KRide 2012, I’m not an event photographer (clearly) and a raffle!

At this very moment I am excited, nervous, anxious and a little bit nauseous.

Before you ask, (I’m looking at you Mom), no, I am not pregnant.

I’ve just registered for the 2012 Katelynn’s Ride (aka KRide), a bicycle ride in memory of 11 year old Katelynn Battista of West Springfield, MA who lost her battle with cancer in 1997.  Since 2001 the ride, which features 10, 25, 50 and 100 mile loops, has raised $1.4 million for cancer research – outstanding!  It’s also a great day for families, since there are kids’ activities, entertainment and a nice big barbeque!

This is not my first year with KRide, though it will be the first year I am riding.  Back in 2002 I volunteered as a cheerleader alongside my BFF Amber and our friend Jill Monson.  We picked the last corner of the route to cheer on the riders and encourage them that they were almost there.  I am tearing up now just thinking about how amazing it was to see all those people riding for such an amazing cause.  Last year I was once again a cheerleader, but this time it was in honor of my sister-in-law’s nephew, Adam.  Adam was diagnosed at 16 months of age with the same cancer that Katelynn had.  At 20 months of age he had a life saving bone marrow transplant at the Dana Farber Institute.  I am extremely happy to say he is now 7 years cancer free and will be 9 years old at the time of the race, June 3rd!  Here are some pictures from last year’s race and apologies for the quality.  I am not an event photographer, especially when I can’t control the harsh mid day light like below.  What can I say?  I’m a control freak.

Adam’s Animal’s 2011Dan Williams (co-founder, along with Kim Zachary, Steve Stark and the Battista Family) counting down the riders.

This year, for the first time, I am riding.  I ride in Katelynn’s memory.  I ride in honor of Adam and his continued health.  And I ride so that one day no child or family will ever have to suffer or worry about this horrible disease. Right now my plan is to ride the 25 mile course and I have a fundraising goal of $500.  I know the economy isn’t exactly peachy right now, and everyone is feeling it, but if you can help me – donating whatever you can even if it’s $5 – it means that we are that much closer to making this thing history.  How amazing would that be?

But I’ll do one better.  I want to raise more than $500…I’d love to raise $1000, $1500, even $2000!  Anyone who is able to donate $50 or more to the cause will be entered into a drawing for a complimentary portrait session and 11″x14″ wall print, session to be held this Fall 2012 in either the New Hampshire Lakes region or the Western Massachusetts region.  Drawing will take place August 2, 2012.  Your gift is tax deductible, you’re helping a fantastic cause and you might just get an amazing gift yourself from your donation!

You can donate online through my personal fundraising website here: http://www.active.com/donate/kride2012/careyhough or if you’d prefer to send a check, please email me carey@careyhoughphotography.com and I will be in touch on where to send it.

Thank you – and hopefully I don’t end up like my brother at the end of the race last year.

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