Let’s Get Serious About This Fight
We’re less than three weeks away from the first LiveStrong Challenge: the one in Seattle (June 21). I think this is a good moment to point out a few interesting facts about Team Fatty in general and Team Fatty-Seattle in particular.
- The combined Teams Fatty have 439 members, making us the largest team, by far.
- The combined Teams Fatty have raised $252,482 as of this moment, making us the top-earning team, by far. We have — as of this morning — crossed the QUARTER MILLION mark!
- Team Fatty-Seattle is the second smallest of the Teams Fatty, but has raised the second most amount of money — $84,692 — and is very close to overtaking Team Fatty-Austin.
- Team Fatty-Seattle is the top-ranked Seattle team, and has raised more than three times as much as the second-place team. Who is the second place-team? Microsoft. By the way, as a former ‘Softie’ myself, I issued a challenge for a friendly fundraising competition to Team Microsoft, giving them a generous handicap in spite of the fact that they’re a giant multinational corporation with a charitable contributions matching policy, and I’m…a blogger working out of a corner of my bedroom. They declined. Which is just as well, because we would have crushed them anyway.
- The Team Fatty-Seattle Co-Captain — and very frequent commenter — ClydeSteve, is by far and away the top-raising Team Fatty-Seattle fundraiser, having raised an incredible $17,535 so far. In fact, ClydeSteve is currently the top-raising individual of all of Team Fatty. ClydeSteve, you are a superhero.
- The only Team Fatty member — and coincidentally the only company in Team Fatty — to have earned more than ClydeSteve is Twin Six, currently at $26,986. Team Fatty-Austin is lucky to have Twin Six, because otherwise Team Fatty-Seattle would be way ahead. Twin Six, you guys are incredible.
And now for a few factoids we can — and will — definitely improve upon:
- There are 51 members of Team Fatty-Seattle (more than half) who haven’t raised the $250 necessary to participate in the LiveStrong Seattle event yet.
- There are 16 members of Team Fatty-Seattle who haven’t raised any money yet.
But I’m not here to bust your chops, Team Fatty-Seattleites. No, indeed. I’m here to give you a reason to give it all you’ve got for your final sprint.
Team Fatty-Seattle: Win a Revolution Wheelworks Road Wheelset
Revolution Wheelworks has donated a road wheelset — their very popular REV-30s — for me to give away.
Check out the specs on these:
- Rim: 30mm Aero Alloy
- Hubs: Ultra serviceable sealed bearing hubs with 15mm aluminum axle and alloy freehub body 82g front / 222g rear
- Spokes: Pillar 14/17/14 bladed – 24 Radial front – 28 2x rear
- Nipples: Brass
- Weight: 1530 per pair
These wheels are in such high demand that they’re sold out ’til July. Which means the only way you can get a pair is by winning them.
And the only way you can win them is by being a member of Team Fatty-Seattle.
Here’s What You’ve Got to Do
First of all, let me make it perfectly clear: this contest is only for members of Team Fatty-Seattle. So Team Fatty-Seattle members — all 96 of you (I’m making ClydeSteve and me ineligible) — are the only ones who can win this nice wheelset.
To win, between now and Sunday (June 7) at midnight (MDT), you need to raise money, donated to your own LiveStrong Challenge page. For every $5.00 you raise, you get a virtual ticket, and then I’ll choose a number randomly for the winner.
Bear in mind that this contest is for money you raise between now and Sunday, not for money you’ve already raised.
Extra Incentive For Those Getting Started
As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, there are quite a few Team Fatty-Seattle members who haven’t hit the $250 mark, and several who haven’t raised any money at all, yet.
Well, here’s a reason for you to start sending out email to your friends.
- If you haven’t raised anything yet, you will get an extra 5 tickets (as if you had raised an extra $25) just for getting started.
- If you haven’t raised $250 yet, you will get an extra 5 tickets if you can get to that magic $250 mark.
So, yes, if you haven’t raised anything yet and during this next few days can get all the way up to $250, you’ll get an extra 10 tickets — 5 for getting started, and 5 for reaching $250.
And of course, no matter how much you’ve already raised, every $5.00 you can get someone to donate at your Team Fatty-Seattle LiveStrong page gets you another chance at those wheels.
And For Those of You Not on Team Fatty-Seattle
Don’t you worry; there will be contests for each team as your LiveStrong Challenge event gets close. Nobody will be left out.
And if you’re not on a team at all yet, well, maybe it’s time you join one and start getting seriously involved in the fight against cancer. There are links to each Team Fatty city page in my sidebar; click the city you want to sign up with, then click “Join Our Team” from that page.
There are going to be more and more giveaways, and raising money to fight cancer as a member of Team Fatty is going to be one of the best ways you can win.
A Final, Personal Note
Right now, I’m sitting at home, waiting for a company that does home X-Rays to come take some pictures of Susan’s left shoulder and collarbone. Yesterday when she was rolling over in bed, there was a nasty “pop” from that area, followed by a huge amount of pain — pain that a serious amount of morphine and Lortab have only been able to lessen, not stop.
