route2outsmartcancer

In the News: KABC-TV, Los Angeles

KABC-TV, LOS ANGELES, DECEMBER 25, 2006

KABC-TV caught up with Michelle as she pedaled into Costa Mesa on Christmas Day and gave her brother John a hug!

Click here to view the video.

In the News: Bloomington, IL Pantagraph

BLOOMINGTON PANTAGRAPH, JANUARY 14, 2007
www.pantagraph.com

Biker’s trip complete, but the cause goes on

Some people inspire others by doing great things. Take Michelle Thompson, for instance.

Pantagraph readers met her in October as she pedaled through the Twin Cities on her way to California. At 35, the self-described non-cyclist planned to ride the length of Route 66 on a bicycle to raise cancer awareness and raise money for her brother, John, who is battling the disease in California.

Before her trip, she’d ridden just a little more than 100 miles in all of 2006. Her late start meant she was surely going to hit bad weather. But she was driven to help after witnessing her sibling’s struggle with oral cancer, which claims 8,000 lives each year. About 30,000 cases are diagnosed annually.

The bike ride from the Midwest to the Pacific Ocean was to focus attention on her Web site, www.route2outsmartcancer.com and to attract the notice of reporters like me along the way. Her goal was to get information about oral cancer into the pages of newspapers and on television screens from along the way.

Cameras from KABC in Los Angeles were there to record the moment when Thompson, a manufacturing consultant, rolled into her brother’s driveway in Costa Mesa, Calif., on Christmas Day.

Total distance: 2,441.3 miles.

“Don’t forget the .3,” she said, laughing.

Total time: nine weeks, two days.

Total money raised: $10,200.

Total number of flats: “Nine or 10,” she said.

Add to that two falls that cracked her bike helmets, several nights spent in laundry rooms at campgrounds to escape frigid temperatures and countless “road angels” who helped lighten her load along the way. The angels were people she met who took her single-wheeled trailer, a bob, ahead so she didn’t have to pull it so far.

Thompson also crossed paths with people like Bob and Ramona Lehman, who run a motel on Route 66. They put her up for free for two nights during an ice storm and introduced her to Jim Conkle, who publishes the Route 66 Pulse, a newspaper that carries the news along the Mother Road.

Conkle dubbed her “the Bike Lady” and posted her story on the Internet where the Route 66 crowd could see it. They opened their doors to her along the way.

Once, after her bike had shifting problems in Amarillo, Texas, she spent a night in a laundry room. After hearing about her trouble, a Route 66 tourism promoter arranged for a limo with big horns on the hood to pick her up and take her to the Big Texan motel and restaurant.

The Big Texan is famous in Route 66 lore for its offer to feed customers a 72-ounce steak free of charge if they eat the whole thing within a time limit. Thompson spent the night there free. She skipped the steak.

Another couple drove 30 miles to pick her up, take her to dinner and offer her a room in their home to sleep. They drove her back to her starting point the next day.

So much kindness from strangers was something she didn’t expect.

“It took me by surprise,” said Thompson. “My hope was I would be left alone, that no one would harass me or heckle me. Instead, people went out of their way to be nice to me.”

There were times when she was in danger. She crossed a 7,000-foot mountain pass in a snowstorm with winds that threatened to blow her away. It was 17 degrees.

“I was numb.”

Workers at a truck stop let her spend the night.

When Thompson reached her brother’s house, he was just starting to eat again after surgery a month earlier to remove cancer from his sinus cavity. An earlier surgery removed oral cancer from his tongue and his jawbone.

He still faces reconstructive surgery. The good news is he’s cancer free.

“He’s battling every day,” said Thompson. “But, he’s on track and getting stronger everyday.”

John Thompson now has a date in Clinton, Okla. Officials there invited him to be the parade marshal for the 2007 Route 66 festival after Michelle Thompson paid a visit. Meanwhile, his sister plans to raise more money and create a nonprofit foundation to carry on.

“It (the ride) was absolutely worth it, but we are not done with the work,” she said. “This is my new passion. I have two jobs now, one as a consultant and one trying to raise awareness of cancer in our community.”

Thompson may also take on other cancer issues. While she was in a gift shop in Gallup, N.M., wearing a jacket bearing the name of her Web site, an American Indian approached her and said: “Cancer is killing my people.”

