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Mason Swimmer "This f^!#er just picked the wrong body..."
Journal
Monday, October 23, 2006 8:13 PM CDT This is Mason's letter to the Paceline that Chris Brewer (LIVESTRONG) posted last week. http://www.thepaceline.com/members/featureditem.aspx?cid=2770
Mason's Ride for the Roses! Thursday, October 19, 2006
This past weekend I got to hang out with Lance!
Ever since I was diagnosed with cancer 2 1/2 years ago, my Dad’s been trying to hook me up with him. I didn’t really think it would happen and Dad did say, “Don’t hold your breath”, but dreams do come true! I got to ride with the man, and he’s totally cool.
Besides all of the obvious good that LIVESTRONG does, they sure can put on a great party! All of the events were great and the people were the best. I got to actually meet some of the people who had written to me since my diagnosis.
This weekend also assured me that the Lance Armstrong Foundation is worth every dime and ounce of energy anybody puts into it. The organization is supportive, extremely efficient, and really making a difference.
I met survivors and supporters from all over the place and realize that we are a sort of family and we can do a lot of good working together. We all certainly have a common goal, to get rid of cancer. Lance said that we were the “generals” in the fight and the more soldiers that join the fight, the more likely people in positions to change policies will take notice. I saw the possibilities and caught the hope of this reality.
This weekend also renewed my spirit to ride.
I rode because Lance had the heart to give me (and thousands of others) the “wheels”. I rode because Chris Brewer had the heart to share his vision and because of all of the LIVESTRONG staff who cleared the path. I rode because of all of you who contributed something in honor of or in memory of or just out of the goodness of your hearts. I rode with hopes of opening the eyes and hearts of more people to amplify efforts to find cures. I rode to respect and represent all the fighters and survivors who share this history.
I had originally intended to ride the short 7 mile loop on Sunday because I didn’t know if my leg would hold up, but my brother, Toby, and I decided last minute to “get your money’s worth” and ride 45 miles with Lance – well, not exactly with Lance – but at least we all started out together… Toby was on a borrowed mountain bike but he’s a monster and did great. He did say something like “…if anybody else tells me that Texas is flat I know they’re full of…!”
My whole family came home inspired to do more. And we will - THANK YOU all for making this happen...
Read Journal History
Hospital Information: Carolinas Medical Charlotte, N.C. Thank you all in the 7th Tower and Clinic!!! We know you care...
Links: http://www.laf.org Lance Armstrong Foundation http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/charonwalker Charon Walker http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/news/story?id=1845496 Mas on ESPN.com
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