route2outsmartcancer

Christmas Arrival Trip Update, Dec. 27

Merry Christmas and warmest wishes for you and yours, from sunny Costa Mesa, California!

It is hard to believe I have actually arrived. Upon first waking this  morning, in a momentary haze, I was thinking, "How many miles can I make today? How's the  weather? The wind? And then it hit me, "I'm here!" And it  is nothing short of  a Christmas miracle. 


As I rolled in Christmas night, the sight of my brother John, standing in his driveway waving a checkered flag and holding a dozen yellow roses, is something I will treasure for the rest of my life. (View the KABC-TV video.)

He is my true definition of courage, fighting the odds of a devastating disease.  My brother is the one who deserves the accolades, and yet he is cheering me on, just as he always has. Humbling is an inadequate word. I now know the true meaning of an overwhelming moment.

Admittedly, with so many weeks and miles passing since leaving our parents' driveway in Glen Ellyn, it was surreal to arrive. Pedaling the last 1/2 mile of the 2,441 mile journey with my sister Donna, I came around a bend and saw an enormous hand-stenciled banner,  (compliments of my brother-in-law Charlie) that read "Congratulations Michelle, you made it!" After crashing through the finish line, there were many tears and hugs as John, his wife Tracy, my sister Donna, her husband Charlie, along with cheering neighbors filled the driveway. It was the perfect family reunion, immensely joyful. 

To have been able to share this celebration with our parents, Jack and Joan Thompson, the heart and soul of our family, would have been the only addition that could have made this moment more spectacular. Our parents have been an integral part of this family effort. Although they were deeply missed, without question they were with us in spirit. (Originally I had hoped to arrive during their visit over the Thanksgiving Holiday, but Mother Nature and the 12 or so "non-pedaling days" wreaked havoc with the schedule.)

To be honest, a Christmas arrival would not have been possible if not for my sister Donna, without whom I would still be pedaling somewhere in the Mojave Desert. Meeting me near the California border, acting as my route scout, and transporting BOB, (my trailer) her support allowed me to double my daily miles. Her headlights lit my way through the dark, difficult desert roads and beyond, one day following me until midnight. After descending down the Cajon Pass, I found her nervously waiting for my arrival 6 miles from the summit. I am fairly certain the experience aged her a few years, yet she hung in there. Without a doubt, the completion of this "Journey for John" has truly been a family effort.

Since Christmas night we have spent time together as a family, sharing stories and of course many laughs. I look forward to spending this holiday week on the west coast, as well as continuing my work in an effort to reach our pledge goal of $50,000 to help my brother and his family. John's journey has just begun as I watch him fight everyday to recover strength, eat, drink and speak. Upon seeing him this Christmas, I am more committed than ever. I ask for your continued support in spreading the word about the route2outsmartcancer bike-a-thon and my brother's battle.

Some of the first words my brother spoke to us on Christmas were "I am going to kick this, you wait and see, I am going to kick this!" And we know he will. He has beat the odds and will continue to do so, with the continued prayers, support and friendship of the route2outsmartcancer community. This is a community I am deeply proud to know. I pray it will continue to grow with your help.

I have been told repeatedly this organization restores one’s faith in human kindness, and I couldn’t agree more. It is a community made up of people who share a belief in the power of faith, family, friends, and the belief that each of us can make a difference. The outpouring of kindness and generosity is appreciated beyond words. Every pledge and prayer received has had an incredible impact on my brother's recovery. Each person I have met along the route, every e-mail, kind word of encouragement, letter and phone call, has been an inspiration. You have been a blessing and are now part of our extended family.

Thank you for taking the time to care about my brother, my family, and my ride. I have had the opportunity to witness humanity at its finest through the efforts of each and every person who has joined with route2outsmartcancer. In a sometimes cynical world that often discourages an effort such as this, with my deepest gratitude, thank you.

Many of you have shared personal stories of your own battle. I believe you will win the battle and beat the odds, just as John will, made possible through the love and support of your family, friends, good doctors, second opinions, and faith. Throughout the 2 month ride, you’ve inspired me with your courage and have made route2outsmartcancer even more meaningful. Please know you were close in my thoughts as I crossed the finish line and hugged my brother.

