Sorry I haven't been here - a bicycle for the cancer ward

[Biciclista]

First I must apologize for being away for so long. But once my Dear Husband couldn't ride anymore, and I no longer had time to ride any more, it hurt too much to visit. A lot of you know that my husband has cancer, and sadly, it's terminal. The first time he was in the oncology ward, last september, he was a fit athlete. He really chafed at the fact that his daily exercise regime was restricted to walking laps pushing an IV cart. He asked for an exercise bike, and they brought him an old broken thing; the saddle didn't set, there was only one speed... when they found out what condition it was in, they threw it away.
Anyway, DOnald wanted to start a campaign to save enough money to buy the oncology ward a recumbent exercise bike. But then surgery, a 52 day hospital stay, and recurring cancer pushed that out of his consciousness.
He has been back in the oncology ward for the last week because he has a lot of problems, but we could see there were other people there who were still very fit, doing the same thing he did; racing around the ward, pushing their carts, which led him to resolve, we've got to get that going. He just doesn't have much time. A lot of people on bike journal were saving "Pansy Quarters" for this purpose last fall. Hopefully they kept going. Donald saved 170 dollars just in quarters!
For those that do not know about Pansy, she's a gal who fought liver cancer for about 8 years while amassing thousands of miles a year on HER bike. Donald was bitterly disappointed to not be able to follow in her footsteps. So, if you have Pansy Quarters, or want to save Raleighdon QUarters for that matter and make a donation to this fund, it would really honor him.
here's the website: https://community.swedish.org/donaldboothby

ps if you do donate, please put "Team Estrogen" in the comment field!

[limewave]

I wish I was closer. I have a nice recumbent exercise bike, it was used in a hospital for rehabilitation purposes. It's just sitting in our basement collecting dust. I've been trying to sell it on craigslist and no one is interested.

I'll go check out the donation page . . .

Sorry you are both having to go through this. Will be thinking of you both.

[Biciclista]

Thanks for your offer Limewave. Because it IS a hospital, they have serious rules about what can be acquired. We found one we liked in October and were thinking of buying it, but they said, no it had to be this super fancy one... So the hospital will be picking out what bike it is. Thanks for reading my post.

[emily_in_nc]

Mimi,

I am so very, very sorry to hear about Don's recurrence. I realized I hadn't seen you on here lately and hoped that this was not why. There are simply no words, but prayers will be sent to both of you.

[Tri Girl]

Glad to see you back, and to give us an update on Don. I'm so sorry you're having to go through this, but it makes me smile that he wants to give something to others while struggling with his own illness.
(((Hugs))) to both of you. Please keep coming back (even if only for short updates). Will be thinking of you both. :)

[indysteel]

((((Mimi and Don)))). You've been on my mind a lot lately and, ironically, I Googled your names yesterday to see if perhaps there was an update anywhere, e.g., on Bikeforums. I am heartbroken to read your update. I so, so sorry, Mimi. I wish I had something profound to say, but words fail me. You are and will remain in my thoughts and prayers.

[ivorygorgon]

I hadn't seen anything regarding you and Don for a while and I was so fearful for you both. I am truly heartbroken for you Mimi; I immediately donated. I hope this helps.

You are in my thoughts.

[Sky King]

Awash with emotions for you and Don. Glad you are focusing on each other and doing the best you can in a tough situation. I will gladly share your link and see if we can get some donations coming in.

Hold tight, do check in, Everyone is on your side.

[spokewench]

((Mimi and Don)) - I'm so sorry to hear about Don. I have no words except that Dam" this is just not fair. All my thoughts and love flowing your way.

[sbctwin]

I don't post much but lurked most every day, often wondering how you were doing and feared your absence was not a good sign. {{{Don, Mimi}}} I will keep you in my prayers.

[OakLeaf]

(((((((Don and Mimi))))))) Keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers.

[lph]

Oh Mimi, sweetheart, I was wondering where you were :( so so sad to hear this :(

I'll be donating first thing. Big hugs to you both.

[Norse]

((((((Mimi and Don)))))). Cancer sucks. It just sucks. I am keeping you both in my thoughts.

[cosc]

Mimi, you and Don are in my prayers.
I know it has to be a time of great tribulation, but hope love indeed conquers all.

[redrhodie]

Mimi, I think about you everyday. This is an amazingly thoughtful idea that will really make a difference. I wish someone had thought of it sooner so RD could have used it. Hugs to you both.

