transplants. Finally, earlier this year his 39th bone marrow biopsy showed No Evidence of Disease. He is now 19, a freshman at Milwaukee School of Engineering. It will be awhile before he is considering in full remission, but he is on that road.

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 20 Morning Dedication: Austin Munoz and Shaymus

2011-10-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

Austin was diagnosed with yoke sac mixed malignant germ cell tumor on July 13, 2011. He started with two tumors, now has one. Austin is a Junior at Moorpark High School outside of LA. Mesa Verde Middle School in Moorpark is fundraising for Pablove all month.Shaymus is 10 years old and lives near Racine, WI. He has Ewing's Sarcoma and is being treated at Children's Hospital in Milwaukee, WI. Shaymus loves to draw and read books. He loves trains and he is planning on putting a train tracks throughout his whole house. Shaymus has had paintings and drawings go on sale at a gallery and is a gifted artist.

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 19 Evening Dedication: Chris Powers

2011-10-26T21:12:00.000-07:00

Chris Powers was 14 years old when he lost his battle with leukemia in 1985. He was also cousin and best friend to our rider Neal, who was 12 at the time. He's the reason Neal rides, and tonight we dedicate our resting hours to him.

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 19 Afternoon Dedication: Remington Strattman and Maximus Duran

2011-10-26T13:00:00.000-07:00

Remington was diagnosed with Stage 3 Wilms Tumor in Sept 2010 at 7 months old. He is 1 year old and from West Jordan, Utah. Remington is such a receptive and cheerful little guy. He did a great job of winning over his nurses, oncologist, and other hospital staff with his big blue eyes and beautiful smile. Remy has a strong spirit that definitely played to his advantage during treatment to beat cancer and continues to guide him in his little life. He loves to play ball, dance, swim, swing, laugh with his big sister, go camping, be silly, and hang out with his family...including the dogs! Remington is just an amazing little kid.Maximus was diagnosed with Stage 3 Rhabdomyosarcoma at 4 months old. He is two years old and from Hamilton, Ontario. Maximus is 7 months off treatment and 13 months cancer free! He is growing quickly and learning many new things like any 2 year old should!

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 19 Morning Dedication: Bella R, Jayel S, Maggie K

2011-10-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

Bella is in treatment for her third relapse of Stage 4 recurrent Alveolar Rhabdomysarcoma. She is eight years old and from Miami, Florida. Bella loves to swim, sing, play music, build things, fish and boat. She loves Mickey Mouse and Disneyworld and her 6 year old sister Rayna, 4 dogs and two parrots (favorite parrot is Roxy!)Jayel was diagnosed with Stage 4 Wilms Tumor in May. He is two years old from Puyallup, Washington. Jayel will compete treatment at the end of November. He is doing great with minimal side effects and his hair is already growing back!Maggie was diagnosed with Thalamic Juvenile Pilocytic Astrocytoma (brain tumor in center of brain) in January 2010. She is five years old from Jamestown, North Carolina. Maggie had brain surgery to remove tumor in January 2010 and suffered a stroke during surgery. Now she has left-sided weakness and complications as a result of the stroke. A residual tumor was found and chemotherapy started earlier this year to treat it. Maggie just started kindergarten, and it is difficult to juggle school and chemotherapy and try to be a "normal" kid. Her latest scans show the tumor is stable; it actually shrunk a little bit. She still has one year of chemo and her parents have lots of hope the tumor keeps shrinking.

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 18 Evening Dedication: Caleb Whan

2011-10-25T20:30:00.000-07:00

In August 2007 Caleb was complaining of arm and leg pain. Although there was no visible fracture on x-rays, Caleb was put in casts on his right arm and leg. A few days later his left leg started to hurt. Blood work revealed his parents' worst nightmare: leukemia. Caleb was diagnosed with Hypodiploid ALL, an ultra-high risk subtype with only 8 to 10 diagnoses per year and a cure rate of only 15%. Treatment included chemotherapy, full body radiation and a bone marrow transplant at Duke in November 2007. His family temporarily relocated to Durham from their home in Fort Myers, Florida for the four month process. Only 4 days after returning to Florida in March 2008 Caleb relapsed. There is NO protocol for a patient who relapses so close to transplant. He was immediately placed on hospice and only had 15 "good" days left before complications began. His last words were "yuv you" to his dad in one of the few responsive moments. On March 28, 2008 Caleb took his last breath lying next to his mother at home only 11 days after his 4th birthday. His parents Rob and Monique actively raise money for childhood cancer research and provide relocation assistance to families through Caleb's Crusade.

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 18 Morning Dedication: Quinn O'Shea and Cannon McKee

2011-10-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

Quinn is in treatment for Retinoblastoma at Seattle Children's. The tumor has gone into the lamina cribrosa which is a mesh-like structure that occupies the hole in the sclera where the optic nerve exits the eye. The good news is it didn't go into the optic nerve. Quinn loves to swim, loves animals and his favorite toy is his Seattle Sounders soccer ball. He is a wonderful, gentle kid with a great smile and loving 7 year old big sister Maggie.Cannon McKee was diagnosed with Wilms Tumor on August 24th and being treated at Cardinal Glennon. After the first surgery to remove a tumor, his kidney and his lymph nodes a small nodule in the lung was found. He will have surgery tomorrow to remove the nodule. Ever since Cannon found out about Pablove Across America he has been riding his bike every day. His biggest disappointment about going into surgery, "I'm going to miss my bike."

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 17 Evening Dedication: Isaiah Alonso

2011-10-24T20:30:00.000-07:00

On Sept 3, 2010 Isaiah collapsed in front of his parents and was rushed to the hospital. There were no prior symptoms, but he suffered severe brain damage as a result of complications from lymphoma that wasn't diagnosed until that day. He never regained consciousness and took his last breath on Sept 10th, 2010 in his mother's arms. From his mom: Isaiah was a true superhero and would often be seen wearing costumes of his favorites. He loved to dance to Michael Jackson and had a contagious smile that would brighten any room. He grew up in Kentucky near Elizabethtown and Fort Knox and his parents started a foundation in his name to provide financial assistance to families in Kentucky, Georgia, and the southeast region.

