The devastating 7.8 earthquake that struck Nepal on April
25th has taken more than 7,600 lives so far and has forever altered the lives
of millions. Having spent more than three months in Nepal, Denise and
I have made lasting friendships with many of the Sherpas and other
peaceful, loving Nepalese people during our three trips to their beautiful
country. Hearing of their hardships, loss of life and homes is
heartbreaking.
We sit comfortably in our home with electricity, all of the
food, fresh water and conveniences of life in America, and wonder what we can
do to help our Sherpa friends and the people of this desperately poor country
who are in grave need. And the need is urgent especially as disease is spreading and the coming monsoon rains are threatening the estimated 2.8 million people left homeless, including many of our friends.
I have decided I am not going to sit comfortably, but
instead pedal 100 miles in the Leadville Trail Mountain Bike Race in the
Colorado Rockies - the "Race Across the Sky." Known as one of the
toughest single-day bike races in North America, at elevations between 10,000
to 12,400 feet, with more than 12,000 feet of climbing in between, this will be
a brutal test of endurance to be sure. It will be even more challenging
for me considering I just started mountain biking in earnest this year and
bought my first true mountain bike only three months ago. I have made
some unique modifications to the bike that have been a breakthrough enabling me
to safely and effectively ride with my right arm. More on that later, but
suffice it to say that having the proper equipment is what has allowed me to
enjoy this new sport that up until now, I have been unable to do. Providing the
right equipment and support is exactly what the Challenged Athletes Foundation
has been doing to help individuals with far greater physical challenges than
me.
I will be attempting this savage race on August 15 and I
will be riding to support CAF and also the people of Nepal. I am asking
you to support me by making a tax-deductible donation to CAF through this link:
For every dollar raised, Denise and I are personally MATCHING
(with no limitations) and donating to the American Himalayan Foundation, Mercy
Corps and other qualified organizations with staff in Nepal who are best able
to help those currently suffering. Thank you for your time and
compassion.
Namaste,
Paul