[snapdragen]

Mimi, I hate that you and Don are going through this. Blessings and strength to you both. ((mimi & don))

[jobob]

Red and snap said what I could not put into words. Lee & I send our love.

[hebe]

Thinking of you both. Good luck with the campaign x

[Possegal]

Like others I was worried about your not being around. Especially knowing what a b&(#(^ esophageal is, it had me quite worried.

All my years working in the cancer field and I still have no words to convey how truly heartbroken I am to hear the update.

I love that Don is trying to give back and I'm heading now to donate. Such a wonderful idea.

You are both in my prayers.

[Trek420]

Knott and I send our love as well. :(

[nscrbug]

I understand what you are going through, as I just went through it with my sister. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your husband.

Linda

[Selkie]

Mimi - Words are not sufficient. Don and you are special, generous souls who make a difference in positive ways. Lots of love to you both from me, my husband, and our three k9s.

[Crankin]

I will be donating; what a wonderful idea.
I, too, have been thinking of you and Don.
I will PM you about our impending visit to Seattle.

[goldfinch]

I am so sorry. I would be honored to contribute. My regional hospital recently built a state of the art cancer wing. I'll see if they have anything like that available for their patients. It is a very good idea.

[malkin]

The whole forum misses you.
Take care.

[solobiker]

Mimi,

I am so very, very sorry to hear about Don's recurrence. I realized I hadn't seen you on here lately and hoped that this was not why. There are simply no words, but prayers will be sent to both of you.

I could not say it any better. {{ Hugs }} to both of you.

[AppleTree]

You have been missed. Always loved your posts, and looked forward to seeing them, even though I haven't been on the forum that long.

I would love to donate to your cause in honor of Don. Thoughts and prayers to you both.

[VeganBikeChick]

Big hugs to you, Mimi and Don.

[Blueberry]

Mimi-

Others have expressed my sentiments more eloquently than I could. I too had been thinking of you both, and fearing that your absence meant the news was not good. I will make a donation, and I will keep you both in my thoughts.

[Jiffer]

I wish I had even a little extra money to donate. Maybe in a few weeks.

I understand to some degree what you're going through and my heart goes out to you. My father-in-law just passed from cancer and he, too, was a very fit athlete. He was a runner. One of those who used to do sub 3 hour marathons.

It is a strange thing to go through, the knowing what is coming, reconciling with the reality, yet "living" in the meantime.

I'm sure you are making the most of every moment. I pray you both know God, as He is the only real source of peace in this kind of circumstance.

I will send the donation link page to my cycling club. Maybe they'll put it in their newsletter or send out a group email. They fundraise for Christmas bikes for needy kids every year, so they are very charitable.

God bless you and your husband. Keep your eyes on Jesus and rest in Him.

[Biciclista]

You guys are all awesome, thanks. As soon as they tell us, I'll let you know how the fund is doing!

[Owlie]

((((Mimi and Don))))

I had been hoping that your absence meant that everything was okay--no news is good news and all that. But I had wondered...

My thoughts are with you both. I'll see what I can get out of the next paycheck.

[aka_kim]

Mimi, you and RaleighDon have been in my thoughts, and will continue to be. I don't have the words to describe how much I admire Donald's strength and generosity.

[crazycanuck]

POOOO...:(

My thoughts are with both of you (((Mimi & RD))))

Keep fighting RD & the crazy canadian chick that visited the funky seattle TE crew :D a few years ago, will be back to visit you next year :D

[shootingstar]

We have been wondering about you and Don for past few months.

If there is more money gathered later on, another different type of bike for each stage at the oncology dept..... recumbent, duet.

I wrote about it with photos in Momentum magazine. 2 health care facilities use this type of bike in Vancouver and Victoria, BC. So your hospital could get into touch with these facilities on such programs and how they manage it.

http://momentummag.com/articles/duet-bike-program
http://thirdwavecyclingblog.wordpress.com/2010/03/18/being-a-passenger-in-a-duet-bike/

It's a type of bike all of us might wish both as a rider and then later as a passenger.

My thoughts and hugs for both of you, Mimi. Please thank Don for his pie he baked when Jack and I were graciously invited for dinner in Seattle after our ride from Vancouver

[PamNY]

Mimi, you are one of my favorite people on TE. I will keep you and Don in my thoughts. There are no words, but please know that lots of people are with you in spirit.

