Dave's Cycle For a Cure 2007
Dear Family and Friends
In this fourth year of "Dave's Cycle for a Cure", I feel that it is only necessary to reflect upon why it is that we, everyone involved in the fight for Cystic Fibrosis, selflessly continue each year to fight for a cure.
Think back upon where it is you were or where it is you want to be at 24 years of age. For the reflecting audience, were you in a collegiate environment? Were you in the workforce? Had you found the love of your life, settled, and possibly parented children? For those of you who are not quite there yet, where do you want to be at age 24? Do you want to have a family? Do you want to have a steady job? However it is that you define success, I believe that most may conclude that by 24 years old they had not achieved such a thing. If your life ceased at 24 years of age, would you be able to say that you had lived your life with the greatest possible passion and purpose?
Success is a relative term; however, I can assure you with what little I know at 18 years of age, it is not found in any material realm. The greatest success may be found in the grace, peace, and joy in knowing that one has lived a life happy with his/her self, and the way he/she has treated other people. And I believe that it is the grace and peace one experiences in the selfless act of helping another, no matter the task, which leads to the ultimate joy.
Jennifer Board, who "Dave's Cycle for a Cure" was dedicated to four years ago, was an exemplar of success. At 24 years of age, she had achieved the peace and happiness with herself and others that most do not achieve in a lifetime. Her lifelong fight with Cystic Fibrosis may have taxed her body, but in no way did it tax her soul or passion for life.
This life that we are all given is often taken for granted. I know that until recently, I certainly took my own health for granted. It was not until a bout with pneumonia and a 40% drop in my lung function that I began to realize the seriousness of the cause for which "Dave's Cycle for a Cure" exists. I will be finishing my freshman year at TCU in May and will admit it has been a challenge keeping up with the physical therapy of treatments, medications, and a hospitalization all the while trying to maintain a somewhat normal "college kid" lifestyle. And it is for this reason, that I am ever devoted to further bettering the quality of life for those living with CF every day.
It only takes one person to make a difference. In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, I encourage all of you to, "Be the change you wish to see in the world." I am calling you to rise above mediocrity and be the hero each and everyone possesses the potential to be. Your support for the CF foundation is not in vain, as the slightest donation may bring us one step closer to finding a cure and one step closer to saving lives. To this date, we have raised more than $55,000 and, we are not stopping there. I am humbled by your continued support in our efforts to save lives one mile at a time.
On a personal note, I have decided to return to Louisiana and will be
continuing my college years at LSU. If you would like information regarding
Cystic Fibrosis, this year's ride, enjoy our previous adventures,
or would like to make a donation online, please check out my web site
www.davescycleforacure.com .
You can also go to www.cff.org to learn about new advances in CF.
My family and I continue to wish you many of God's blessings and thank you for your support.
You can also mail your donations to:
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
9141 Interline Dr., Suite 4A
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
David Tarnow
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