Dearest Friends,

Now more than ever, so many of us have long lists of realities in life to be thankful for. Personally, I am feeling particularly thankful for good health and the freedom to challenge myself and express myself in the form of long physical pursuits. There are so many humans in this world who live completely different realities than we do, who aren’t getting updates from friends on their smartphones but rather dealing with atrocities in their lives that are difficult to fathom.

I am choosing to fundraise with Doctors Without Borders for this particular long pursuit because I am impressed with the work and aid they are providing on the ground right now in Gaza to people who need medical help desperately. As I embark on this nonstop Double Everest challenge (climbing 60,000 feet of vertical elevation gain on my bicycle), I will be fueled by knowing that in some small way our community will be making a difference in the lives of people who need it the most. Thanks for being a part of the community.