I don’t know what’s wrong, but I’m pretty freaked out. I hate the sense of helplessness I have: a husband should be able to take care of his wife, and when stuff like this happens, I can’t help at all.
What helps — a little — is to know that I, along with you, am at least doing something in this fight. It’s not enough to help Susan, and I hate myself for not having done more sooner.
But it is something, and you’re all helping me feel like I’m doing something important. And that helps me. Thank you for that.
PS: If you don’t plan on attending any of the LiveStrong Challenges, you can now join Team Fatty with no signup fee. Just go to the Team Fatty HQ page for one of the cities — Seattle, San Jose, Philly, or Austin — and click the Join Our Team link from there. In the Fees area, select Virtual Challenge, and you won’t have to pay an event fee. So, if you’ve been sitting on the fence about joining Team Fatty, there’s your reason to join up.
Comment by Hamish A | 06.2.2009 | 10:19 am
If the wheels don’t motivate people with the fundraising efforts then the end of your post certainly should.
Positive thoughts coming your way from the UK. I hope the X-ray people come soon to give you answers and a solution so Susans pain and your frustration can be lessened.
Love to Susan, manly, supportive type hugs to you.
WIN.
Comment by BuzzLiteBoy | 06.2.2009 | 10:27 am
Elden, all good thoughts coming your way from the Rocky Mtn. High. Seriously, the reality is none of us have done enough, but are doing what we can now, and will continue to do what we can, in honor of Susan, our family and friends. We stand beside from afar, in support and friendship, no matter how distant.
Your family is constantly in my thoughts. Peace be with you.
Comment by Big Boned | 06.2.2009 | 10:29 am
Fatty,
I know that feeling of helplessness. Your presence itself is help. Be well.
Seattle – give Fatty some love and raise that money!
WIN Susan!
BB
Comment by Brian | 06.2.2009 | 10:30 am
Fatty,
Assuming you called the x-ray folks and helped with the pain meds, I think you’ve done all you can for the immediate situation. Hope all turns out as well as possible.
WIN
Comment by MikeonHisBike | 06.2.2009 | 10:32 am
Hang in there Fatty. Wish you were coming to Seattle for the event because I’m sure there are a lot of people who would love to meet you. Maybe next time.
Comment by Clydesteve | 06.2.2009 | 10:44 am
I am praying for Susan right now. And I really believe that is not nothing.
Team Fatty Seattle – hard to offer tangible help isn’t it?
How about some inspirational help – How about you guys go work on winning those wheels as if you were doing it to raise money for a Foundation devoted to kicking the disease Susan has in the butt!
Comment by GenghisKhan | 06.2.2009 | 10:45 am
You make my own paltry efforts seem, well, paltry. Can you imagine if all the corner bloggers at Microsoft put in half of your effort?! Wow it would be, eh?
Keep up the good work!
Comment by Lana K | 06.2.2009 | 10:54 am
I just have to say thank you to Fatty for all of this.
I did a cancer fighting trifecta last week (100 miles of nowhere – over $400 in donations, donated 14 inches of hair to Locks of Love, and Race for the Cure on Saturday), feeling as if I was doing my part, then today found out a friend just got diagnosed with breast cancer and is going through her first round of chemo.
It makes everything we do seem so much more important, and at the same time makes it feel like a very small drop in a large ocean in need.
(sorry if this was a bit of a downer comment, I just felt the need vent, if only to the series of tubes)
WIN WIN WIN
http://philly09.livestrong.org/lana
Comment by bikemike | 06.2.2009 | 10:55 am
God bless you both, Elden and Susan. oh, and family.
Comment by Jamieson | 06.2.2009 | 11:02 am
Prayers are with you and Susan today, as always.
I hope that you get good results from the x-rays.
Comment by MattC | 06.2.2009 | 11:14 am
ClydeSteve…you are indeed a superhero!
And Fatty….you and Susan are in my thoughts daily. I can’t fathom how you function day to day with the load on your plate…you are my hero (and I really mean that). Whenever I feel stressed or stuck, I ponder how you would handle things and it gives me the boost I need to go forward, knowing how trivial my issues are in comparison.
And Genghiskan…I’m with you…I feel my efforts are also quite paltry…but I’m doing what I can. I don’t seem to have been blessed with any super-powers so have to get by with my meager efforts. But it’s all “drops in a bucket”…and I’m proud to be helping to fill that bucket! My first LiveStrong bake sale went off yesterday morning and is continuing today…and I’ve raised over $250 and counting from it, so I’m QUITE pleased with that! But I also know that I waited too long to really get going, and time is running short. I can’t help but think of all the missed opportunites. But I’m not done yet! Come on Team San Jose…we are REALLY lagging behind! Use the time we have left! Don’t wait!! Make Fatty PROUD!!!
Comment by DavidV | 06.2.2009 | 11:18 am
Stay Strong! You are an inspiration.
An inspiration to all of us who haven’t done enough.
