The best part of racing and traveling full-time is meeting new people. Sometimes we meet cyclists who have overcome a lot, for them riding and racing is a true accomplishment (Grace for example).
Last September I met Jay at a Santa Fe, NM trailhead, he was friendly and gave me local riding info. As I got to know Jay a little more I learned his inspirational story. I ran into Jay again last week, he is as happy and positive as anyone I know.
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4/26/09
Here is part of Jay's story (5/03/09): "Almost exactly one year ago to the day my wife, Sarah, admitted me into the local hospital in Santa Fe. I was 80 pounds lighter and cancer had taken all but my determination. The docs had pretty much given up on me - but I had other ideas. Frankly, I don't remember much about the three week hospital stay but I prevailed and have stymied my doctors even though I was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer - mets in the liver, lungs, and lymphs. I had three major surgeries last year including a colon resection and a small intestinal bypass (tumors had totally blocked both my small and large intestines). Today I have regained over 50 pounds and though my chemo treatments will likely continue for a long time, I am extremely active... and in need of a cure. . I rode 17 miles of high-country singletrack including 18 cold, hub-deep stream crossings along with 2,800 feet of gain (the Winsor Trail) [see picture above]. I now ride a singlespeed which my wife bought me this year for Valentine's Day. Every other week I ride with a chemo pump in my rear jersey pocket, ignoring the pleas of the nurses who treat me. I ride 4 - 5 times a week. BTW, I am now 50 years young... Lance might be impressed. . I tell you this because miracles really do happen. The last year of my life was, in an ironic way, the best year of my life. I was granted a reprieve and I grabbed it and held on. Cancer changed me in a very positive way and riding has been an integral part of my recovery." Jay also has an online site GeoManGear which sells GPS Units, Lights, Helmet Cams, First Aid Kits, etc.
Krista,
ReplyDeleteAs I've said before to you, it's always a treat to run into you on the trail. Talk about positive people... Krista = positive.
I have a simple goal; I try to inspire people facing tough odds to look beyond their obstacles. As my wife always says, "Don't let anyone else write your story." You just never know what might happen...
I just had the best year of my life. Go figure!
I hope this is a great racing season for you both.
Thanks for sharing that story. I'm very impressed by determination like that. I could only hope if I were faced with challenges like his I would react the same way.
ReplyDeleteKrista,
ReplyDeleteI found your blog through Jay. I actually met him on the Winsor Trail this weekend while on a ride from out of town. Jay was cranking a single speed up the hills like he was having the time of his life. He was kind enough to share his story with me and a friend and then proceeded to show us a great section of the trail that we otherwise would not have ridden. He has the most incredible determination of anyone I have ever met and we can all learn from him. What an unbelievable story. God Bless you Jay!!!!!! Bryant R
Hey Krista,
ReplyDeleteThanks for connecting us with another one of the great people out there!! Totally the reason we ride!
Cheers,
Joy
Krista - you obviously live life to the fullest and I know all too well that my dear friend Jay has been living his life with gusto ever since he was a lad growing up north of "Lake Wobegone". I feel inspired to come to Santa Fe and go riding with both of you!
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Gregg
Krista,
ReplyDeleteJay is an "animal". I used to watch him bounce off moguls in high school and wish I could THINK of skiing with that much gusto. I am not at all surprised to hear that he bikes with the same abandon.
We should all take note.
Stef