On behalf of John and our family, we wish for you and your loved ones the gifts that have been shared with us through the route2outsmartcancer community, these being faith, support, friendship, courage, humor, and unconditional love.

Health & Happiness in 2007.

Warmest regards,
Michelle

How You Can Help

Please make a pledge to help Michelle reach her goal. Any pledge amount, whether it is $5 or $500 (or anything in between), makes a difference. Thank you so much to everyone who has already contributed. Every pledge is greatly appreciated!

Make a secure pledge on this site by clicking the "Make a Donation" button located on the home page. All credit-card transactions are handled through PayPal. (To read more about PayPal, please click here.) Questions? Comments? Email us at: route2outsmart@sbcglobal.net

If you prefer to make a pledge by check, please make checks payable to route2outsmartcancer. Pledges or mailed correspondence may be sent to:
Route2outsmartcancer
PO Box 142
Glen Ellyn, IL 60138

Thank you!

In the News: Newport Beach/Costa Mesa, CA, Daily Pilot

NEWPORT BEACH/COSTA MESA DAILY PILOT, DECEMBER 25, 2006
www.dailypilot.com

Biking to benefit her brother and others
Illinois woman achieves goal of spending Christmas Day with her brother in Costa Mesa after fund-raising drive.

By Jessie Brunner

Cruising down the same driveway in Glen Ellyn, Ill., where she first learned to ride a bike, Michelle Thompson began a 2,400-mile bicycle journey to Costa Mesa for one simple reason: Her brother, John Thompson, has oral cancer, and she hopes to raise awareness and money to help him fight it.

"He is in the battle of his life, and I want to get in this battle with him," she said. "I wanted to help other families so they wouldn't have to go through what my brother is going through."

Inspired by her brother's daily walks, the initial idea for a community walk-a-thon quickly transformed itself into a solo bike-a-thon, a fitting tribute for the brother who purchased and taught Michelle how to ride her first bike.

Following a surgery over the summer in which doctors removed portions of John's tongue and jaw bone, leaving him temporarily unable to speak, his 35-year-old sister knew she had to do something truly substantial.

Leaving her job as a quality consultant for the duration of the trip, Michelle set out on a grass-roots campaign to raise awareness of oral cancer, which claims more than 8,000 lives per year nationwide, according to The Oral Cancer Foundation. She also hopes to offset her brother's mounting medical bills with the goal of raising $50,000 — a figure show knows to be "extremely ambitious."

Before setting off, the inexperienced cyclist spent a week surveying the inventory of bike shops throughout Chicago. Though the bike her brother taught her to ride on remains in her parents' basement, Michelle opted for an adult-sized touring bike, fully equipped with a trailer and head-to-toe cycling gear.

Michelle left Illinois on Oct. 21 hoping to make it to her brother's home in Costa Mesa in time for Christmas. Saturday marked her ninth week on the road, though she didn't ride for at least seven days due to extreme weather, including a blizzard in New Mexico, various wind storms and downpours of freezing rain.

No matter the challenges she faced along the way — whether it be lugging a trailer full of camping gear and other essentials, biting winds or numerous flat tires — Michelle's resolve never waned.

"In light of what my brother's going through, it's hard for me to complain about anything," she said. "I just think of what he's going through, and the rest seems insignificant."

Being 13 years younger than John, Michelle said her older brother was always there for her as a child and into adulthood. In addition to being mechanically inclined, he had a knack for making things fun and was always up for an adventure.

"To spend 10 minutes with my brother, you would know why I'm out here," Michelle said. "He would give you the shirt off his back."

When she was 17, John towed a white 1965 Ford Mustang, which he had recently restored, from his home in California to his sister in Kentucky just to surprise her — a story Michelle recalled as emblematic of her brother.

Though she lamented not having gifts to bestow upon her arrival, she said she will be bringing a hearty dose of Christmas spirit.

"I get to spend every single day doing something I really believe in, when normally I would be running around buying gifts," said the bicyclist. "It is just such a great gift."

Interrupting her journey for only a single day, Michelle momentarily ditched her bike in Amarillo, Texas, to fly home for Thanksgiving. That day, she walked 10 miles to the airport, cashed in $525 worth of vouchers for Southwest Airlines and hopped on a plane headed for Southern California. The very next day, she was back in Texas and on her bike heading westward, from whence she came.