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 17 Afternoon Dedication: David May and Jewelia Smith

2011-10-24T15:00:00.000-07:00

David was diagnosed with Wilms tumor in June 2008 at 10 months old. He is now 4 years old and living in Pittsburgh. David spent 21 months on treatment and was taken off chemo because his kidney was close to failing from the medication. He has hearing aids now as a result of his chemotherapy and blood pressure problems, but thankfully everything else is stableJewelia was diagnosed with bilateral Wilms Tumor in July 2001. She is now 13 and living in Spencer, Massachusetts. At ten years off treatment Jewelia is suffering from a wide range of side effects including curvature of the spine, ovarian failure and a non-functioning spleen, as well as a lesions on her liver and thyroid that are being followed closely every few months. Her mom Sue describes her as a beautiful, caring young lady; quiet with a contagious laugh.

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 17 Morning Dedication: Ryland Walter Stout

2011-10-24T07:05:00.000-07:00

Ryland is two years old and was diagnosed with high grade Diffuse Pontine Glioma in September. Six weeks of radiation to the brain stem is the standard treatment - he is also being treated with an off trial drug approved for adults that has success extending life in adults with brain tumors. He has finished three weeks of radiation so far and are seeing improvements in the function of the left side of his body which the tumor had impaired. Most kids with this disease die within 12 months. There are no known survivors. Ryland loves playing with his sister Jane. They enjoy hide and seek together and playing outside in the sand box. Ryland is especially fond of tractors. He likes to see them, read books about them and ride them with his daddy. He also likes to see and play with construction site machines like bulldozers and diggers. Like his dad, he likes his bike and playing basketball. Ryland enjoys making people laugh. He thinks it is very funny to take huge bites of food and eat with his mouth open. He loves bath time with his sister and cuddling with his parents and reading books at bed time.

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 16 Evening Dedication: Jakob Aldrich

2011-10-23T20:30:00.000-07:00

Jake was a regular 4 year old boy who loves playing with legos and riding his bike. He was also one of the 300 children diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a type of soft tissue cancer, in 2005. At the time of diagnosis he was found to be stage 4 as it had spread from his testicle to his lungs and bone marrow.After only 3 months of chemo there were no signs of cancer. He finished his 12 month protocol and was in remission. Unfortunately the cancer returned in his lungs 3 months later. January 2007 we were overjoyed to find out we were pregnant with our daughter, Avery, just a week before Jake relapsed.Another 12 months of chemo and 2 weeks of radiation to the chest ending in March 2008. We celebrate remission again. Still remaining hopeful we have beat it one more time. We had the best summer in 2008. Jake started soccer, swim lessons and baseball. Little did we know it would be his last summer with us.It is now September 2008, the week of Jake's 7th birthday, and we find out the cancer has returned again in his lungs for the 3rd time. This did not stop Jake from playing soccer. One afternoon, as I watched him during practice, running back and forth on the field and thought to myself -- this kid has cancer spreading through his lungs and look at him go! This was the way we lived with cancer. It was not going to stop us from living. It was our new normal.At this point we are running out of options. Discussing clinic trials out of state versus staying home and enjoying the remaining time we have left with each other. The cancer was spreading into new areas so we opted to stay home. I did not want to take the chance of Jake dying in another state, away from his family and friends.Jake had an ileostomy in February 2009 and we spent 35 days inpatient. This was the first time I could tell things were taking a toll in Jake. The pain he endured was the most excruciating I have ever seen. One night, Dad and I were in Jake's hospital bed, crying because we felt helpless. Our son was in pain, the meds were not helping. We leaned in for a family hug, which we did often, and Jake said to us.... Don't cry, I will be okay. Jake was comforting us even while he was in pain. He was far more mature beyond his 7 years.We came home February 28th for hospice. Jake spent hours and days building lego kits. His fingers moved so fast, it was amazing. Days at the table building legos turned into days on the couch, then to our bed where he remained in a medicated coma. On March 24th 2009 Jake died in my arms. Cancer took his last breath.Written by Jennifer Aldrich, Jake's mom

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 16 Afternoon Dedication: Emma Wheeler

2011-10-23T15:23:00.000-07:00

Jeff takes us on a tour of historic Muscle Shoals Studios, where some of the most legendary music in rock and soul has been recorded. We stopped by the studios to take a tour and film a dedication to one of our favorite kids: Emma Wheeler!Emma is 10 years old and from Rehoboth, Massachusetts. She was originally diagnosed with Wilms Tumor in October 2009. Emma and her family attended our Wilms Tumor Symposium last year where Emma had a blast jumproping with volunteers while her parents had access to in-depth information on Wilms. That information and the relationship with doctors was crucial when Emma relapsed in March. She completed high dose chemotherapy and double stem cell transplant in Chicago this August. Emma is beautiful, smart, athletic and just wants to get back to living the life the a kid! In her hometown 5th grade begins middle school and she recently started going back to school, which is GREAT news!

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 16 Morning Dedication: Caroline Churchill and Lilly Mendoza

2011-10-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

Caroline is 3 years old and from Charlotte, North Carolina. Caroline was diagnosed with T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in March 2011. She was considered an intermediate risk candidate as part of a Children's Oncology Group study on Nelarabine and will finish the delayed intensification phase of chemo in early November. Her maintenance phase will end in July 2013.Lilly Mendoza is 2 years old and from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on December 18, 2009. Lilly's mom brought her to the doctor when her eye was swelling. At first, doctors through she had pinkeye but when antibiotics didn't clear it up her actual diagnosis was discovered. Lilly's grandfather Mark just rode from Philadelphia to Texas (2400 miles!) to raise money for Livestrong and raise awareness of childhood cancer.

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 15 Evening Dedication: Araminta "Minty" Sindeband

2011-10-22T20:00:00.000-07:00

"Minty", was diagnosed in September 2009 with a form of brain cancer called desmoplastic medulloblastoma. She was 6 weeks old. She was swiftly re-diagnosed by other institutions with a much more aggressive tumor, anaplastic ependymoma. Minty tolerated 5 months of chemo beautifully, but in March 2010 an MRI showed several new tumors, and Minty was immediately pulled off the protocol. Minty passed away at home in New York City, in bed next to her parents, the day after her 1st Birthday, on July 11th 2010. We know and love her mother Mei Lai and the whole Pablove team holds Minty and Mei Lai in our hearts forever.

