One Week Left!!

Good morning everybody! This is Lisa, Pete’s wife. I’m going to give you an update on what’s going on because Pete’s in “focus” mode getting everything ready for the trip. Right now he’s in the garage doing a packing dry run for the trailer, hoping everything he needs to take will fit. Now I hear the air compressor so he must be taking the trailer tires off to replace. This past week a lot of very positive things happened. Kudos to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Erica Badu for really making things happen. She started making calls to all of the cancer centers on the route trying to get confirmed appointments for Pete for tours and introductions. Pete had already coordinated a media event at Seattle’s Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and Erica tells us that Arizona Cancer Center, part of The University of Arizona in Tuscon, also wants to make theirs a media event which is awesome! In addition, they are trying to coordinate the local Goldwing Road Rider’s Association chapter to come out and ride with Pete on his way out town. On day one of Pete’s trip he’ll be stopping at MD Anderson Cancer Research Center in Houston. With the assistance of LLS and MD Anderson’s own Patrick and Mary Browning, a meet and greet has been coordinated for Pete’s arrival. Patrick Browning is not only the Clinical Business Manager in the Cancer Prevention Center but he also is the President of MD Anderson’s Motorcycle group, Rider’s For The Cure. (http://www.meetup.com/Riders-For-The-Cure). In addition, Carolyn Hensarling from LLS, our Campaign Manager, sent out a press release to the local news media about the Send Off Party on Saturday, May 16^th. We’re hoping we have some media presence during the party.

Also, Pete and Deb Barker, Deputy Executive Director of the local chapter of LLS, were invited to be interviewed on Great Day SA (San Antonio), a local San Antonio television morning show, about “Cruisin’ For A Cure”. Very cool! They’ll be interviewed on Thursday, May 15, 2009 (http://www.kens5.com/greatday). I’ll be in attendance for moral support. Finally, we had our monthly Goldwing Road Rider’s Association dinner meeting at which all of the members in attendance gave Pete one piece of advice for his upcoming long mileage trip. All of the tidbits were great including almost everybody who said “Drink Water!”. This will be hard for Pete since he doesn’t drink water so I’m hoping he heeds their good advice. Anyway, that’s it for now. We’re off to Costco to get bottled water and some final supplies. I appreciate your continued prayers for Pete’s trip, for safe roads and clear skies. Don’t forget that Pete will be updating his blog while he’s on the road. Well, not when he’s ON the road, but in the hotel in the evening. Safety first!

Final "Cruisin' For A Cure" Projected Itinerary

Wow, I'm a month away now! (May 18, 2009)

Hello Everyone!

I’m finally one month away from my departure date and feeling pretty excited about my journey all the way around the country. But this journey is not for my personal enjoyment, although I’m sure to have a great experience. Rather, this long journey is for all of those that have been affected by cancers in a variety of ways. Obviously, my journey is for those who have been stricken by blood cancers but also for the family members, caretakers, and friends. I want them to know that there are a lot of people who care about them and the emotional and physical battles they endure on a daily basis while bravely fighting their cancer. Thank YOU for all of your support and love to those that are struggling. In a simple way, I feel that this is what we are all called to do. Care for one another.

I have never been diagnosed with cancer but I have had family members and friends that have so I want to do my part to help in my own way and that is to raise money to help doctors and scientists find a cure for cancer and find it now! Also, know that this money also helps families in difficult times with various forms of direct support from The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I would encourage you to visit their website at http://www.lls.org/ to learn more. I personally have learned a lot from just reading the discussion board on the LLS site. It has been a real chance to hear what people are saying and what their struggles are.

These past few months have been very busy for Lisa and me as we have been working out all of the logistics of this trip that I am undertaking by myself. People keep asking me how many people are going with me. I tell them me, myself, and I. Yes, by myself! So, with that in mind, I’m asking one thing of you and that is to help fight cancer by donating to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society through, “Cruisin’ For A Cure”. Seriously, I need your help and even though times are tough on many of us, think about how tough it is on children and adults affected by these blood cancers. I want to thank those that have already donated towards this cause. I cannot even begin to tell you how much this means to me.

Thank you and please keep me and especially those in need, in your prayers!

