LIVESTRONG Blog

Viva Catie II

Jun 10, 2009 by Colleen Wilson (LIVESTRONG Staff)
2 Comments

“VIVA CATIE II” is what their jerseys said as we went to go meet 20 riders plus Support Team on the final leg of their bike ride from Clarksville, TN to the LAF Headquarters in Austin, TX. This is the second year they have visited us and we were more than happy to join up for the 40 mile escort into Austin! As we made our way it was great to see some returning faces from last year, and was also good to meet new riders making this 1200 mile trek! They endured some tough days as heat was more of a factor this year than last. Joining the group this year was Christina Summers, Catie?s older sister and their father Bill. As we celebrated the end of their trip at HQ with pizza we were reminded once again why this event is so important to the community that Catie made such a lasting impression on. Danny Magrans, the Spanish Teacher from Clarksville High School, spoke about the kind of young lady Catie was and spoke about two causes they were raising money for. The first being the LAF, as Catie had been a Ride for the Roses participant in 2005 and the second being the Catie Summer?s Memorial Scholarship Fund. It is the dream and vision of Bill Summer?s that since his daughter was not able to go to college, somebody else should in her name. In two years this group of dedicated individuals has raised $25,000 and halve raised almost that much for the Scholarship Fund.

I think the entire staff of the LAF will agree that it is moments like this, of seeing such young kids have a passion for those fighting cancer, that make our jobs so worthwhile. It is such a beautiful example of a way to grieve such a courageous spirit! Thanks again VIVA CATIE, we look forward to next year!!!!

The Arrival

Support Car for Viva Catie

Viva Catie Supporters

Pamela Magrans

Congratulations to the Viva Catie cyclists for showing us all that anything is possible. You are each an inspiration to not only your hometown, but also to our nation. Your act of teamwork showed stamina, determination and hopefulness. It is spirits like yours and Catie’s that have always made our nation strong. Thank you LAF for supporting them and providing a kind welcome.
Greg the Elder

As a second year support driver (and cancer survivor), I can only marvel at the selfless and dedicated tenacity these young cyclists have exhibited over the past 2 years (to especially include my son)! (Oh…OK…you more senior cyclists show the same spirit, but my focus is on the “kids”!!) The arrival at LAF is always nice…but it doesn’t begin to hint at the focused determination all the cyclists have in the preceding days. It seems like Texas, with its heat and wind, always challenges the cyclists over the 2 days preceding arrival at LAF! I marvel at how they attack the roads with an intenseness that has to be seen to be believed. It really hits you as an observer when we have to pull a cyclist for personal safety reasons. Those cyclists fight to get back on the road and it is obvious they take it very personally when they cannot complete their mileage. As the previous post says, it is this spirit which makes a community and a nation. I’m heartened about the future when I see these young adults bring their sense of service to a cause bigger than themselves with such determination and focus on success. It augurs well for our fight against cancer and for our country! I thank all you cyclists for the example you set and for the personal motivation I derive from supporting you! And “Thanks” to you, LAF, for the great support you provide on this final day! I think your participation gives the cyclists such a shot of adrenaline that they could bicycle twice the distance they might normally log. And a final, admiring shout-out to my new hero, Sara Ramsey! Way to go, Sara! LIVESTRONG and…just ride! VIVA CATIE!!

Viva Catie II

Jun 10, 2009 by Colleen Wilson (LIVESTRONG Staff)2 Comments

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Jun 10, 2009 by Colleen Wilson (LIVESTRONG Staff)
2 Comments