A Dad. A Daughter. A Journey for a Cure.

The following post is written by NF Endurance Team member Darren Smith who rode on Aug. 28, 2010 in the Hotter’n Hell Hundred in Texas.

Well…we did it!

I say we because so many people were involved in supporting this effort in so many different ways — the generous  donations, the folks that helped me prepare, and the countless words of encouragement. If my Garmin is right, I rode more than 650 miles before leaving for Texas.  It all came together to ensure a strong finish on the bike and for the www.Riding4Perrie.com campaign.

The campaign raised more than $12,000 to directly fund research for the Children’s Tumor Foundation – research to give hope to Perrie and the more than 2 million others living with this very unforgiving disorder. I have to admit, I had total confidence in my friends and family in supporting this endeavor. I always knew we would hit the goal, but surpassing it was not expected; it was an overwhelming and incredible surprise! I felt like George Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life,” a man who when he needed support the most,  received it from everyone that was connected to him.

The ride, especially the last 20 miles, was not easy. It was like someone flipped a switch, and I was riding in 100 degree heat and a relentless head wind. The training in heat and learning how to take care of myself to keep cramps and dehydration away was so important to survive. It was an unnerving site to see many people drop out, get sick, or need IV’s. When you see people just stopping and sitting on the side of the road, or walking with their bike until the support folks picked them up — the magnitude of what you are involved in hits home.

The magnitude of why I was involved also hit home. I kept thinking of the very first time I read Perrie’s story…my very first thought after reading it was was….Darren…this is the part where you STEP UP!  This is where you step up as a father and as a human being. Here is your chance, your moment — seize it! So I just kept pedaling — pedaling against the heat, the wind, the uncertainty of what the next mile might bring.  I also thought of everyone who supported this effort, and how they too stepped up to meet this challenge and make a difference. They were people I have known my whole life, and people I have never met, but all showed generosity and genuine concern.

A very special thanks to the NF Endurance staff in making this happen and the team and families we had the pleasure to meet while in Texas. Thanks to you all for making me and my family feel welcome. It was a special feeling to be around folks affected directly or indirectly by NF and to know, sometimes without saying a word, that someone understands the place you are in. You are my heroes.

We have decided to leave the www.riding4Perrie.com site up, since some people still want to donate. Others have asked if they can make this their annual charity donation, and I say, of course! Perhaps I will do some sort of event down the road to continue the effort of raising funds for research.

I, along with my family, appreciate the support now and in the future.