Quick Facts:

Send off party --- Saturday, May 16th 2009 at the South Texas Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (all are invited but an RSVP would be helpful)
Distance --- Approximately 11,000 miles, if I don’t get lost! (my wife said this)
Duration --- Approximate 4-5 weeks driving 7 days a week
Stops --- Approximately 31 scheduled stops consisting of prestigious cancer research hospitals and LLS Chapter offices
Purpose --- To put blood cancers to an end once and for all!!

All Proceeds Benefit:The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – South Texas Chapter

431 Isom Road, Suite 125, San Antonio, Texas 78216

Tel: 210-377-1775

FAX: 210-344-3717

Toll Free: 800-683-2458

http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/

Erica Badu - Campaign Manager & Deborah Barker – Senior Campaign Manager

Below, I have updated and locked-in my itinerary/route. Many people have been asking me, "Who else is going with you?" and I answer with me, myself, and I and you would not believe the looks on there faces. No, seriously! I guess it is hard to imagine taking an 11,000+ (yes, it was calculated out finally, thanks to AAA and my wife) motorcycle trip all the way around the country by myself. I have faith in God and my Honda Goldwing though. If your in the area of my stops at the places listed below, I'd love to hear and possibly even meet you if coordination is not too difficult.

Day 1- Saturday (5/16/2009)
- San Antonio, TX - SEND OFF PARTY!! (All are welcome!)
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, South Texas Chapter
431 Isom Rd., Suite 125
San Antonio, TX 78216

- Houston, TX
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center (212 miles, 3hrs 19 min)
1515 Holcombe Rd.
Box 91, Houston, TX 77030 (end of day) modified this layover on 4/22/09

Day 2 - Sunday (5/17/2009)
- Beaumont, TX
- Lake Charles, LA
- Lafayette, LA
- Baton Rouge, LA
- Biloxi, MS
- Mobile, AL
- Milton, FL – visit with friend, Marcie R. (possible layover)

Day 3 - Monday (5/18/2009)
- Tallahassee, FL
- Tampa, FL
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute
University of Florida
12902 Magnolia Dr., MCC-CEO
Tampa, FL 33612-9497 (end of day)

Day 4 - Tuesday (5/19/2009)
- Sarasota, FL (unconfirmed possible visit with cousin) no layover
- Naples, FL
- Miami, FL (visit brother-in-law)
- Palm Beach, FL (LLS visit)
4360 Northlake Blvd.
Suite 109
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
- Port St. Lucie, FL (layover)

Day 5 - Wednesday (5/20/2009)
- Jacksonville, FL
- Savannah, GA
- Florence, SC (end of day)

Day 6 - Thursday (5/21/2009)
- Fayetteville, NC
- Goldsboro, NC
- Chapel Hill, NC
UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
Attn: H. Shelton, M.D.
102 Mason Farm Rd, CB 7295
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7295
- Durham, NC
Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center
Duke University Medical Center
Durham, NC 27710
- Richmond, VA
- Fredericksburg, VA (end of day)

Day 7 - (5/22/09)
- Burke, VA (friend - brief stop)
- Baltimore, MD
Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center
John Hopkins University
401 North Broadway
The Weinberg Building, Suite 1100
Baltimore, MD 21231
- Towson/Baltimore, MD (Richard Kernan – possible one day lay over)
- Dover, DE (my hometown) (end of day)

Day 8 - Saturday (5/23/2009)
- Wilmington, DE (Interstate 95 ) (brief stop)
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Chapter
100 West 10th St.
Wilmington, DE 19801
(800) 220-1617

- Philadelphia, PA (brief photo stop and maybe a tour)
Lincoln Financial Field (Home of Eagles)
One NovaCare Way
Philadelphia, PA 19145

- New Brunswick, NJ
Cancer Institute of New Jersey
Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
195 Little Albany St.
New Brunswick, NJ 08903-2681
- New York City, NY

- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center
Columbia University
Attn: Director, Riccardo Dalla-Favera, M.D.
1130 St. Nicholas Ave., New York, NY 10032

- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Attn: President & CEO, Harold E. Varmus, M.D.
1275 York Ave.
New York, NY 10021

- Great Plains, NY (event)
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Headquarters
1311 Mamaroneck Ave., Suite 310
White Plains, NY 10605
(914) 949-5213 (end of day)