She learned uranium exposure from mining is the suspected cause.

The bike Thompson rode to California will be auctioned on eBay to add money to the fund to help her brother. But she plans to buy another and keep riding to outsmart cancer.

“Originally, this was about one person trying to help one person they love. Now, we would like to take it farther,” she said.

By Scott Richardson
srichardson@pantagraph.com

Join Michelle This Sunday, Jan. 14

Posted by American Road magazine:

We're happy to report that on Sunday at 8pm EST January 14, American Road magazine will be hosting an online chat with Michelle Thompson, who just completed her 2,400-mile bicycle trek on Route 66 to raise awareness and funds to help her brother, John, and his family during his fight with oral cancer.

Michelle will be with us online to talk about her journey and answer your questions. Please join us at the American Road magazine online forum at http://americanroadmagazine.com/forum.

Look for the "Live Chat" link in the upper right corner. No registration is required. To join in just select "Live Chat" and type the username of your choice.

Pat B./American Road Forum Moderator
-----------------------------------------------

Special thanks to American Road for its support of Michelle’s mission to raise awareness of oral cancer. Click here if you want to register a username in advance for the on-line chat.

Click here to find out how your subscriptions to American Road help make a difference in the fight against oral cancer.

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."

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."

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.

 

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."

In the News: Flagstaff, AZ, Daily Sun

ARIZONA DAILY SUN, DECEMBER 17, 2006
www.azdailysun.com

Bicycling for her brother

By BETSEY BRUNER
Community Editor

Michelle Thompson wants to be home for Christmas -- her brother's home in California, that is.

She left her home in Chicago Oct. 21 on a 2,400-mile solo bicycle ride across the country to raise awareness about oral cancer and raise money to help her brother John Thompson, a two-year survivor of oral cancer who lives in Costa Mesa, Calif.

John is the second-oldest of five siblings. The Thompson children, three boys and two girls, were raised in Glen Ellyn, Ill., where their parents still live.

"My brother's really the hero in this," said Thompson, 35, who gave an interview at the Radisson Woodlands Hotel on Friday after spending a night in a room donated by the hotel. "I'm just inspired by him. This is actually easier than being in Chicago and wanting to help. At least you're out here trying."

Thompson pulled into town late Thursday night and cycled through downtown Flagstaff before getting to the Radisson.

"I wanted to see some of Flagstaff," she said. "I can't wait to come back. It seems it has a lot of character."

DONATIONS NEEDED

Her ambitious goal is to raise $50,000 to help cover one year of wages for her brother, an automobile mechanic who has been out of work for two years because of the disease.

John Thompson, 48, was diagnosed with oral cancer in 2005. The cancer reoccurred in May 2006, and he underwent his fifth surgery in late November. Surgeons removed part of his tongue and jaw. He has been on a feeding tube since July.

"Because of the radical surgery he's had, it's very difficult for him to talk," Thompson said. "He's afraid he won't be able to work with the public. He's worried about his mortgage, supporting his family and fighting this cancer, all at the same time."

Supporters have raised about $7,100 so far, with 100 percent of the pledges going to help her brother.

"I'm very proud of that," she said. "That comes from donations through the Web site and post box, and people who just came up to me and gave me $5. I know it's Christmas, and it's hard to be asking for pledges, but even small donations can make a difference. Make a small pledge and help me help my brother."

Thompson said when a loved one gets cancer, it's not just a health issue. Loved ones have to also battle on financial and social fronts.

"I think it's important to not just wish our loved ones well, but to get in the battle with them," she said. "They're just hoping to get through next year without it coming back. We're very hopeful, and he's very optimistic."

NO TRAINING

Thompson hit the road without training, a daunting challenge. She said she hadn't been on a bicycle in two years.

"I'm not a cyclist," she said. "I knew it would be tough. But the truth is, my brother is suffering so much, my little aches and pains seem trivial. It puts it into perspective. The first month was really tough. I wasn't strong."

She purchased her 21-speed Fuji touring bike and other equipment three days before embarking on her journey. She also has a Bob Bike Trailer, which she tows behind, packed with her camping gear and clothing.

"It's just me and Bob," she said with a laugh. "A Chicago bike shop helped me. It was getting expensive really quickly."

To make the trip possible, Thompson, a freelance manufacturing consultant, took a three-month leave of absence and sublet her apartment.

