David P Posted July 9, 2003 Share Posted July 9, 2003 Hey everyone. Hope you're all making the best out of your own situations. I have just recently had a situation present itself that I found was too hard to ignore; it sort of snuck up on me, slapped me in the face and said, (in a Clint Eastwood voice) "go ahead, I dare you". Let me fill you in... After finding this website last Nov. and getting to know most of you (you know there's 154 people on this site that have zero posts - I think if I have some time this summer, I'm going to PM all of you zero posts and say HI!!) Anyway, after getting to know most of you and your situations, I felt as though I had taken my longevity for granted, and started thinking what could I do to give back. Being active on this message board is a real joy for me, but I wanted to do more. And yes, It did come down to biking. Each year I race in about 10 to 16 mountain bike races. There are a lot of competitors and spectators at each race. None of them know (except my riding buddies) that I race with one lung. I usually place third or fourth from last in my age category, but that's OK - my goal is not to come last - and I even won a race last year! So, I started thinking, "what if I made it known that I'm racing with one lung. It might make a good enough story that I could tie it in with fundraising for lung cancer research at each of the races I attend." Well, I've been too busy to get it going, but I did contact the Canadian Cancer Society, and they agreed to support me should I need it. That takes us to a couple of weeks ago. One of the races I ride in each year is the 24hrs of Adrenaline mountain bike race, which is mainly a team relay. I have been on a team of 4 or 5 for the past three years. The first rider rides the 7 or 8 mile lap up , and then down the mountain before passing the small batton to the next rider, who rides, then passes it on, and so on. After I ride my lap, there's three hours or so to eat, sleep, and work on the bike before I go out on my next lap. The goal is to see which team can ride the most laps of the course in 24 hrs. Well, you know, there is a SOLO category in this race. Yes, the goal is to see which individual can ride the most laps in the 24 hrs! The winner of the Elite group rode 19 laps in 24hrs last year. Our whole team rode 20 laps!! I've always thought the Solo riders were crazy. Until last year... The Solo World Championships were at our race last year, and the guy who won the World Title in what would have been my category, (45 to 49 yrs) rode 12 laps in the 24 hrs. If you broke that down, it was about two hrs per lap. I was riding laps of 1:10 to 1:35. Can you see it comming? Even if I were to slow down and pace myself, could I have ridden more laps than the guy who is now the World Champ? Here it comes... SLAAAPPP!! (Clint) " Go ahead, I dare you. Bet you can't do it." Well, guess what? Of course I can do it. Now, of course, there's no way the one lung guy could ever qualify to get to the world Championships (you must be in the top three in your category to get a spot in the Worlds - which are at Whistler this year, only 150 miles from where I live). Or could he? Nope. There are two age categories at the 12hr qualifying race, -30 and +30. If the one lung guy has to race against 30 yr olds, there's no way he's getting to the Worlds. Or is he? There are always 30 spots available for local riders to just pay their money and ride the 24hrs, not as part of the Worlds, but amongst themselves. Almost done. I E-mailed the woman coordinating the Worlds to ask if there are any of the 30 local rider spots left, and said, "like gee wiz, it's too bad there are only two age categories in the 12 hr qualifying race." She responded by saying, There's lots of room left, but don't worry agout the age categories; in the World Championships there are 5 year age categories. I'll take the results from the qualifying race and plug them into the our 5 yr categories. It looks like you're a shoe in to get to the Worlds." A SHOE IN!!! Did you hear that?? A shoe in?? Could the one lung guy get to the World Championships?? If I got there, could I possibly win?? This changed everything!! I was on the phone to the Cancer Society, had to find a coach, needed a nutritionist, needed to start a crazy training schedule - only one month to the qualifier, and two months to the big one, I needed to find some sponsorship, and I had to start a fundraising campaign. PHEWF!! Now, I was already working to plan a fundraiser event at the school I teach at that would support childhood cancer research and send kids to Camp Goodtimes - a free summer camp for kids with a history of cancer. It is sponsored by the Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock, which is a group of Vancouver Island police officers who bike ride for 12 days from the north end of Vancouver Island to the south end, stopping in each community for fundraising events like mass head shaving. I thought it would be a good idea to