[Biciclista]

The lady from the hospital wrote to me last night; we raised $2155 in just one day. That's actually close to the total needed. I don't know what exactly the total is though, I have been badgering her to get that information.
You guys are all incredibly awesome. All the nice things you are saying, and then making donations too. I am blown away. When I get to the other side of this, I hope to get back on my bike.
Shooting star, that companion bike looks like it would be really tough on hills!!

[ehirsch83]

Big Hugs Mimi! I know I just posted on your FB wall but wanted to drop a message here also. Not much to say except you are in our thoughts here and we (I am speaking collectively for TE) are here if you ever need to talk. I recently went through this with both of my grandmothers(both within the last year) and all I know is spend every moment you can with him and enjoy his love for you.

[Biciclista]

Emily, that's the plan. he's coming home today so I am quite relieved.

[maillotpois]

Big hug to you both, Mimi. Live in the moments you have together now. I know you will.

Will get a donation in this week. What a great idea.

[owlice]

{{{{{{to you both}}}}}}

[roguedog]

Can I quote everyone?

Thoughts are with you and you are missed here.

Sending vibes of strength, courage, patience and hope. Figure you all have love in abundance.

[indysteel]

[QUOTE=Biciclista;646629]The lady from the hospital wrote to me last night; we raised $2155 in just one day. QUOTE]

Wow, that's awesome, Mimi! Yay!

[salsabike]

Oh man, thank God they're springing him today. Smooch him for me.

[Desert Tortoise]

Mimi, I'm so sorry. I hope the success of the fundraising lifts Don's spirit. You are both in my prayers.

dt

[obie]

What a generous thing to do in hard times - and a great idea that will be well-used. My heart goes out to you both.

[Susan Otcenas]

Mimi, I'm so sorry. Our thoughts are with you both.

TeamEstrogen.com made a donation today. I hope it helps towards the fundraising goal.

Susan

[Aggie_Ama]

I was able to give a very small amount, this is such an amazing thing for him to take on. My visits to TE are sporadic so I was wondering if there had been an update, I didn't want this to be it though.

Enjoy your time at home together and your love for one another. I hope you have reached the goal so Raleighdon can see how his efforts were a success. (((HUGS)))

[Jo-n-NY]

{{{hugs and prayers to you both}}}

[Biciclista]

Spoke to the people at Swedish Hospital. We will probably get more money than we need for one bike. We will continue to buy bikes as long as money comes in. The second place that will get a bike is the pediatric ward. If we get a 3rd bike, it will go to the MS ward!

Please don't feel like you have to donate a whole bunch. $5.00 helps!! Thanks.

[emily_in_nc]

Such great news, Mimi! I am sorry that I have been unable to donate for this as it is such a wonderful cause. We are having a huge problem here in San Pedro, Belize, where I live now, with stray dogs and dealing with the pet overpopulation problem, that all my "donation dollars" are going to help with this cause now (spay/neuter, housing, and rescue care). I hope you understand.

Emily

[Biciclista]

at end of business today, we have raised $4700.00! that's almost enough for two bicycles!

[indysteel]

at end of business today, we have raised $4700.00! that's almost enough for two bicycles!

Awesome! It's a testament to how much people care about you and Don.

[Trek420]

at end of business today, we have raised $4700.00! that's almost enough for two bicycles!

To heck with two, let's hope for that third bike for Don. :cool: We wish it could be more but I just made a donation in memory of both of our dads both of whom we lost to cancer.

[maillotpois]

Been off line a bit catching up from vacation, but we're in!! Great cause and even better people.

[Blueberry]

Wish I could have done more, but a donation has been sent:)

[SheFly]

Mimi - my heart breaks for you and Don to have to go through this. As others have said, treasure the time you have together, and your love for each other. And thanks to both of you for making [my] the world a better place.

Hugs to you both.

SheFly

p.s.
Donation on the way (if I can stop the tears long enough).

[malkin]

Pedal on, Swedish Hospital!

[Wahine]

((((Mimi and Don))))

I had someone call me last minute yesterday for a bike fit. It seemed appropriate to put that money toward the fund so I did that this morning.

Thinking of you both. Visualizing a healthier Don in the near future.

[Wahine]

Another kind TE'er made me realize that my last post may not have conveyed the message I had hoped.

I am visualizing a healthier Don in the future because the power of positive prayer (for lack of a better phrase) has actually been shown to make a difference in people's health.

Don has been diagnosed as terminal. This is a very unfair reality. But I hoping with all of my heart that Don can stay with us for quite a while yet and that whatever time he has left with us is as healthy as possible and allows him to enjoy those moments, days, months, maybe even years. Quality of life is what it's all about.