Along the route, which has taken her through eight states, she has been collecting various bric-a-brac and sending it off to John. Her brother is now the proud owner of an obscenely large cowboy hat, a string of lights representing each state along Route 66, and hillbilly chopsticks — essentially an oversized clothespin.

Besides getting random tidbits of Route 66's extensive history, Michelle's favorite aspect of the journey was the helpful people she met at gas stations, motels and elsewhere. These "road angels" shared food, shelter and support along the way, many calling in or e-mailing to check on her progress, or offering advice.

"People I didn't know anything about nine weeks ago have become lifelong friends," Michelle said. "They have definitely stayed with me."

Though she's climbed as high as 7,300 feet and the odometer on her bicycle read 2,105 miles last week, Michelle didn't want to get overconfident about her cycling abilities, fearing she may jinx herself. She still found the riding difficult after nine weeks on the road, but hopes to maintain it as a hobby now that it is all over.

"I have really found the cycling world and the people in it to be really wonderful," she said.

REACHING THE FINISH LINE

At about 5 p.m. on Monday, Michelle finished her long trek to Costa Mesa in front of her brother's driveway, riding through a paper banner her family had made as they waved flags and cheered.

With 2,441 miles on her bike's odometer, Michelle didn't even dismount her bicycle before giving her brother John a hug.

"I feel great now that I'm here," Michelle said to the small crowd of family and neighbors who had gathered for her arrival. "I'm a little late because I had to stop and look at the ocean."

John, who assured the crowd he would win his battle against cancer, was speechless at his sister's feat.

"We're so ecstatic!" said Tracy Thompson, John's wife. "We've been worried about her every step of the way."

Without nonprofit status, Michelle has been unable to attract major sponsorship. Instead, she is relying on what she calls "everyday people" who still believe that one person can make a difference in the world.

So far, Michelle's Route 2 Outsmart Cancer campaign, www.route2outsmartcancer.com, has raised close to $10,000 toward her goal. She is still looking for ways to up the ante.

"Excited as I am to finally get there, I feel like there is so much more that I want to do," she said Wednesday, just after crossing the border into California. "I was thinking maybe I could turn around and ride back."

Trip Update, Dec. 25

She made it! Michelle arrived at the Santa Monica Pier (the end of Route 66) at 11:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve!

This afternoon she is riding Pacific Coast Highway/Highway 1 to Costa Mesa to see her brother John for Christmas. (Estimated arrival time: 3:00 p.m. PST)

Current odometer reading: 2,390 miles

Check back to hear from Michelle herself and to see photos.

Merry Christmas!

In the News: Inland Southern CA, The Press Enterprise

THE PRESS ENTERPRISE, DECEMBER 24, 2006
www.pe.com

Rider determined to aid sibling

By MICHAEL MELLO and DUANE W. GANG
The Press-Enterprise

Michelle Thompson plans to give her brother a big hug today, a Christmas gift more than two months and 2,400 miles in the making.

Thompson hopped on a bicycle in October and left the Chicago suburb of Glen Ellyn for California. Her goal: a ride to benefit her brother who has cancer -- helping to raise money for his living expenses and focus awareness on oral cancer.

She's followed Route 66 from Illinois and hopes to pull in front of John Thompson's home in Costa Mesa today. On Sunday, she began her journey in Rialto and aimed to reach the Santa Monica Pier and the end of Route 66 by the end of the day.

Michelle has been plagued by fierce winter storms, up to three flat tires a day and poor road surfacing.

She's also been blessed. Samaritans have bought her meals and provided her with lodging so she did not have to camp on frigid nights. Through it all she has pushed on.

On Sunday at Don's Bikes of Rialto, owner Scott McAfee gave her a discount on a new helmet and offered to tune up her bicycle for free. An employee gave her a big hug upon hearing her story, Michelle said.

"You don't expect that. I have been getting a lot of encouragement," she said. "People will come up to me or yell out the window, 'Good for you.'

"A lot of times, I wondered if I was doing any good," she said Saturday. "Then I would meet someone who would approach me at a gas station and tell me about their experience with cancer."