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 15 Afternoon Dedication: Leo Weber

2011-10-22T15:00:00.000-07:00

Leo Weber from Phoenix, AZ is in remission from Burkitt's Lymphoma! He is the son of one of our return riders Adam. He is in kindergarten now and wants to grow up to be a doctor! Jeff and Adam remind us when you save a child you are saving an entire lifetime. Maybe Leo will be grow up to find the cure we're riding for.

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 15 Morning Dedication: Jordan Vincent and Nathan Lev

2011-10-22T09:40:00.000-07:00

Jordan is 13 years old and has been battling a rare form of brain tumor that affects her central nervous system for eight years. She loves to refer to herself as a cancer slayer and has endured endless surgeries, chemo and radiation. The disease even crippled her for a time but she pushed herself to re-learn to walk. She was in a coma for a week, but she made her way back. She loves her family and her dog Gracie. She was one of the first participants in the Pablove Shutterbugs program, and photography continues to inspire her to this day. She's very proud of Team Pablove and more proud to have this dedication because there's nothing she loves more than people who take on tough challenges and persevere. Nathan is from Los Angeles and also one of our first Pablove Shutterbugs. He was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in May 2010 and is currently in chemo maintenance until November 2013. Nathan enjoys friends, food, piano, the beach, photography, art and life.

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 14 Evening Dedication: Colleen Moore

2011-10-21T20:30:00.000-07:00

Colleen was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at 8 years old in September 2007. She died on June 8, 2008. Colleen was treated at UNC, MD Anderson in Texas, and Duke. Her journey inspired a movement: Striving for More that gives families in the North Carolina region emotional support during treatment.

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 14 Afternoon Dedication: Isaac Argueta and Josiah Zapata

2011-10-21T15:16:00.000-07:00

Isaac was diagnosed with Stage II Wilms Tuor in December 2009 at 8 months old. He is 2 and a half and lives in Riverside, CA. He has shown NED since June 2010. Isaac loves the outdoors and his toy animals and has two sisters and a brother that he adores and loves to annoy at the same time.Josiah was diagnosed with Stage IV Wilms Tumor in December 2008. He is 5 years old and from Nashville, TN! Josiah had one lung nodule that began to grow again in summer of 2010. It was removed in August 2010 and tested positive for Wilms. No other evidence of disease was found, so his team took a "wait & see" approach to beginning relapse chemo. Josiah has continued to be NED since that recurrence was removed. He started Kindergarten this year and had follow-up (non-cancer) skull surgery in early September. Josiah has been exceptionally silly recently, which is a lovely shift from his seriousness.

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 14 Morning Dedication: Ella Harker

2011-10-21T07:27:00.001-07:00

Ella was diagnosed with Stage 1 Wilms Tumor in her left kidney on Sept 2. She is 16 months old and has beat the odds since birth. Ella was conceived when her mothers doctors told her that she could not, she was born with a rare genetic disorder but that has never put a damper on her spirit, she now has cancer but this is just one more thing for this spunky little girl to fight and win against. She has an ultrasound TODAY, October 21 that will help determine the course of her treatment and whether they do a surgery or just proceed with chemo.

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 13 Evening Dedication: Alyssa "Lyssie" Righter

2011-10-20T23:30:00.000-07:00

Lyssie was diagnosed with with anaplastic ependymoma in 2007 at 9 months old. She lost her fight on October 6: 4 years and 36 days after she was diagnosed. She had 4 brain surgeries and 3 major stomach surgeries due to gastrointestinal caused by steroids which also kept her on life support and in PICU for 7 weeks. She then spent months in the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital in Maine where she lived. Lyssie underwent radiation, chemo and countless procedures twice and recurred a third time Sept 3 2010. Lyssie was lovingly raised by her grandparents Cindy ("mom-mom") and Gary ("babe"). She was full of love and happiness up until just minutes before her last breath.

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 13 Afternoon Dedication: Connor Licamele and Kiki Brennan

2011-10-20T14:00:00.000-07:00

Connor was diagnosed with Stage I Wilms Tumor in December 2010. He is 5 years old and from North Syracuse, NY. Connor has his six month off treatment scans TODAY, October 20!Kathleen "Kiki" Brennan is 8 years old, from Randolph, NJ and a triplet! She was diagnosed with Stage V (bilateral) Wilms Tumor in March 2006, relapsed a year later and went back into treatment and surgery. Her most recent scans in February show she is cancer free, 27 months off treatment!

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 13 Morning Dedication: Dustan Colyer

2011-10-20T08:30:00.000-07:00

Dustan has been fighting Wilms Tumor for the better part of 11 years. This year he suffered from his fourth relapse and began treatment, which he opted to end in June. His recent scans were stable...which means the tumors have not gone away, but they have not grown either. After fighting for so long and enduring so many harsh treatments, Dustan wants to concentrate on enjoying his senior year, playing drums in his band and just living life.

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 12 Evening Dedication: Carlo Santiago

2011-10-19T23:00:00.000-07:00

At 4 1/2 years old Carlo Santiago was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. His family traveled more than 12 hours from their home in Hong Kong to be treated at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. That is where Carlo and his parents Sam and Toni met Jo Ann, Jeff, Pablo and Grady. Carlo and Pablo were roommates at CHLA many, many times. On January 31 this year Carlo lost his long battle with cancer and it was a truly a devastating day for Jo Ann and Jeff and the whole Pablove team

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 12 Afternoon Dedication: Ian Black and Josh Brenneman

2011-10-19T16:30:00.000-07:00

Ian has been off treatment for Wilms Tumor for five years now! He was originally diagnosed in with stage III Wilms Tumor in July 2005. Ian is in 4th grade. He enjoys Tae Kwon Do and went to summer camp, for the first time, this summer.Josh was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma of the C-6 neck vertebra in October 2004 at age 4. He is now 11 years old and 6 years cancer free! Due to treatment he lives with a tracheotomy (hole in the neck to breathe), an narrowed esophagus, hypothyroidism, injects himself daily with growth hormone and is not allowed to play contact sports due to his treated/damaged neck vertebra. Despite this, he is thriving in middle school, works hard in his Tae Kwon Do classes, loves video games, Legos, airsoft and art activities.

