Cardiac Transplant Recipient Rides Bike
Donation protected
Richard is riding again! I'm driving again! Your support will help make the Tour de Second Chance 3 a big success!
Richard's Story:
In September 2000 I was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy. On March 26, 2004 I received a donor heart and had a cardiac transplant at the age of 52; the same age cardiomyopathy claimed the life of my mother. Its been quite a journey since...
The Tour de Second Chance is a bike ride I designed with my wife and partner Barbara that starts in Cleveland, Ohio and ends in Boston, Massachusetts. Riding a bicycle has helped me find my way back to being athletic with my new donor heart. Now I ride to celebrate my life, to raise awareness of the importance of organ donation and to share my experiences before, during and after my transplant with those interested. In 2008 I made the 800 mile trip in 11 days. In 2010 I did the ride in 8 days. On both tours we stopped at hospitals along our route to meet and talk with those people waiting for donor hearts in Cleveland, Rochester, Albany, and Boston. Visit http://www.tourdesecondchance.com and look through the blog from our 2008 and 2010 rides. We met so many wonderful people! We also have a Facebook page where you can post questions we will address regularly. https://www.facebook.com/TourDeSecondChance
Your support will help pay for fuel and tolls, a rental car if our dear old SAAB isn't up for the trip, motels, meals, publicity, outreach and documentation, AND any unplanned repairs to the bikes that are needed as the ride is underway. All funds donated will go directly to support the ride.
Richard's Story:
In September 2000 I was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy. On March 26, 2004 I received a donor heart and had a cardiac transplant at the age of 52; the same age cardiomyopathy claimed the life of my mother. Its been quite a journey since...
The Tour de Second Chance is a bike ride I designed with my wife and partner Barbara that starts in Cleveland, Ohio and ends in Boston, Massachusetts. Riding a bicycle has helped me find my way back to being athletic with my new donor heart. Now I ride to celebrate my life, to raise awareness of the importance of organ donation and to share my experiences before, during and after my transplant with those interested. In 2008 I made the 800 mile trip in 11 days. In 2010 I did the ride in 8 days. On both tours we stopped at hospitals along our route to meet and talk with those people waiting for donor hearts in Cleveland, Rochester, Albany, and Boston. Visit http://www.tourdesecondchance.com and look through the blog from our 2008 and 2010 rides. We met so many wonderful people! We also have a Facebook page where you can post questions we will address regularly. https://www.facebook.com/TourDeSecondChance
Your support will help pay for fuel and tolls, a rental car if our dear old SAAB isn't up for the trip, motels, meals, publicity, outreach and documentation, AND any unplanned repairs to the bikes that are needed as the ride is underway. All funds donated will go directly to support the ride.
Organizer
Barbara Gates
Organizer
Jamaica Plain, MA