present my fundraising money to the Cops at that event, and asked if a certain percentage could be earmarked specifically for lung cancer. I was told if I'm presenting at the Cops event, it has to go to Cop for Cancer. The lady began to fill me in on how the donations were distributed -- 30% would go to Camp Goodtimes, and 70% would go to childhood cancer research. Do you guys know there are children as young as 5 and 6 yrs old with various forms of lung cancer? And she showed me two articles on on kids who have had lobectomies!! All of my donations will go to Cops for Cancer. And I'll get my head shaved too!! The manager of the Fitness World Club has given me 6 months free working out time, and has offered to make up pro looking posters of me, send out press releases, and fundraise in his club for me. I have three weekend mall appearences set up with prize draws from local stores. I have three department stores competing against each other for fundraising, and I'm in the process of securing donations to cover some expenses to get to the two events with a support crew. (not a lot of luck with this yet, but once I get on TV and in the paper, that should change) And I'm even talking to a local community grocery chain to see if they can feed us. So, to say the least, I have a pretty busy summer ahead of me. Think of me when you're sitting around your pool; I'll be the guy out there on training rides of 10 and 12 hours. But it will be well worth it. Take care everyone. David Piercy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fresca Posted July 9, 2003 Share Posted July 9, 2003 THAT IS AWESOME DAVID! your truly and inspiration my friend. I love your attitude and your aura (even though I can't see you) just your energy in your posts and everything. I wish you best of luck in all, and keep us posted. k Rana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna G Posted July 9, 2003 Share Posted July 9, 2003 Go Dave Go! You have over 400 chear leaders . Lets all shout!!!!!!!!! Go Dave Go Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie Posted July 9, 2003 Share Posted July 9, 2003 David, Your My HERO!! YOU GO FOR IT!!!!!!!! Always A Huge Fan of Yours! Laurie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terrie Posted July 9, 2003 Share Posted July 9, 2003 DAVE, DAVE HE'S OUR MAN.. IF HE CAN'T DO IT NO ONE CAN!!!! WAY TO GO, DAVID!! Terrie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debi Posted July 9, 2003 Share Posted July 9, 2003 David, WOW!! I ran out of breath just reading your post!! (okay, I admit..easy feat right now!) I wish you lots of luck in your training...keep us posted (no pun intended!) on the dates and stuff!! And in the words of our hero, Clint...go ahead, make our day!!! Go out there and kick butt!! Debi 46 years old Stage 1A Surgery June 16, 2003, upper, mid lobe removed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beckyg Posted July 9, 2003 Share Posted July 9, 2003 David, I want to by just like you when I grow up. My bike rides are still not much over a mile at a time (too short of breath and too hot in Texas in the summer) but I am working to get my breath back after radiation stole it and I am planning to be riding 26 years from now. Becky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john Posted July 9, 2003 Share Posted July 9, 2003 David, way to go. I ride a road bike - mother had lung cancer, not me. You may want to contact http://www.laf.org, they may offer you free coaching and or help with fundraising take care John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
norme Posted July 9, 2003 Share Posted July 9, 2003 GO DAVE GO. SOUNDS LIKE YOU HAVE YOUR WHOLE SUMMER PLANNED. WISH YOU ALL THE LUCK IN THE WORLD EVENT...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiny Posted July 9, 2003 Share Posted July 9, 2003 David P. Awesome, simply awesome!!!!! ( Not to mention overwhelming, exhausting, daunting, etc., etc. ) I'm so proud of you for doing this...all the effort, organization, energy, and commitment involved! What are specific dates, times, and places for the qualifying and Grand Finale races?? ...I'm not that far away, you know! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RAY A Posted July 9, 2003 Share Posted July 9, 2003 Dave, My 1 lung brother, You are amazing!!!!!!! I believe god gives us a purpose in life and I think you found yours Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudyB Posted July 9, 2003 Share Posted July 9, 2003 DavidP, Like, double WOW! Every time I see your pix, I feel guilty that I'm such a slug, but NOW! Reading about all you are going to do. . . leaves me speechless. GOOD LUCK!!!!! Get the word out!