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 12 Morning Dedication: Collin and Patrick Henry

2011-10-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

Collin and Patrick are two brothers and BOTH were diagnosed with cancer in the past three years. Collin was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on May 12, 2008. This past August he relapsed to his central nervous system and they are in the thick of chemotherapy right now; 44 of the next 52 weeks include scheduled visits to UNC where Collin is being treated. According to his mom Kathleen, "Collin is amazing...he has been fighting cancer more than half of his life, and even on his worst day he amazes her. He loves video games and swimming. Collin was scheduled to start school this year but they found out he relapsed just a few short weeks before school began and he had to start a new protocol which will likely keep him out of school this year." Collin's older brother Patrick (age 7) was diagnosed with stage II hepatoblastoma in October 2010. He underwent three months of chemotherapy and is currently NED! From his mom, "Patrick is amazing like his brother Collin. He loves video games and wants to be a soldier when he grows up just like his daddy. He didn't take having cancer too well emotionally and really doesnt like talking about it. He loves playing soccer, and is repeating the first grade since he missed so much school last year. But this year he is really thriving and falling into place amongst his peers...his family is so proud of all he has accomplished."

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 11 Evening Dedication: Michael McBride

2011-10-18T23:00:00.000-07:00

Michael fought stage III Wilms Tumor for a year and a half. He just passed away this summer (June 13) - a truly sad day in the office for Pablove staff. Michael "Motorcycle" McBride did remarkably well through his six months of chemo and radiation, riding his "moto-x" bicycle daily with his big brother Parker. At the end of the chemo, tumors were found in his lungs and stomach. Although stem cells were harvested, Michael never got to stem cell transplant because the tumors wouldn't stop growing. He and his family got to spend 4 fabulous days on his Make-a-Wish trip before he had to be medi-vac'd back home to spend his final days.Mom Aimee says, "Throughout his entire journey he showed more courage, strength, love and spirit than I have ever witnessed in my lifetime. Our 6 year old little boy taught us more life lessons and showed us how to truly "live" each day to the fullest. He passed away peacefully on June 13, 2011 at our home, but the suffering that he endured those final weeks has been burned into my soul. We miss him more with each passing day...he will forever be in our hearts and always on our mind..."

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 11 Afternoon Dedication: Aidan Collins and Zachary Schwab

2011-10-18T22:42:00.000-07:00

Aidan was diagnosed with Stage IV Wilms Tumor that spread to the renal vein, lungs and lymph nodes when he was 3 1/2. He was treated at Children's Hospital Boston and Dana Farber Cancer Institute (where we funded a grant for Wilms Tumor research this year!). Aidan's last treatment was on July 26. He has since had his port removed and enjoyed the rest of the summer with his family.Zachary was diagnosed with Stage III neuroblastoma at 10 months old. He is now 4 years old, 3 years off treatment, and he and his family collect toys for children in local North Carolina hospitals through their Zach's Toy Chest program.

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 11 Morning Dedication: Madison Star Schafer

2011-10-18T15:40:00.001-07:00

Madison was diagnosed with atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (a brain tumor) just over a year ago. She underwent an 8 hour brain surgery to remove 90 percent of the tumor. Chemotherapy and 28 rounds of proton beam radiation made the remaining tumor disappear, but she relapsed this summer. Maddie first lost her ability to walk and talk, and has now lost her eyesight due to the tumor pressing on her optic nerve. She is in chemotherapy for the relapse as well as physical and speech therapy now. Despite her long road ahead, 3 year old Maddie still loves to smile and play with her big brother Colin.

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 10 Evening Dedication: Joseph "Joey" Aron Jannol

2011-10-17T21:05:00.000-07:00

Joey was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiform in 2010. It is a very rare type of brain tumor that children usually do not get. He passed away at the age of 18 this August. From his mom: "Joey loved riding his bike. The day that he discovered he could no longer ride was one of the few times he ever cried during his battle. Had he been here and strong enough, his mom says she definitely thinks he'd want to be riding with Pablove."

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 10 Afternoon Dedication: Aurora Bielaga and Felicia Frugoli

2011-10-17T16:26:00.000-07:00

Aurora Bielaga was diagnosed with Stage III Wilms Tumor at age 8. She is now 9 years old, finished treatment in March, and her 3 month scans were clear! Felicia Frugoli was diagnosed with Stage V Wilms Tumor in both kidneys, both lungs, and her lived in 2007 at age 3. She underwent chemo, radiation and several surgeries. Finally on August 20th, 2008 she and her family heard those magical words: Felicia is cancer free! She is now attending school like a normal 7 year old with her twin brother Dean in Southampton, PA.

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 10 Morning Dedication: Oliver Gant

2011-10-17T08:11:00.001-07:00

Oliver was diagnosed with germ cell tumor (specifically sacrococcygeal teratoma) in February. He is 2 years old. At the beginning of the month it was discovered that a tumor is growing back from the spot of the original tumor, despite Oliver's treatment. His case is extremely rare. Surgery was planned at first, but an 11th hour second opinion changed their plans. Oliver will now start a new regimen of chemotherapy next week.

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 9 Evening Dedication: Conner Stell

2011-10-16T22:20:00.001-07:00

Conner was diagnosed with leukemia (AML) in 2009 and passed away October 13, 2010 at age 4 and a half. From his mom Karrie: "Conner was an amazing little boy; he always worried about everyone else before himself. His interests were sports, hunting, construction, motorcycles and praying for others. His mother couldn't have asked for a better son. He will always be a lot of people's hero. Conner fought his fight the best he could until the very end."