She said she could have made it to Costa Mesa by Sunday night, but after spending weeks on Route 66 and learning of its history, she felt compelled to finish riding the storied road.

With every pedal pump, Michelle said, she has kept in mind her brother, John, and the surgeries and chemotherapy.

"John was the inspiration for this whole journey," she said.

"He found himself in the battle of his life. He was worried about his mortgage and supporting his family," she said. "I thought if (his) financial burden could be reduced, he could focus on getting well."

Sister Donna Thompson-Becker said her siblings have inspired each other.

"She's pretty amazing. My brother is too," Donna said. "It's been a real morale booster for my brother."

Michelle said the trip was a spur-of-the-moment decision, and she did not do any training before leaving her parents' home.

"I had about three weeks to organize it, sublet my apartment and get on the road," she said. "In the very beginning, I was just trying to get out of Illinois, because I'm not a bicyclist. I was just focused on moving. I was in survival mode."

McAfee at Don's Bikes said, "Hats off to her.

"To do what she is doing with virtually no training and knowledge of touring blows my mind," McAfee said. "She is a pretty amazing person. We are happy to play a small role at the end of her journey."

There's only one disappointment, she said: Donations have lagged. Michelle hoped to raise about $50,000 -- about a one-year salary for John. By mid-December donors had given about $9,000. Still, she hopes to collect more.

Contributions may be made by credit card at www.route2outsmartcancer.com.

Checks made out to route2outsmartcancer may be sent to: Route2outsmartcancer, P.O. Box 142, Glen Ellyn, Ill., 60138.

"I'm going to pull into my brother's driveway and give him a big hug," Michelle said. "I'd like to go to Mass on Christmas Day, but that depends on what time I get there. I'd like to spend the day laughing and telling stories."

The trip, she said Sunday, "has renewed my faith in family and human kindness and God."

Trip Update, Dec. 23

Michelle cycled through the desert until midnight last night, ending up about 20 miles shy of Victorville, CA. She is shooting for San Bernadino tonight.

Starting odometer reading this morning: 2,258 miles
Afternoon temperature today: 62 degrees (For the first time in the trip, Michelle didn't have to wear a jacket today!)

In the News: San Bernadino, CA, County Sun

To view the video, click here. Follow this link to the photo gallery.

SAN BERNADINO COUNTY SUN, DECEMBER 23, 2006
www.sbsun.com

Woman hitting the road to fight brother's cancer

Andrew Silva, Staff Writer
As Michelle Thompson stood on the pedals to push her bicycle up a long, gentle hill on old Route 66 just west of Ludlow on Friday afternoon, her odometer turned over to 2,200 miles.

Two months ago, the 35-year-old business consultant left her parents' home near Chicago to ride most of the historic "Mother Road" on a grinding 2,400-mile journey to Costa Mesa.

Is she one of those cardiovascular goddesses out for a challenge? A fanatical Route 66 buff?

Hardly. An absolute noncyclist, she didn't buy her gear, including a 21-speed touring bike and a "Bob" bike trailer, until three days before she hit the road.

The trip, only three weeks from conception to rolling down her parents' driveway, is to raise both awareness of oral cancer and money for her 48-year-old brother, who's struggling with the devastating effects of the disease.

"He's the kind of brother, if you spent 10 minutes with him, you'd know why I was out here," she said while taking a short break at the cafe in Ludlow on National Trails Highway just off Interstate 40 about 50 miles east of Barstow.

For example, on her 17th birthday, he towed a classic white 1965 Mustang to Kentucky where she was vacationing with their parents as a present.

A talented car mechanic who lives in Costa Mesa, John Thompson had a second radical surgery in July to remove part of his jaw and tongue.

He's been using a feeding tube ever since, and can barely talk.

"I got to talk to him about three weeks after the surgery ... His wife said he had just come back from a mile walk," Michelle said. "He can't eat, drink or swallow, and he's walking a mile a day ... I'm a completely healthy person. There's no reason I can't do this."

John has been worried about getting back to his job managing a small garage and frets about keeping up with his house payments.

So Michelle hit on the idea of some kind of fundraiser, which evolved into riding across the country to raise money and to see him by Christmas.

Her family members were not thrilled with the idea, and in fact, were downright worried.