Thompson was able to save money by camping, until she hit a blizzard in the desert near Tucumcari, N.M. Her budget took a hit when she had to hole up in a motel for four days.

Another big problem has been flat tires, sometimes three in one day.

"Little metal shrapnel just poke right in," she said. "The highway is the worst place to change a flat."

TRAVELING OLD ROUTE 66

Starting from her parents' driveway in Glen Ellyn, Ill., Thompson is cycling historic Route 66 on her quest to reach her brother's driveway in Costa Mesa in time for the holidays.

Aficionados of the historic route have provided unexpected help all along the route, including Jim Conkle of the Route 66 Preservation Foundation, who put out an e-mail message to Route 66 clubs and others across the country, asking them to help Thompson on the road.

Route 66 people gave her updates on the road, places to stay and called ahead to alert the next town or city about her scheduled arrival.

"The Route 66 community of people, that was really unexpected," she said. "I didn't even know this wonderful community existed. I don't think I could have done this without them."

Thompson usually wears a light blue wind breaker with the words "The Route to Outsmart Cancer" in black block letters on the back. Many people along the way have responded positively to her goal.

"I'm out here alone, but I have found there are many kind people," she said.

Plans are in the works to get 501-3C status, so she can seek bigger sponsorship. Thompson would also like to keep the Web site going and continue to garner support for the health issue of oral cancer, which she said is usually first noticed by dentists during routine check-ups.

Soon Thompson's trusty Fuji bike will be auctioned on e-bay, another way to raise money for her brother.

"It's traveled Route 66 from Chicago to California," she said. "I might keep the odometer for my own sense of accomplishment. I get excited every time it turns over."

Reporter Betsey Bruner can be reached at 556-2255 or by e-mail at bbruner@azdailysun.com.

In the News: Daily Herald, Chicago, IL (suburbs)

DAILY HERALD, CHICAGO SUBURBS, DECEMBER 13, 2006
www.dailyherald.com

Woman rides bike for brother with cancer

By Hafsa Naz Mahmood
Daily Herald Staff Writer

“I knew it would be hard. But my worst day is still better than (John’s) best day.”

—Michelle Thompson

Michelle Thompson left Glen Ellyn in October and hopes to arrive in California by Christmas Eve.

Why is the trip taking so long? She’s doing it by bicycle.

She’s encountered strong winds, blizzards and rain storms that have slowed down the 35-year-old’s 2,500-mile journey down historic Route 66.

Yet she’s determined to make it to California as part of a fund-raiser for her brother, John Thompson, who’s battling oral cancer.

John was diagnosed two years ago. He underwent treatment and it looked like he was getting better. Then the cancer came back.

“At that point, I felt like he needs as much support as he can get to fight this,” Thompson said. “I wanted to get in the battle with him.”

So she did.

The self-employed consultant, who now lives in Chicago, decided to travel across the country on her bike and try to raise $50,000 for her brother. The goal is to help financially and collect a year’s salary for John.

“It will be quite a while before he could work,” she said. “He needs to focus on getting well instead of worrying about finances.”

Mother Joan Thompson, who has lived in Glen Ellyn for 39 years, discouraged Michelle’s idea of an extended bike ride at first.

“I was really very concerned about her being on the road alone,” she said. “It’s just amazing that she’s gone as far as she has, and at this point I’m sure she’ll finish.”

Michelle Thompson raised pledges before she left Oct. 21 and has been collecting money during her bike ride. A group of friends are working on a Web site, www.route2outsmartcancer.com, where people can get updates on Michelle’s trip and donate if they’d like.

All monetary donations go directly into a bank account for John, 48.

Thompson said the size of the donation doesn’t matter, and every bit adds up.

“Every penny helps, and our hope is that awareness of the bike-a-thon will grow so that we will have alot of people making smaller donations.” she said. “I understand that with Christmas this is a hard time of year, but anything is appreciated.”

Thompson hasn’t had much experience with bikes, but said she’s getting more confident and fit with the sport day by day.

“I knew it would be hard,” she said, “but my worst day is still better than (John’s) best day.”

In the News: KRQE TV, Albuquerque, NM

Michelle was interviewed live on KRQE TV in Albuquerque, NM, on Dec. 5. She talks about her mission, her brother, and reveals some important information you may not know about oral cancer. Click here to view the video.