Today the group arose dew covered and disoriented, after our first outdoor sleeping experience of the trip. Many of us had slept out under the stars and others in the make shift tarp shelter that had been constructed for the night. Though chilly, the day was sunny and bright, and another delicious breakfast awaited us in the cancer survivors tent at the Vermilion Relay for Life. We had a very short biking day, only 21 miles on route 6 West; we were biking into the wind, but the ride seemed effortless compared to the long and hilly days that we had
experienced earlier in the trip.
We unpacked our belongings for our stay at Jackson Middle School in Sandusky, Ohio. We were generously provided lunch and dinner, lasagna that could be heated up later for consumption, by the school principal Scott Matheny. Rob and JoAnne Freeman had traveled 2 hours, all the way from Livonia, Michigan, to meet us in Sandusky to talk with us. They had stayed at the Baltimore Hope Lodge for a few weeks while JoAnne received treatment for cancer of the appendix. Due to the expendable nature of the appendix, it would seem like an easy cancer to treat. However, it had spread to many of her vital organs and she had to get extensive surgery performed to remove the cancer. JoAnne and Rob seemed to be in good spirits and determined to win their battle with cancer.
Since we had finished quite early in the day the team was presented with a few wonderful options; visit Cedar Point, one of the best roller coaster amusement parks in the world, head to the largest indoor water park in the country, or relax and enjoy the Lake Erie coast. Everyone had a fabulous day and seemed pleased with their choice.
My choice, and about 12 other team members, was Cedar Point. We had an incredible day of running, dancing, and skipping to every terrifying ride possible, cheering and screaming along the way. We were even able to instigate the wave and the slow clap on a few roller coasters.
After hitting virtually every major ride, and thoroughly embarrassing and nauseating ourselves, it was time for dinner and we returned to Jackson Middle School. Tired but content, we ate and geared up for the next long day that awaited us. If you ever find yourself in Sandusky, I highly recommend checking out Cedar Point; it rocked my world.
-Jessica Arms
experienced earlier in the trip.
We unpacked our belongings for our stay at Jackson Middle School in Sandusky, Ohio. We were generously provided lunch and dinner, lasagna that could be heated up later for consumption, by the school principal Scott Matheny. Rob and JoAnne Freeman had traveled 2 hours, all the way from Livonia, Michigan, to meet us in Sandusky to talk with us. They had stayed at the Baltimore Hope Lodge for a few weeks while JoAnne received treatment for cancer of the appendix. Due to the expendable nature of the appendix, it would seem like an easy cancer to treat. However, it had spread to many of her vital organs and she had to get extensive surgery performed to remove the cancer. JoAnne and Rob seemed to be in good spirits and determined to win their battle with cancer.
Since we had finished quite early in the day the team was presented with a few wonderful options; visit Cedar Point, one of the best roller coaster amusement parks in the world, head to the largest indoor water park in the country, or relax and enjoy the Lake Erie coast. Everyone had a fabulous day and seemed pleased with their choice.
My choice, and about 12 other team members, was Cedar Point. We had an incredible day of running, dancing, and skipping to every terrifying ride possible, cheering and screaming along the way. We were even able to instigate the wave and the slow clap on a few roller coasters.
After hitting virtually every major ride, and thoroughly embarrassing and nauseating ourselves, it was time for dinner and we returned to Jackson Middle School. Tired but content, we ate and geared up for the next long day that awaited us. If you ever find yourself in Sandusky, I highly recommend checking out Cedar Point; it rocked my world.
-Jessica Arms
1 comment:
Hi, I'm Rosemary, Jessica Arms's mother. Long after Jess became a participant in the 2008 4k, the ride became very personal for her. Her father, Brownie, was diagnosed with an extremely aggressive form of prostate cancer through a biopsy performed on 5/2/08. Extensive testing showed no spread in the body, but only an examination of the lymph nodes close to the prostate and surrounding tissues would give us the whole picture. Two days after the 4k team departed from Baltimore, he underwent surgery and the prostate was removed. On 6/5/08, we received the good news that the cancer was contained in the prostate, and no additional action is required. We are truly blessed and thankful for the swift and excellent care provided by the urologist, Dr. Song.
Notice to all men and the women who love them -- be sure to monitor your PSA, a simple addition to any blood test. It may save your life.
We send our best wishes and encouragement to all the 4k riders who are spreading the message of cancer screening and hope across the USA.
Love,
Rosemary & Brownie Arms
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