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 9 Afternoon Dedication: Samara Guetta and Piper Bell

2011-10-16T18:57:00.000-07:00

Samara was diagnosed with Stage II Wilms Tumor at 9 months old this April. Her tumor was the size of an orange, which is huge for a baby's body. She just finished her treatment and is on the road to recovery, but is suggering from neuropathy in both feet from the chemo drugs. At 16 months she is just starting to crawl. Her family is confident she will walk sooner rather than later with help from physical therapists.Piper is only 18 months old and was diagnosed with bilateral Wilms Tumor on her 1st birthday. She is now cancer free but she needs a kidney transplant, which she won't be eligible for until next year (she has to be cancer free for at least one year). Until then she has to undergo dialysis.

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 9 Morning Dedication: Ruth Cameron

2011-10-16T12:53:00.000-07:00

Ruth Cameron is 3 years old and from Oklahoma. After two years off treatment for Wilms Tumor she relapsed this past June. The relapse treatment includes a third partial nephrectomy, radiation, and 18 weeks of chemo which she just finished YESTERDAY! Now her parents and doctors have to will wait for her appetite and immunity to rebuild and check the progress of the treatment in about a month. For now, they are so happy to be at home! She dreams of going to the beach, dancing like a ballerina princess with her long hair in a bun, swimming, and starting school. She wants to be a doctor, mommy, or hair dresser when she grows up!

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 8 Evening Dedication: Meg Wasley

2011-10-15T21:05:00.001-07:00

Meg was a happy, healthy 7 year old in 2010 when she was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma. Her parents and teachers noticed she was not quite herself when playing sports or being active, and she started to complain about hearing in her left ear. After an MRI her brain tumor was discovered and she was rushed to Duke University Medical Center. Despite treatment Meg's tumor progressed (DIPG has no known cure). During an attempt at radiating the tumor, Meg came down with an infection and passed away in January 2011. Her parents Jim and Terri and siblings Jake and Isabella miss her and carry on her gracious spirit by providing gifts to seriously ill children through Meg's Smile.

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 8 Afternoon Dedication: Tyler Lausten and Erik Zimmerman

2011-10-15T18:30:00.001-07:00

Tyler and Erik are both longtime survivors who are young men living in New Jersey. Tyler was diagnosed with high risk t-cell ALL at age 7. He went through it all: a stroke from chemo, a clot on his brain stem, and a relapse to his nervous system. He underwent a sibling match bone marrow transplant from his baby brother and is now 5 years post transplant! Erik is 20 years old. He was diagnosed with medulloblastoma when he was 17 months old in 1992! His mom says, " To say our lives were turned upside down is an understatement...we need a cure for cancer and we need better treatment so the children do not grow up with so many long term effects."

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 8 Morning Dedication: Shepard Kelly

2011-10-15T12:14:00.001-07:00

Ryan shares the dedication with us today to her nephew Shepard. Shep is 2 years old and fighting leukemia and is a very special and strong little boy. Today we are all powered by Shep!

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 7 Evening Dedication: Jiselle Arrington

2011-10-14T23:53:00.000-07:00

Jiselle was from Raleigh, North Carolina and was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia as an infant in 2008. Her parents said that she just didn't seem like herself. Time and time again they took her to the doctor. The last week of September and the first week of October she had made about 9 pediatric visits without any news--good or bad--until she received her diagnosis. Jiselle passed away on Sept 13, 2010 but she did not die from the cancer itself. She died from complications from her chemotherapy at 2 and a half years old, spending her entire life as a childhood cancer patient.

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 7 Afternoon Dedication: Natalie James and Paige Pederson

2011-10-14T20:53:00.000-07:00

Paige and Natalie are two survivors from the Seattle area! Natalie James was diagnosed with AML in 2006. She relapsed in 2008 and underwent a bone marrow transplant soon after. She lives in North Bend, Washington and is now 12 years old and thriving! Paige was diagnosed with ALL in November 2008. She just finished her chemotherapy in January of this year (that is how long leukemia treatment takes!!!) Paige just celebrated her 9th birthday party last Saturday!

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 7 Morning Dedication: Alexis Henson

2011-10-14T14:33:00.001-07:00

We met Alexis Henson TODAY at Cardinal Glennon Hospital in St Louis and it was an honor for Jeff, John, Alex and Ryan.

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 6 Evening Dedication: Bella Jane Quayle and Rhema Butler

2011-10-13T20:00:00.000-07:00

Bella was a feisty, energetic little girl we met in Portland during Pablove Across America 2010. Despite undergoing a cord blood transplant for an ALL diagnosis, Bella grabbed the photographer's camera, turned it on the riders, and made everyone smile. She lost her battle after not responding to treatment on July 10, 2011.Rhema Butler was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive cancer called desmoplastic small round cell tumor in 2009. She inspired everyone around her and even started her own foundation, Rhema's Reality, to help other kids like herself. On June 6, 2011 she passed away at the age of 12.

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 6 Afternoon Dedication: Ainsley Jacobson and Mykel Ruffini

2011-10-13T17:17:00.000-07:00

Ainsley is currently in remission from Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis and is from Evanston, Illinois. She is a patient of Jason (one of our riders) and he is dedicating this afternoon to her! Mykel was diagnosed with Stage IV Wilms Tumor in 2008, but now shows no evidence of disease, is 12 years old, and playing football!

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 6 Morning Dedication: Wesley Zablocki

2011-10-13T09:51:00.001-07:00

Wesley Zablocki was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in March. Wesley is inpatient and receiving chemotherapy right now, and we ride for him today! We hope to see him back on the baseball field soon.

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 5 Evening Dedication: Louise Kohl

2011-10-12T23:12:00.000-07:00

Tonight we honor the children of past generations. While we are often frustrated by the seeming lack in progress in terms of medical treatments for pediatric cancer patients it's important to remember that 50 years ago only 10% of children diagnosed with cancer survived. Louise Kohl, the sister of one of our supporters, lost her battle with childhood cancer many years ago.

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 5 Afternoon Dedication: Jackson Forebaugh

2011-10-12T14:30:00.000-07:00

Jackson Forebaugh was diagnosed with Rhabdoid Tumor of the kidney in 2005 when he was 15 months old. The six months of brutal treatment damaged his lone remaining kidney and heart, but he completed his treatment in 2006 and is now 7 years old! We're thinking of Jackson as he undergoes checkups to make sure he is growing healthy and strong while we raise funds for treatments that don't damage kids' bodies!