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remembering Dave Posted July 9, 2003 Share Posted July 9, 2003 Dave, that is great. Best of luck to you. I think it is an awesome way to get the word out. You are an inspiration!!! David C Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cindy RN Posted July 9, 2003 Share Posted July 9, 2003 OK!!!!!! I can say I knew him back when all he could do was post on the lung cancer forum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ginnyd Posted July 9, 2003 Share Posted July 9, 2003 Wowsa, wowsa Dave. It is my husband with part of his lung missing and I can't ride my bike to the mail box. You go guy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kimblanchard Posted July 10, 2003 Share Posted July 10, 2003 David, This is truly incredible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GO GO GO GO Blessings to you, Peg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carolsdaughter Posted July 10, 2003 Share Posted July 10, 2003 Dave, What a kind thing to do! I'm sure you will get noticed for doing this and people will be able to see that there are survivors who are strong (and handsome too)! HUGS, Shelly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SandyS Posted July 10, 2003 Share Posted July 10, 2003 Ya know, I was thinking of you when I made my post about Lance Armstrong - but the heck with him! My "goooooooooooooo dude!"'s are now all officially reserved for YOU! You ARE awesome...... SandyS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LindaMRG Posted July 10, 2003 Share Posted July 10, 2003 You are AWESOME!!!! I have always admired you for coming here when you're cancer was so long ago. You are always so compassionate to everyone. I remember your post to me when my father was diagnosed. You certainly turned something bad into something worthwhile for others. You have my utmost respect and admiration. God Bless you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David A Posted July 10, 2003 Share Posted July 10, 2003 You go David!!!!!!, I was a cycling fanatic till my breathing got too bad mostly road but I have had a couple mountain bikes. You go Man!!!!!! David P Rocks!!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted July 10, 2003 Share Posted July 10, 2003 David, I am soooooooo proud of you! Awesome! Hey, folks, we have our own "Lance" here on the boards! Go, David, Go! Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mittlers Posted July 10, 2003 Share Posted July 10, 2003 David, That great!! You should be so proud. Is your family excited? Congrats you are my idol!!! Susan M. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fay A. Posted July 10, 2003 Share Posted July 10, 2003 Dear Dave ....All this time I've been waiting for the other shoe to drop, or hearing about people waiting for the other shoe to drop.... and I've been wondering what happens to all those dropped shoes. Where do those shoes go? Well, I think I've figured it out. They're laying around out there in the big wide world just waiting to become "shoe ins". Yep.... I think that's what happens. It just takes the right person to come along to make something positive out of them. I am proud to "know" you, David P. And I wish you every success. Fay A. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gina D. Posted July 10, 2003 Share Posted July 10, 2003 You go boy! I think of you every time I take out the mountain bike I bought a month ago for "lung reconditioning" Now I will think of you even more! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David P Posted July 10, 2003 Author Share Posted July 10, 2003 Thank you everyone for your kind words and support. It all comes down to a guy's got to do what a guy's got to do. There is no question in my mind; I will be on the podium at the World Championships. Fresca - I've always had too much energy. Donna - Thanks for the cheer. Laurie - I could use another fan, it gets pretty hot cycling in the summer. Terrie - Thanks for the cute rhyming tune. Debi - I'm always looking for a new way to, "make my day". I found it. Becky - Your breathing will get better, and your rides longer. John - Thanks for the link. Norme - Thanks for the good wishes. Tiny - I'll keep you posted on the dates. Thanks for the support. Ray - with what you're going through, YOU'RE AMAZING!! Judy - Stop feeling guilty. Buy the bike, and find a nice bike path. David C - I hear there's some great bike races down in West Virginia. Cindy - Tis a far nobler thing to post on the LC board than to ride a bike. Ginny - ride half way to the mailbox, then walk the rest of the way. Peg - Thanks for the cheer. Shelly - every survivor and caregiver here is stronger than they'll ever know. Sandy - It's nice to have an officially reserved, "Gooooooo Dude!" Thanks Linda - Thanks for your kind words. David A - You can still be a cycling fanatic. Just take it easier. Don & Lucie - Thanks. What you say means alot to me. Susan M - My family thinks I'm crazy. Fay - When she said, "shoe in" it was like a TON of shoes dropping! and Gina - Crestline sounds like a wonderful place to bike. I think I'd like to cycle down there sometime. THANKS EVERYONE, I'll keep you posted. David P. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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