The first time I saw my father cry was when I was around 5 years old. We lived in an apartment in Buenos Aires, and I could see he was upset so he went to sit on a chair in the balcony, hoping to be alone, not knowing the prying eyes of a child were following him. "Dad doesn't cry!" I said to myself, so I went outside and asked him in a very innocent way why he was doing so and he responded that it was because his sister was very sick. 

My aunt Chela died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 39 later that week. 

Since then, cancer has been a hound dog, following family and friends alike. As I've gotten older, I've learned to appreciate life much more, and so rather than just signing a check to a charity, I am doing another Fireflies charity ride... and this one scares the hell out of me. I've been training (a lot but not enough) so I can can ride through the dirt roads of the Andes mountains, not far from where I was born, on some of the most challenging terrain in the world. It will be the most physically demanding challenge of my life, at the age of 55 no less, and truth be told, I've never been a very good athlete-- I'm not one of those natural endurance types who runs marathons or does triathlons. The couch and TV had heretofore been my sport, with an occasional trip to the dreaded gym. 

But, suffering up a steep long mountain road, all alone, seemed a more appropriate way to raise money to fight cancer-- a solidarity for all those who are quietly suffering through the biggest challenge of their life. 

So... won't you please join me on my ride? Any donation, whatever you can afford, is very significant and adds up to something that makes an enormous impact. 

Things for you to know: I'm paying my way, so ALL your money goes to fighting cancer. Here's a little info about Blood Cancer UK:

"We're a community dedicated to beating blood cancer. We do this by funding research and supporting those affected. Since 1960, we've invested over £500 million in blood cancer research, transforming treatments and saving lives. Right now, our community is funding 360 researchers and staff across the UK who are searching for the next breakthrough. The day we will beat blood cancer is now in sight and the researchers are determined to finish the job."

Thank you for your support, it means the world to me. 

Love,

Gerard