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 5 Morning Dedication: Mia Deligeannis

2011-10-12T08:48:00.000-07:00

Mia Deligeannis, better known as "Super Mia" was diagnosed with High Risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia March 2009 at 2 years old. Despite a bone marrow transplant she has relapsed twice and is now not responding to chemotherapy. Mia is unable to get on trials, and is now undergoing palliative care. We'll pedal extra hard for Mia today.

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 4 Evening Dedication: Tuesday Whitt

2011-10-11T23:46:00.001-07:00

Tuesday was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma in July 2008. Seven precious and precarious months later she passed away at home in a room full of people her loved her. She is the daughter of Charley and Jessica Whitt (big parts of the Pablove family), little sister of Spencer and Axel, and twin sister to Piper. Today is Piper and Tuesday's 5th birthday and she is dearly missed.

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 4 Afternoon Dedication: Violet Morton and Hailey Shaffer

2011-10-11T17:46:00.001-07:00

Violet Morton and Hailey Shaffer are both 20 months old and from North Carolina. Something else they have in common? Surviving childhood cancer! Violet finished her treatment for hepatoblastoma in August and is now walking. Hailey was diagnosed with spinal/pelvic neuroblastoma at nine months old and has been off treatment since May.

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 4 Morning Dedication: Jacob Cook

2011-10-11T07:26:00.001-07:00

Jacob Cook is 3 years old, from Lansing, Michigan, and is currently battling leukemia. We're thinking of Jacob and his family as we ride 90 miles today!

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 3 Evening Dedication: Malia Peterson

2011-10-10T21:25:00.001-07:00

Malia Peterson passed away after battling Wilms Tumor last December and is deeply missed by parents Annette and Joe and sisters Madi and Marissa. We hold her and her family in our hearts tonight.

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 3 Afternoon Dedication: Brock Bennett

2011-10-10T16:35:00.001-07:00

Happy 6th Birthday to Brock Bennett! Brock was diagnosed with Wilms Tumor just past his 4th birthday in 2009 and we are happy to share that he now shows No Evidence of Disease!

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 3 Morning Dedication: Owain Weinert

2011-10-10T09:20:00.000-07:00

Owain is a part of the Pablove family - his dad Alex has ridden Pablove Across America for the past two years! Owain is currently battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, is from Seattle, and has lots to say about fighting kids' cancer.

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 2 Evening Dedication: William Patterson Ridley

2011-10-10T00:53:00.000-07:00

Before William Patterson Ridley lost his battle with Acute T Cell Leukemia in August he obtained his Life Scout Achievement in the Boy Scouts of America program. He loved reading, playing outside, playing football, camping, shooting, robotics, and participating in the 4-H program. William loved animals, and they loved him. William was 13 years old.

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 2 Survivor's Dedication: Hollyn Peterson

2011-10-09T10:19:00.000-07:00

At age 11 Hollyn is a three-time cancer survivor! Hollyn spoke at our Wilms Tumor Symposium last November and she is a great part of the Pablove family. We dedicate today's recovery ride day to Hollyn!

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 1 Evening Dedication: Meghan Henry

2011-10-09T08:02:00.000-07:00

Meghan Henry of Chicago was originally diagnosed with Wilms Tumor at age 16. After relapsing twice and undergoing a double stem cell transplant Meghan passed at at age 21 this past May. While Meghan fought cancer she continued going to nursing school and living her life fully. She spent two spring breaks on Habitat for Humanity trips, studied abroad in Greece for 4 weeks, and was the president of the student nurses association on her campus. We honor her tonight.

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 1 Afternoon Dedication: Hadlea Bernau

2011-10-08T14:08:00.001-07:00

Pablove Across America 2011 Day 1 Morning Dedication: Hannah Thomas

2011-10-08T08:21:00.000-07:00

As we kick off Pablove Across America 2011 from Milwaukee to New Orleans we honor a special 7-year-old named Hannah Thomas. Hannah was diagnosed with Wilms Tumor in 2009 and has since twice relapsed. After a stem cell transplant scans showed that Hannah's cancer has returned and is now deemed terminal. There are no remaining options for treatment...Hannah is exactly why we ride Pablove Across America.

Pablove Across America Video Journal #2: One-Day Rides

2011-09-26T09:31:00.001-07:00

Something's Wrong With The World Today

2011-09-12T18:44:00.000-07:00

The phone rang this morning. I looked down at the caller ID. It was a client calling. Not an uncommon thing: my clients call me all the time. I go through two Blackberry batteries a day talking to them and develop close relationships with them as we journey through the back alleys of rock and roll.

As I hit the green button on the face of my phone, I thought I was stepping into a lighthearted call where we'd talk about some business stuff, some personal stuff, and how much I enjoyed meeting his wife and kids for the first time last week. I was wrong. My friend had just gotten news that sometime Sunday, the left side of his nephew's body had become immobile. The boy's family rushed him to the nearest hospital—thankfully, a very good one at an Ivy League university.

My friend's voice faded in and out as he gasped for air. It's not easy to tell a guy who has lost his son to cancer that in the middle of last night, your nephew was diagnosed with diffuse pontine glioma—an inoperable brain tumor. The weight of it all kind of comes into full effect when you're telling the Pablove Foundation guy that you've just become a member of the kids' cancer club—a club you fully endorse and support but had hoped you never had to join.

My friend paused. I sat there, staring at the wall, gasping for my own lungful of air. As the pure LA air oxygenated my brain, I could not comprehend what I was hearing. I reached for a pen and my notebook. I asked him to repeat the details. Part of me still has this naive and novel notion that nobody near me will ever confront pediatric cancer. Like, Jo Ann and I filled the quota for all our friends or something. This morning was one more sad reminder that my quota notion is bunk.

Let me tell you something else: my memory is not what it used to be. I've been through a war with my little boy, and I will never be the same. The good news is I've learned I don't need my brain that much. My heart is a far better guide in this world. My hear is getting me to all the right places, with all the people who matter most.