"My brother told me it's hard enough in a car," she said.

With a touch of luck, she stumbled on to Lon Haldeman, who pioneered ultraendurance cycling in the early 1980s as the winner of the first two installments of the Race Across America. Haldeman now runs a cross-country touring service out of Wisconsin.

"He grilled me," she said. He wanted to make sure she didn't get herself killed.

Haldeman provided the route maps that made the trip possible.

She planned to make 50 miles a day, towing her trusty "Bob" trailer.

On a tight budget, she tried to camp as much as possible, but sometimes Mother Nature put the kibosh on that idea, wreaking havoc with her schedule and her finances.

A blizzard in New Mexico forced her into a motel for four days.

And a few weeks ago, she ran smack into another storm as she was about to cross into Arizona. Fortunately, she was near a truck stop and got a ride from a woman there back to Gallup, N.M.

"I've encountered nothing but kindness that has just humbled me," she said.

She learned that lesson early on when a police officer in Illinois escorted her along a dark, dangerous road to make sure she got safely to a campground.

And the Route 66 community has practically adopted her, providing guidance and support, including an occasional place to stay.

But the cold weather has been brutal, and there are times when the solitude is pressing.

"Climbing Black Mountain (in Arizona), it's getting dark; you can feel the temperature plummeting; my phone doesn't work; if I get a flat, (while trying to change it) my hands will freeze. That's when you become aware you're alone. That's when the cold scares me," she said.

There are few profound thoughts on the road.

"Oh my god, I have to go up that? Oh my god, the wind..." she said, laughing. "Food. I think about food ... I'm now the kind of person (who goes for) a hot dog in a gas station for breakfast."

She hopes to make it to Rialto by tonight, putting her within striking distance of her goal to see her brother by Christmas.

Her sister, Donna Thompson-Becker, 47, also of Costa Mesa, met her just this side of Needles and is now carrying the trailer in her car for the last few legs.

A friend in Chicago (Alison Otto) keeps up the Web site, and the entire family has provided assistance.

Information on making donations is on her Web site, www.route2outsmartcancer.com.

Michelle refuses to complain about the tough days behind her, given what her brother is going through, and she treasures the entire journey.

Especially fine were those rare days, like one in New Mexico, when friends (Sara & Lee Snyder) met her on the road, took her trailer, and she was able to just ride. No wind, feeling strong, spectacular scenery.

"That's one of those days that get you through the next five," she said. "I can think about how lucky I am to be out there trying to help my brother."

Contact writer Andrew Silva at andrew.silva@sbsun.com or at (909) 386-3889.

 

Trip Update, Dec. 21

We have been waiting for this moment since Oct. 21.

After 8 weeks, 7 states, and more than 2,000 miles, we are so delighted to say:

Hello, California!
Current Odomenter Reading: 2,187 miles

Michelle crossed the California state line at Needles on Dec. 20, and is cycling through the Mojave Desert – day and night – in an all-out effort to reach her brother John’s home in Costa Mesa by Christmas. Tonight she made it to Ludlow, CA, and will head toward Victorville tomorrow.

To her surprise, Michelle discovered that the desert is not flat! Since Needles, she has made a long, gradual climb. (In total feet, or as cyclists' describe it: a gross climb of 4,200 ft.)

Michelle’s sister Donna Thompson-Becker drove from Costa Mesa on Thursday to meet Michelle and escort her on the last leg of her journey. Without the 50-lb. weight of Bob (the trailer) and with frigid temperatures behind her, Michelle will make much better time.

Michelle is several days behind schedule, but she has picked up the pace and is sprinting for Costa Mesa!

In the News: The Kingman, AZ, Daily Miner

THE KINGMAN DAILY MINER, DECEMBER 21, 2006
www.kingmandailyminer.com

Woman takes long ride on Route 66 for brother

Terry Organ
Miner Staff Writer

Michelle Thompson is enduring both physical and financial hardship as she makes a 2,400-mile bicycle ride along Route 66 from Chicago to Costa Mesa, Calif.

Her goal is to reach the home of her brother, John, by Christmas Day.

John Thompson, 48, was diagnosed with oral cancer in 2005. He has been unable to return to his job as manager of an auto repair shop for nearly two years.