Day 9 - Sunday (5/24/2009)
- New Haven, CT
Yale Cancer Center
Yale University School of Medicine
Attn: Director, Richard L. Edelson, M.D.
333 Cedar St. Box 208028
New Haven, CT 06520-8028
- New London, CT
- Providence, RI
- Walpole, MA (visit brother)
- Medfield, MA ( visit aunt and uncle)
- Boston, MA
Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center (16.3 miles, 31 miin.)
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
44 Binney St., Boston, MA 2115
- Portsmouth, NH
- Portland, ME
- Augusta, ME (capital)
- Bangor, ME (end of day)

Day 10 - Monday (5/25/2009)
- Gorham, NH
- Lancaster, NH
- St.Johnsbury, VT
- Montpelier, VT
- Burlington, VT
Possible ferry crossing into New York from Burlington, VT or go north from Burlington, VT to Rouses Point, NY on County Rd. 2
- Watertown, NY (taking Road 11 from Rouse Point) (end of day)

Day 11 - Tuesday (5/26/2009)
- Rochester, NY
- Niagara Falls, NY
- Buffalo, NY (Interstate 90 southwest)
- Erie, PA
- Cleveland, OH
Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
Case Western Reserve University
Attn: Director, 1100 Euclid Ave., Wearn 151
Cleveland, OH 44106-5065 (end of day)

Day 12 - Wednesday (5/27/2009)
- Columbus, OH
Comprehensive Cancer Center
Ohio State University
320 West 10th Ave.
Columbus, OH 43210
- Findlay, OH (I-75)
- Ann Arbor, MI
University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center
University of Michigan
6302 Cancer Center
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0942
- Lansing, MI
- Battle Creek, MI (end of day)

Day 13 - Thursday (5/28/2009)
- St. Joseph, MI
- Chicago, IL
Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center
Northwestern University
303 E. Superior St.
Suite 3-125
Chicago, IL 60611

- Milwaukee, WI (Visit Harley Museum)
- Madison, WI (capital)
Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center
University of Wisconsin
600 Highland Ave., Room K4/610
Madison, WI 53792-0001 (end of day)

Day 14 - Friday (5/29/2009)
- Rochester, MN
Mayo Clinic Cancer Center
Mayo Clinic Rochester
200 First St. SW.
Rochester, MN

Minneapolis, MN
University of Minnesota Cancer Center
420 Delaware St. SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455 (end of day)

Day 15 - Saturday (5/30/2009)
- Fargo, ND (I-94)
- Bismarck, ND (I-94)
- Dickinson, ND (end of day)

Day 16 - Sunday (5/31/2009)
- Lewistown, MT
- Great Falls, MT (end of day)

Day 17 - Monday (6/1/2009)
- Helena, MT (I-15)
- Missoula, MT
- Coeur d’ Alene, ID
- Spokane, WA (County Road 395) (end of day)

Day 18 - Tuesday (6/2/2009)
- Colville, WA (Hwy 20/North Cascades Hwy)
- Okanogan, WA (Hwy. 20)
- Twisp, WA (Hwy. 20)
- Sedro Woolley, WA (I-5)
- Seattle/Everett, WA (layover)
Fred Hutchinson/University of Washington Cancer Consortium
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Seattle, WA 98109-1024 (end of day)

Day 19 - Wednesday (6/3/2009)
- Portland, OR
- Salem, OR
- Eugene, OR
- Medford, OR (end of day)

Day 20 - Thursday (6/4/2009)
- Redding, CA
- Sacramento, CA
- San Francisco, CA
UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
University of California San Francisco
2340 Sutter St., Box 0128
San Francisco, CA 94115-0128 (end of day)

Day 21 - Friday (6/5/2009)
- Monterrey, CA
- Santa Barbara, CA
- Duarte, CA
City of Hope National Medical Center
Beckman Research Institute
1500 East Duarte Rd.
Duarte, CA 91010-3000 (end of day)

Day 22 - Saturday (6/6/2009)
- Los Angeles, CA
Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center
University of California Los Angeles
Factor Building
10833 Le Conte Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1781

- Los Angeles, CA
USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
University of Southern California
1441 Eastlake Ave., NOR 8302L
Los Angeles, CA 90089-9181
Orange, CA

- Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
University of California at Irvine
101 The City Dr.
Bldg. 56, Route 81
Orange, CA 92868