As I wrote down the details of my friend's nephew, one thing was clear: I know this story well. You know that. Pablo was in the midst of life as a 4.9-year-old when that Wilm's Tumor bump appeared out of nowhere in his abdomen. There was no opt-in box on the website of life that morning. There was no notice in the mail telling Jo Ann and I that our son would be killed by a disease exactly 13 months and 10 days after a CT machine confirmed the presence of cancer in his body. It just doesn't work like that.

Note: in movies and TV shows, you can always see the enemy, be it a man with a gun, an arch enemy of the nation, a menacing airborne toxic event. In real life, it's not always that simple. In my life, cancer has taken two people I love—my son and my big brother—and I never got to stand eye-to-eye with the thing. There was no Clint Eastwood moment for me. Ennio Morricone did not score the scene where good triumphed over evil. No, in real life, the bad guy sometimes wins while the cinematographer and the composer are asleep. I didn't tell my friend that. It's too soon to get into all that s**t.

As I geared up to round up our A Team of pediatric cancer docs to give my friend's family the most authoritative second opinion possible, my optimism was on the wane. All I could think was that there's something wrong with the world today. I'm just that tired from fighting. Still, I know exactly what to do about when I feel this way: pick up the phone and be of service to others. Plenty of people must've felt this way when Pablo was sick. And I intend to keep helping people as long as I live. Good thing Pablove Across America starts on October 8. It's an 18-day rolling service circus where the lives of a few dozen riders will be focused on just that: helping others.

Pablove Across America Video Journal #1: Join the Ride

2011-09-01T07:08:00.000-07:00

Pablo At -2 Years

2011-06-27T14:13:00.000-07:00

Two years ago today, Pablo lay in our bed, in our arms, hearing our words of love as we soothed him in his final hours and minutes. Since that moment, life for me has been an emotional and psychological wilderness. Most of the time, I am lost amid dense growth, not knowing which direction will lead me to, well, I wouldn't know where I'm supposed to be headed....

People ask me all sorts of questions about how I feel. I never know what to say. I feel small and shrink away as my mouth says words until the questioner in front of me looks satisfied. The fact is, I have no idea where I'd want to go if I did know the direction out of my trees. Going home, being alone—those things are epically raw and gnarly. I am grateful when I'm doing the work of The Pablove Foundation and Dangerbird, and when I'm on my bike. At those moments, I feel like I'm exactly where I need to be.

Sometimes I wonder: What was the first word I said to my son? Does he see me now, every mistake I make, every gain I make, reeling with unending sadness, faking smiles, passing time until it's my time to hear the words of people who love me and who are letting me know it's OK to go? I do believe that I will never know....until I know.

What I know is that I love Pablo. He gave my life purpose. Being his papa brought harmony to my life. All I had to do to find the rhythm that underpinned it all was to follow Pablo through the streets and playgrounds of LA, New Orleans, Milwaukee, Chicago and NYC. It was that simple. I had no idea how to be a father. He always showed me how it was supposed to be.

I miss Pablo. I will carry his spirit for the rest of my life. For as long as my lungs keep breathing. When I am done, I can assure you I will be happy to be with Pablo, in that place beyond here.... Whatever it's called.

Our friend Carlo Santiago, RIP

2011-02-01T08:24:00.000-08:00

At 5:30am Monday, our friend Carlo Santiago took his final breath in a room at CHLA. He was 10 years old, and had just passed the six year anniversary of his cancer treatment.

Carlo was my friend - our friend - and I will miss him in ways words can't convey.

I will miss this little boy that I met along the path of life, of cancer life. In a world filled with obstacles, medical rejection and strife, Carlo thought only of music, jokes, words and conversation. I never saw him cave inward or resort to darkness, even though nobody would have faulted him for it.

Carlo made me smile. He blew my mind with his sharp wit, his unending vocabulary and his appetite for music. When I went up to see him the night before I left for France, he was zoning in and out - the push of the pain and the pull of the powerful medication pumping straight into his spine. When I arrived, he heard my voice and rallied: his eyes opened, he spoke a sentence in whatever voice he could gather, and he pulled his severely cracked lips into a smile.

With that wry smile on his face, Carlo spelled the name of the pain medication that was easing him through. He was wearing his Pablove tee shirt that night.

Carlo will never leave me. He cut deep into me in a way that would take others decades.

I am grateful to have met this little boy and his amazing parents, Toni and Sam.

35-Year-Old Brian Klein Talks About Being A Childho...

2010-10-24T17:38:00.000-07:00

Pablove Across America 2010 Day 20 Afternoon Dedication

2010-10-21T20:40:00.000-07:00

Pablove Across America 2010 Day 20 Morning Dedication: Kevin Cordasco Jr.

2010-10-21T10:43:00.000-07:00

Pablove Across America 2010 Day 19 Evening Dedication: Thomas Hearne & A...

2010-10-20T22:43:00.000-07:00

Pablove Across America 2010 Day 19 Afternoon Dedication: Hollyn Peterson...

2010-10-20T15:30:00.000-07:00

Pablove Across America 2010 Day 19 Morning Dedication: Diego Tisnado, Ot...

2010-10-20T08:35:00.000-07:00

Pablove Across America 2010 Day 18 Evening Dedication: Josh Brestel & Em...

2010-10-19T20:16:00.000-07:00

Pablove Across America 2010 Day 18 Afternoon Dedication: Peyton Larson &...

2010-10-19T19:54:00.000-07:00

Pablove Across America Front Page DATEBOOK Section Feature in Today's San Francisco Chronicle

2010-10-19T15:13:00.000-07:00

Today's San Francisco Chronicle contains a Pablove Across America feature on the front page of the Datebook section—written by my longtime friend, Aidin Vaziri.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK IT OUT

Pablove Across America 2010 Day 18 Morning Dedication: Pearl Avery Holla...

2010-10-19T15:03:00.000-07:00

Help Me Help Cancer Kids. I Must Hit 100% For Pablove Across America

2010-10-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

Everyone has their motivations. Everyone is, more or less, rolling toward some goal, some place, some eventual end. That's the great promise of human life, isn't it?

My motivation, my goal, my place, my end is a little boy named Pablo. That's him in the photo up there.