The ride being made by his sister is to raise $50,000 (about one year's salary for John) so he can make his mortgage payments and pay other bills, and at the same time to heighten awareness of oral cancer. "I've taken a three-month leave of absence from my small consulting business and my clients have been very supportive," Michelle said Tuesday during a stop in Kingman. "When you're helping someone you love, the money seems trivial."

Her brother underwent radiation, chemotherapy and surgery in the first year after his diagnosis. The cancer came back and John underwent radical surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles in July.

"He had part of his tongue, jaw and cheekbone removed, plus two skin grafts," Michelle said. "He's also on a feeding tube due to his inability to swallow."

Michelle bought a 21-speed Fuji tour bike three days before leaving Chicago on Oct. 21. She chose to ride along Route 66 because it seemed the best route. There are towns along the way and that gives her a sense of comfort since she is alone on her trip.

She is towing a Bob Bike Trailer with clothing and camping gear. It adds 50 pounds to her ride.

"I was camping out at night until I got into New Mexico, and then it got too cold at night," she said. "I've been staying with people associated with Route 66 since then, and some motels have donated a night's lodging along the way.

"I did camp just west of Flagstaff but ended up on the floor of a campground restroom because it was so cold. Your standards change pretty quickly when you're cold."

She was averaging nearly 40 miles per day until getting into the mountains of New Mexico, getting "beat up" by wind and cold in the last few days before reaching Kingman on Monday.

Michelle said she did not have any flat tires the first 1,400 miles of her trip.

After entering Texas, her back tire and those on the trailer began taking a beating, with her having to change up to three flats one day.

"I found myself on the side of the highway outside of Winslow at sunset one day trying to change a flat and very aware how alone I was," Michelle said.

"A trucker called the Highway Patrol and said he was worried after seeing me and a trooper soon pulled up.

"I was having trouble with the bike pump and he tried to help, but the pump broke. It ended with him loading my trailer and bike into his patrol car and driving me into Winslow, where his father came and took me to a Wal-Mart."

"A perfect stranger got me a new pump and then dropped me off at a motel in Winslow. I'm amazed at the kindness I have witnessed."

All during her trip she has encountered people asking about what she is doing. Upon explaining the reason for her ride, many relate stories of their own about loved ones who have died or are afflicted with cancer, Michelle said.

She listens and hands out cards with her Web site address to which donations may be made for her brother. That site is www.route2outsmartcancer.com. Pay Pal handles credit card transactions, ensuring their security, she said.

Updates on her trip also are posted on the Web site.

Anyone preferring to make a donation by check may make one out to and mail to route2outsmartcancer, P.O. Box 142, Glen Ellyn, Ill. 60138. About $7,100 in donations have thus far been received.

Michelle embarked on her journey with no prior cycling experience. That factor along with the weather and different terrains encountered have made for a challenging ride.

"Kingman feels balmy compared to what it was like Saturday in Seligman," she said. "I might as well have climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, as I could not stay warm and the wind would not let up. The trailer felt more like 120 pounds."

She estimates she must make 60 miles per day to reach her brother's house in time for Christmas.

"Oral cancer can be debilitating and fatal," Michelle said.

"But everything in me tells me John is going to beat it.

"I'm so proud of how he has handled this challenge. He has a great sense of humor and so many people are praying for him."

Trip Update, Dec. 19

Michelle arrived in Kingman, AZ, yesterday. Elevations have been dropping (Kingman is 3,000 ft.), but she had to ride up many a hill to go down again. As Michelle says, “It is not downhill from Flagstaff!” She has encountered some of the toughest terrain and worst wind of the trip over the last three days. Frigid temperatures also are a challenge. “When they say the high is 40 degrees, it means it is 40 degrees for 30 minutes!” Michelle tells us.

Michelle will head toward Golden Shores, AZ, today, and hopefully cross the California state line into Needles, CA, on Dec. 21. We are counting the days until warmer weather arrives!

The countdown to Costa Mesa is underway! Please make a donation to help Michelle reach her goal. Any amount is greatly appreciated. Thank you so much to everyone who has already contributed. Every dollar truly does make a difference.

Current total of donations received: $8,141
(+$295 from Dec. 17)
Amount needed to reach goal: $41,859