- La Jolla, CA
Rebecca and John Moore’s UCSD Cancer Center
University of California, San Diego
3855 Health Sciences Dr.
La Jolla, CA 92093-0658

- La Mesa, CA (visit daughter & grand-son) (end of day)

Day 23 - Sunday (6/7/2009)
- Yuma, AZ (interstate 8)
- Florence, AZ (I-8, visit friend, Clint) (end of day)

Day 24 - Monday (6/8/2009)
- Tucson, AZ (Interstate 10)
Arizona Cancer Center
University of Arizona
1515 North Campbell Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85724
- Las Cruces, NM (end of day)

Day 25 - Tuesday (6/9/2009)
- Roswell, NM
- Lubbock, TX (end of day)

Day 26 - Wednesday (6/10/2009)
- Sweetwater, TX
- Abilene, TX
- Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX (end of day)

Day 27 - Thursday (6/11/2009)
- Waco, TX
- Austin, TX
- San Antonio, TX -- FINAL DESTINATION!!

First Media Interview For "Cruisin' For A Cure"

Today our local community newspaper ran the article of my interview with the San Antonio Northwest Weekly. Two weeks ago, a reporter interviewed me and it was finally posted today. I thought it was going to be run in the San Antonio Express News but apparently not. Maybe soon though!

There was some important facts left out due to space, as I was told but you can get the additional information from my comments below the article. The journalist did apologize but much of the important facts of the interview was edited out which was beyond her control.

This is very exciting to get some sort of media coverage for "Cruisin' For A Cure" and hopefully that will expand into regional and eventually national news coverage soon. I hope you get a chance to select the link below to read the article.

Leon Valley Man Riding For Bucks (I discovered that as of April 18, 2008, the article was removed from their website).

"Cruisin' For A Cure Update (March 23)

A former fellow Goldwing Road Rider Association (GWRRA-chapter H) member, Gene Williams, passed away in December 2008 of an unknown form of cancer that even his doctors could not completely diagnose. By the time I joined GWRRA, Gene was very ill and unable to ride with our Chapter. I never met Gene but was honored to ride my Goldwing with other chapter members in his funeral procession.

Gene’s wife, Raguell Williams, is selling his 2004 Honda Goldwing and other items. I was fortunate enough to be able to purchase the trailer and hitch that Gene and another GWRRA member built with their own hands. I plan on having a small plaque made in honor of Gene and installed on the trailer for my ride around the country.

The trailer that I will be pulling will make my journey a bit easier because I’ll have enough room to carry essentials including Leukemia & Lymphoma Society brochures and other informational packets. I was recently able to purchase the CB radio and antenna for my Goldwing so that I have an alternate form of communication in case my cell phone looses reception in certain area of my journey.

One last item to mention. This past Saturday, the South Texas Chapter of Team In Training invited to me join them in participating in their annual city wide Team In Training Garage Sale. I was invited to raise money for "Cruisin' For A Cure" (The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) and I was able to display my Honda Goldwing next to the table that Lisa and I, along with Libby (friend) setup. I want to thank Libby for her efforts and support during the garage sale as she was instrumental in helping us sell $240.00 worth of items.

A Special Message From A Survivor

It seems that people everywhere these days are having a hard time finding the resources they need to keep going. Imagine, then, what it's like to be diagnosed with a blood cancer on top of everything else. That's what happened to Jim Walton, who learned how important information and support can be when a cancer diagnosis comes out of the blue. I had been miserable for days and thought it was the flu. But when I just couldn't shake it, I went to the hospital and was waiting for results when I learned, rather abruptly, that I had acute myelocytic leukemia (AML). I was alone and terrified. Hospitalized for six months, I had aggressive chemo, nearly died more than once and dropped from 210 down to 130 lbs! My wife left me and there was no one to advocate for me with busy healthcare professionals. I thank my laptop computer and resources, starting with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's website ( www.LLS.org), for arming me with the information I needed to survive. By the time I left the hospital, I felt well enough to be angry, and clear-headed enough to realize that anger wouldn't help me or anyone else. So I turned my anger into action. Because LLS was there for me when I needed them, I became an active volunteer with my local chapter, participating in Light The Night Walks last year and becoming an Honored Teammate for Team In Training. And I've applied to become a First Connection volunteer as well.. Having cancer has taught me things I might never have otherwise learned. Two weeks before my diagnosis, I felt like a million bucks. You could never have made me believe I had cancer. Now I realize that this can happen to anybody and I believe that, whether you're a cancer survivor or perfectly healthy, all of us are responsible to help people going through what I did. I'm so grateful that now I'm in a position to be giving back. --Jim Walton I wish you and your loved ones the blessings of hope and good health. Sincerely, John E. Walter President & CEO The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