I am fortunate enough to have met Don when he was his normal, healthy, athletic self. I am holding on to that image and wishing that he can return in some way to the Don that I met for what time he has left.

[Biciclista]

Wahine
he is really tired of his broken hurting body (you have NO idea). If you want to pray for him, he'd like you to pray for him to have strength, not to heal, because we know it isn't going to happen. Thanks for your kindness and generosity.

m

[Wahine]

Wahine
he is really tired of his broken hurting body (you have NO idea). If you want to pray for him, he'd like you to pray for him to have strength, not to heal, because we know it isn't going to happen. Thanks for your kindness and generosity.

m

I will hope for him to have the best possible quality of life in what time he has and for both of you to have the strength that you need for the days to come.

((((Hugs))))

I really do know what this is like.

[mandiam]

thoughts and prayers sent your way-- have missed you!

[Catrin]

((((Mimi and Don)))) I've been worried about both of you but was hoping that your absence from TE simply meant that your new retirement was fun and busy. I must wait a week before I can make a donation but will certainly do so. May both of you have strength for whatever the coming days will bring.

[GLC1968]

Oh Mimi - I'm so sorry to hear this. My love to both of you. I'll be donating today.

[DebW]

Mimi and Don - thinking of you in the coming days and weeks to have strength and peace and to cherish each other and your two sons.

[NbyNW]

(((Mimi, Don and Family)))

Praying for strength and peace. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.

[smilingcat]

Dear Mimi and Don,

I have been struggling to put into words of what I wish to convey. It is a time of much sadness and sorrow to know that you do not have much time left. Leaves everyone with a heavy heart.

Then it occurred to me that the finite time left should be best spent on things to make both of you happy and to forget what lies ahead. simple pleasures of life. Go see the whales, go to the Lavender festival or a field and enjoy the refreshing scent and the view, go see the sunset together. Sometimes, the simple things in life, right in our backyard, are the best of things.

My wishes and prayer is for Don to have as many good days as possible.

Sincerely and peace be with you and Don,

Shawn

[northstar]

Thinking of you and yours, Mimi. So sad to hear of what you are all going through.

[bmccasland]

(((((Mimi and Don)))))

So sorry to hear the news. I haven't been on line for a few days, and this was one of the last things I wanted to hear. :(

May Don's days be comfortable.

[malkin]

I'm very sorry to read of Don's passing. Wishing you courage, peace, and love to carry you.

*and give a bump to this thread for bike(s) for the hospital*

[Biciclista]

As of the 17th, we have raised $6255!!! there is definitely a bike for the Oncology ward, and a bike for the Pediatrics ward!! Thank you everyone, you know who you are.
We still hope to raise money for the MS ward as well.

[zoom-zoom]

I wish much strength and comfort to you, Mimi, at this time. Stories like Don's make me so numb with anger and sadness. We lost my FIL several years ago...he was so active and healthy...cancer afflicted him, regardless. He and my MIL crammed so much life into his last months and years. I am glad that you and Don are making the most of the time you have together. (((hugs)))

[jobob]

As of the 17th, we have raised $6255!!! there is definitely a bike for the Oncology ward, and a bike for the Pediatrics ward!! Thank you everyone, you know who you are.
We still hope to raise money for the MS ward as well.

That's great news!

[Biciclista]

Donald's fundraising efforts have netted $7,042.50!!! that's almost enough for the third bike. Thanks everyone, this is pretty amazing!!! https://community.swedish.org/donaldboothby

[lph]

Donald's fundraising efforts have netted $7,042.50!!! that's almost enough for the third bike. Thanks everyone, this is pretty amazing!!! https://community.swedish.org/donaldboothby

This is a tribute to the power of both his personality and yours. I've never met either of you, but I've smiled over your photos and descriptions many times and you are both very vivid in my mind. I am glad you gave us the opportunity to give a little bit back, in Donald's memory.

[Biciclista]

and now it's over $8000.00!!!!!!

[jobob]

Wow!

[Blueberry]

That's awesome!!

[Trek420]

Amazing! Will there be a dedication when the bikes arrive?

[Aggie_Ama]

Mimi- I am excited to see Donald's wish is continuing to grow. What an amazing and selfless thing for him to spearhead, I hope they will provide the needed sense of normalcy he missed when he was on the ward.

[Biciclista]

Amazing! Will there be a dedication when the bikes arrive?

yes. sadly, they wanted to take Donald's picture on the bike.