I am just writing this Post really to simply say thank you to all the people that have already lent me their support in my efforts to create greater MPN Awareness & by Donating to our MPN Rare Blood Cancer Fundraiser during 2019...
While the task still lies ahead of me, I just felt it was important to stop and thank everyone that has contributed in supporting my efforts in one way or another, and I also want to say a very special thank you to all the cycling fraternity that have supported me too...
When I was diagnosed (May 2016), I was not even riding a bike, and it was only after struggling to fight off much depression that I decided to take up this MPN Fundraiser / Awareness challenge by cycling circa 20,000kms... During this journey, much has transpired, perhaps after almost three years of cycling I might even start referring to myself as a cyclist ...
One aspect of the cycling community is their enormous sense of camaraderie, and the astounding 'Pay It Forward' disposition in how they all look out for each other when out on their individual cycling journeys etc...
Through this MPN adventure I have made so many new friends, many with an MPN, and many others who are not, they're just cyclists...
Those new cycling acquaintances have contributed and supported me either by purchasing a MATES Jersey, or by becoming one of my now many riding buddies, and of course by making the odd donation, (either Online or at one of the many Awareness Stands)...
At times, continuing this Fundraising drive was / is very hard work... From maintaining the website; undertaking the great variety of marketing tasks; seeking Sponsorships & Donations; seeking Press coverage; manning the Stands, and even just doing the cycling training required each week... sometimes it is easy to become over-awed by the enormity of the challenge that I have set for myself... and trying so hard to make it the success that I now it can and ought to be...
* FIVE (5) MPN Specialists in all of Australia simply will NOT do... (26 Million population)
* Likewise barely any MPN Research in the Australian context being undertaken ...
* Patient's need better treatment options & greater empathy from the medical fraternity for chronic rare blood cancers are in a minority...
At the end of 2019, my spirit started to wane again... New Year's Day saw me out trying to tackle one of the biggest climbs I have thus far undertaken, which is a circa 123km RIDE from Bella Vista to Springwood and back... Springwood, is quite a tough climb as I was soon to discover... almost 400 vertical metres, 1249m elevation in all... Funny how mountain climbing & Fundraisers have so much in common...
However, on that day, I met another female cyclist who showed me great camaraderie by riding along with me... Later inviting me, (a complete stranger), into her home for refreshments, and then to make a rather large Donation to the Fundraiser, and asked me to let her know whenever I am looking for another riding buddy so she could accompany me again...
It is just such an amazing sensation to feel such warmth, support and generosity, and particularly at a time when so many others are struggling through this unprecedented Fire season...
Let's all hope that Australia has a week or two of good rain to help overcome the tragedy that we have all witnessed this spring and summer, and that those directly affected will also receive all the help they will need to rebuild their lives...
Australians are such incredible people...
Thank you...
Steven