10 Weeks and Counting!!

I can't believe I'll be on the road officially for "Cruisin' For A Cure" in just 10 weeks. Time has definitely flown and there is still so much to do. You may not know but this is the first fundraising that I have ever embarked on and I know I set a high goal. This part of the trip has proven to be very humbling. I guess I just expected everybody, specifically companies, to just open up their checkbooks and ask me "how much?" but that's not what is happening.

I don't have to tell you that the economy is a little tight and folks are just being more conservative about how and where they spend their money. I totally get it, believe me. All of the out of pocket expenses related to the trip so far have been paid for by me and my wife. It's not a cheap endeavor but it's one that we feel strongly about. Even though the economy is a little strained, my goal hasn't changed! I'm still shooting to raise $50,000 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Because this is a national fundraiser, I'm hoping to not only raise money in South Texas but also while I'm riding around the country. There are too many people who need help to stop now. It might take a little longer than I originally thought but I'll get there....with your help!

On a positive note, I have accomplished several tasks from the last time that I updated you, namely I purchased my helmet headset and intercom system (from J & M Incorporated) and will be purchasing the Goldwing's CB radio and antenna so that I can communicate with other bikers and truckers in case of emergency and to warn me about road conditions. Both allow me to communicate hands free while riding which is a big safety issue.

Since I was unable to secure a corporate donation from my two local Honda shops for a tune-up, safety check, and installation of front and rear tires, I will need to pay for these items myself. I have scheduled to bring the bike in to Gary at Cycle Rider (San Antonio, Texas), who worked on my previous motorcycle. I have full faith that he and his team will do a great job on my Goldwing.

Lisa has arranged, with the help of Team in Training, to have a couple of tables at their upcoming annual city wide garage sale. It will be on Saturday March 21st at a location to be determined in the San Antonio area. My thanks and appreciation goes out to Pat Hilburn of Team and Training and the local chapter for inviting us to join their garage sale. "Cruisin' For A Cure" isn't part of Team in Training but we're both raising money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and they were my initial inspiration for this ride. We're gathering items to sell but definitely need folks to show up to buy stuff.

In a new section I'm calling "Unconfirmed Possibilities":
I ran into a reporter from the San Antonio Express News at a local city council meeting that I was attending last week (City of Leon Valley) who saw my motorcycle and the "artwork" on it advertising the ride. She asked me about "Cruisin' For A Cure" and whether she could interview me about it. Seriously?? Of course, I graciously accepted. Again, unconfirmed at this point.

I stopped by my favorite motorcycle gear and accessories shop, Moto Liberty (San Antonio off of 281), to purchase something and started chatting with Nathan (owner). He said there might be a chance that he could get some motor oil and a filter donated through one of his vendors. In addition, another vendor of Moto Liberty may be able to donate a helmet / motorcycle video camera. This would give me the opportunity to share my journey with you. I want to thank Nathan and the Moto Liberty team for their help and support. Obviously either or both of these donations would be awesome but again, unconfirmed at this point.

In order for me to refocus on why I'm doing this ride, beyond all of the technical and logistical issues that I have to deal with, I thought it would be helpful to revisit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society website and more specifically their discussion board. What comes through loud and clear when reading the discussion boards is that regardless of the diagnosis or treatment that it is very hard on families and patients and that they need a tremendous amount of support to get through it. I'm hoping that funds raised through "Cruisin' For A Cure" will help lessen the burden on these folks with the ultimate goal being a cure.

We still need your help! I was thinking about budgets the other day, which is something I try to avoid, but thought it might be more manageable if people donated a little over time, rather than one large donation. Kind of like a payroll deduction if you will. I know for Lisa and me that would work out a lot better for our personal budget than writing one large donation check. Anyway, something to think about.