Jo Ann carried this little being in her womb for nine months. The creature inside her was named Pablo when he was born into this world, on Saturday June 21 2003. I was excited to be a papa. I had no idea what I was in store for. The boy who was my son, this Pablo character, was so much more than I ever dreamed.

Even before he could speak or walk Pablo shined so much light on us, we'd have trouble going to sleep at night. He was the greatest little brother to Grady. He was the greatest son to me and Jo Ann. He was fun and funny. He spoke Spanish before he spoke English. For a time, we had to speak certain words in Spanish in order to communicate effectively with him. 'Beso. Aqui. Mano. Zapato.' As he got older, Pablo invented a new fashion style for himself every few weeks. You remember: green frog rain boots, suits, bow ties, pirate style, prison style, and all manner of cycling caps, including, as evidenced in this photo, his Mike and the Bike cap and matching socks.

I could write about Pablo until the Pablove Across America peloton reaches Solvang this afternoon. It really comes down to three words: Pablo was Pablo. That simple. It still is, really. Anyone who ever met Pablo knows this. If you never met Pablo, trust me. I wouldn't mischaracterize facts about my son. Even a year after his passing, the little dude abides.

We love Pablo.

Jo Ann, Grady and I love him so much that sometimes nothing in our
lives makes sense. It gets hard to love someone you can't hold in your arms. There's nothing harder in the human experience than losing your little brother. Nothing that will shatter you more than a being you carried in your womb passing away before you. And after a long, protracted battle in a f***ing hospital. Nothing.

I had many, many dreams for my son. For a start, I never wanted him to be hungry, or to go to bed sad or alone. You always want a better life for your child than you had growing up. If there's any bit of the American dream left, that's it. At least for me it was.

Funny, until I wrote those words, I'd never imagined all this 'dream' stuff. Looking at my words in the paragraph above, I'd add one other item to that list: I never wanted my son to suffer through cancer treatment. I never wanted to navigate my arms through I.V. tubes as I held him in my arms at night. I never wanted to see Jo Ann so sad she could crumble. Never. And the invitation to the cancer family must have gotten lost in the mail. Cos, suddenly, there we were. And we never got to leave. There is no exit for me and Jo Ann. We are here, always. We accept this. We have no choice.

Having no choice is one of the great motivators I've found in life. When it comes to our work with The Pablove Foundation our experience and our loss fuels the whole operation. No matter how hard I push myself on the bike, it's a comedy compared to what Pablo went through and 10,000 other kids go through every day. At least I have words for my suffering. Pablo was only five. He couldn't tell us what he was going though emotionally, psychologically, cosmically. When I focus on this, I could do damage to any wall, anywhere, in any room I am in while contemplating it. I hate that cancer made my son suffer. I do not understand it.

My motivation on the bike is to contribute—greatly—to pediatric cancer research, and to aid children and families who are where Pablo, Jo Ann, Grady and I have been.

It's that simple.

If you want to join this fight, help me bridge the gap between 84% and 110%.

Please click here and make a contribution to my Pablove Across America fundraising page .

Pablove Across America 2010 Day 17 Evening Dedication: Ethan Iverson

2010-10-18T20:18:00.000-07:00

Pablove Across America 2010 DAY 17 ride dedication: NICHOLAS ROBERTSON, ...

2010-10-18T17:53:00.000-07:00

Pablove Across America 2010 Day 17 Morning Dedication: Rena Malcolm

2010-10-18T10:19:00.000-07:00

Pablove Across America 2010 Day 16 Evening Dedication: Jessy Goyette

2010-10-17T22:11:00.000-07:00

Pablove Across America 2010 Day 16 Afternoon Dedication: Leo Weber

2010-10-17T20:39:00.000-07:00

Pablove Across America 2010 Day 16 Morning Dedication: JOSH CARLINO

2010-10-17T10:08:00.000-07:00

Pablove Across America 2010 Day 15 Evening Dedication: Zachary Greene

2010-10-17T07:55:00.000-07:00

Pablove Across America 2010 Day 15 Afternoon Dedication

2010-10-17T07:54:00.000-07:00

Pablove Across America 2010 Day 15 Morning Dedication: FRANKLIN FLOYD

2010-10-16T09:43:00.000-07:00

Pablove Across America 2010 Day 14 Morning Dedication: JAMES CORTEZ

2010-10-15T22:40:00.000-07:00

Pablove Across America 2010 Day 14 Night Dedication: OSCAR LITWAK

2010-10-15T22:22:00.000-07:00

Pablove Across America 2010 Day 14 Afternoon Dedication: Wyatt Rech & Du...

2010-10-15T18:08:00.000-07:00

Pablove Across America 2010 DAY 10 afternoon dedication: MARENNA CRAWFOR...

2010-10-11T18:38:00.000-07:00

Pablove Across America Day 9 Evening Dedication: Chelsea Hicks & Amy Lyn...

2010-10-10T22:24:00.000-07:00

Pablove Across America 2010 Day 9 Morning Dedication: David Statezny

2010-10-10T13:37:00.000-07:00

Pablove Across America 2010 Day 9 Afternoon Dedication: Maddie Poynter

2010-10-10T13:03:00.000-07:00

Pablove Across America 2010 DAY 8 evening dedication: DIEGO SANTIAGO

2010-10-10T08:20:00.000-07:00

Pablove Across America Flying Through The Redwoods

2010-10-09T15:54:00.000-07:00

Pablove Across America Climbs Waukell Creek in the Redwood Forest

2010-10-09T15:51:00.000-07:00

Pablove Across America 2010 DAY 8 afternoon dedication: GWYN STINNETT

2010-10-09T14:45:00.000-07:00

Pablove Across America 2010 Day 8 Morning Dedication: Malia Peterson

2010-10-09T11:26:00.000-07:00

Pablove Across America 2010 Day 7 Evening Dedication: Luke Piersol

2010-10-08T21:08:00.000-07:00

Pablove Across America Day 7 Afternoon Dedication: Tyler Hennes

2010-10-08T14:39:00.001-07:00

Pablove Across America 2010 Day 7 Afternoon Dedication: Sevanah Meracle

2010-10-08T14:39:00.000-07:00