Race Across America (www.raceacrossamerica.org) is a cross-country bicyle race that has been a goal of mine since I was Connor Ellison's age. Connor Ellison is a 12 year-old boy from Folsom, CA who has been diagnosed with Liver Disease. Although I am not 12 years-old anymore nor is my health challenged by liver disease, there are two things that brought Connor and I together. Our passion for cycling and our desire to compete in the Race Across America.
Last Fall I spent a few days riding with Connor. At the time, I didn't have an understanding of the extent of Connor's liver disease. Why would I have? Connor acted like any 12 year-old and rode a bicycle like most experienced adult cyclists. It wasn't until after a fellow rider suggested I read Connor's online blog (www.connorsjourney.com) that I became aware of the depth of Connor's condition. Within a couple of months after riding with Connor, he faced life-threatening complications due to his disease which required major surgery performed at Stanford Packard Children's Hospital. With great relief the surgery was a success and with no great surprise Connor is right back on track training for the Race Across America.
This June I will be riding with Connor, along with his parents, uncle, and even his surgeon, on an 8-person team (www.teamdonatelife.com) in the Race Across America. It is funny how things work out. I was Connor's age when I first started dreaming of riding the Race Across America and many years later it is now a 12 year-old boy that I get to ride Race Across America for and along side.
Fittingly, Connor has set an aggressive fundraising goal of $100,000 to support Team Donate Life's mission of promoting organ donation and transplantation. My portion of this overall goal is $2,500 but I know Connor would be ecstatic if we surpass this number. Whether you choose to give to support Team Donate Life's mission, the dream of a 12 year-old, or the dream of a former 12 year-old, we've made donating easy by simply clicking the link below. Thank you for supporting Team Donate Life.
Charlie Humphrey
You can donate to Charlie Humphrey now by
clicking here . Then simply enter Charlie Humphrey when asked if you want to donate on behalf of someone.
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