Pedal It Forward

Melody

A number of people have asked me "What's your Story?" since I announced the formation of the Pedal It Forward guild and the 685 mile European bicycle tour to raise money for Children’s Hospital’s uncompensated care fund.

At the top of my mind are events that lead my children and me to move to Seattle, after ending an untenable marriage to a spouse with anger issues. My three children, ages 3, 5 and 7 and I left our family home and all the destructive memories behind to rebuild our lives near supportive family. During this time, as a suddenly single parent, not dwelling on the negative became an art form steeped in conscience determination. I took a deep breath and prayed every day for our survival, for strength to overcome adversity, and to learn from the lessons in this season of my life.

This summer, after several years of juggling responsibilities as a solo parent, I had the opportunity to participate in a bike tour through France. This wasn’t going to be a typical relaxing vacation. It was a 685 mile bike tour through France, beginning in Bordeaux and ending in the French Alps at Alp du’ Huez (one of the most grueling stages of the Tour de France.) Fourteen riding days, spanning 50 to 60 miles per day. Climbing mountains on bicycles, tottering through country farmer markets, and tent camping were all part of the excursion. Through this venue, I formed the Pedal It Forward guild to raise money for Children’s Hospital uncompensated care fund because I had first hand experience on how stressful it was not having health insurance but daily insuring my children were healthy and safe.

As the tour departure date grew closer, I realized it represented the start of a new chapter for me and for my children. This ride would take me completely out of my comfort zone but I realized a calm, simmering strength that eluded me previously. This ride was something I could do for myself, and also for others.

Sixty percent of the patients seen last year received some sort of financial assistance. If my story touched you, I hope you’ll consider a donation to Children’s Hospital, through the Pedal It Forward Guild, because every day there are children who need medical care and parents who have the same anxiety about keeping their children healthy and safe. During a single visit or years of care, the hospital’s young patients will seek to rebuild their health through medicine, while their parents and guardians seek to rebuild their faith.

Our children are precious gifts to all of us, and no parent should be left with the burden of wondering how they can financially meet the health care needs of their children.

If you would like to know more about the Pedal It Forward guild, or peek vicariously into the ride of a lifetime through the French countryside, check out my blog on www.pedalitforward.spaces.msn.com.

Please consider giving…because a healthy child is priceless.