Comment by Philly Jen | 06.2.2009 | 11:24 am
Let me point out that if you really, really crave having an opportunity to vie for the wheelset, you can join Team Fatty Seattle as a virtual participant, even if you are somewhere far, far away.
$50 to join the team (which goes to LAF), and then however much you decide to drop into your own account to get in on the raffle.
While virtual participants are not compelled to raise $250, it would be a great help to Team Fatty if you did. Heck, you can get your friends to contribute to your virtual rider fund, thus underwriting your bid for the wheel.
I’m just sayin’…
Comment by Linda | 06.2.2009 | 11:29 am
Keep the faith, Fatty. So many people are praying and that includes me. I am very familiar with that helpless feeling. You’re doing plenty and you know it, but it never feels like enough because it’s your family.
WIN SUSAN!
Comment by Jodi | 06.2.2009 | 11:58 am
Freaking dumb cancer.
I’m so in – working on unveiling the goods tomorrow -
Comment by Kyle | 06.2.2009 | 12:03 pm
Just joined team austin…now to raise some cash and get in shape so I don’t embarrass myself.
Fatty, thanks for doing what you do.
WIN SUSAN!
Comment by GenghisKhan | 06.2.2009 | 12:04 pm
Philly Jen–cool idea.
Jodi–”Freaking dumb cancer”–loved it! Can I put that on a shirt? I’m serious.
Fatty–re. PJ, can you incent folks to do a virtual Philly team join by giving them raffle numbers for their $50 sign up? Just thinking out loud with my fingers…
Comment by Angie G | 06.2.2009 | 12:14 pm
If we all focus on the positive, everyday is filled with little moments of beauty. LIke your charger station! Absolute thing of beauty. :-) Capture those and keep them close to your heart. When Susan has kicked her disease you can both sit back and enjoy them all over again.
As I told MattC, I am stoked to be a part of Team Fatty San Jose. You know us Californians are a little on the laid back side, so the slow start is expected. However, watch out over the next few weeks. We’re not the 6th largest economy in the world for nothing!!!!
Come on TEAM SAN JOSE, it’s time to kick some cancer a**!!!!
Comment by Rob M. | 06.2.2009 | 12:18 pm
Great post, Fatty. I say this because you are doing a lot in this fight. Certainly, as it applies to your family and, beyond that, you are motivating strangers all around the world to get seriously involved.
I agree with all the comments above except that part of Lana K’s about being a downer. Lana, you are doing plenty and you failed to mention the support I am sure you are giving your friend. I find it all encouraging.
Lance says “Unity is strength.”
I have never seen so much resolve to fight cancer. Thank you Lance. Thank you Fatty. Thank you Team Fatty. Thank you anonymous Pharmacist.
Win Susan. You are, and have been, in my prayers.
Comment by BillG | 06.2.2009 | 12:22 pm
Fatty & Susan,
Prayers and thoughts to you continually.
Fatty – you are there and that is most what she needs. Be strong (like you were when you kicked Dug’s bippee the other day) and show her your strength.
May the Peace of the Wondrous, Gracious God be yours and Susan’s today and everyday!
WIN SUSAN
Comment by Phil | 06.2.2009 | 12:56 pm
Nice, Earl and my charitable poker party raised 160$ for charity AND generated a massive amount of heartburn. Those wheels are OURS.
Comment by Philly Jen | 06.2.2009 | 1:25 pm
I stand (but not track-stand) corrected — it’s FREE to join as a virtual team member. It did used to be $50 to sign up, but LAF is now waiving the fee.
So I hope that newcomers will apply $50 towards increasing their own chances at this and other exciting prize draws…
Comment by Paula Kirsch | 06.2.2009 | 1:38 pm
Fatty, I don’t really know of course, but I doubt Susan thinks your help was too late, or not enough. Don’t blame yourself, guilt is so destructive and your family needs you now, as strong as you can be.
Bless you all, you guys are in my thoughts all the time…
Paula
Comment by Kyle | 06.2.2009 | 2:08 pm
by the way, now that I’m a team member I’d love to get a FC Jersey over at twinsix…are you guys planning on another run?
Comment by Kathleen@ForgingAhead | 06.2.2009 | 3:00 pm
Oh man. I’m seriously sad to hear about Susan’s pain. I would take it on if I could. Instead I’ll just continue to fundraise and keep my fingers crossed. Nice wheelset Fatty!
Comment by buckythedonkey | 06.2.2009 | 3:26 pm
My dear Elden, it is us who should be thanking you. You’re the one that has got our arses into gear for this great war. While I’m at it:
YOU ARE DOING SOMETHING IMPORTANT. <—- incontrovertible truth
Well done ClydeSteve and T6! We all hope that Susan’s pain subsides.
WIN TEAM FATTY!! WIN SUSAN!!
Comment by Kara | 06.2.2009 | 3:47 pm
Fatty-
Thanks for sharing and fighting for cancer research. We are having a fundraiser for a little boy who had cancer and is recovering but needs more reconstructive surgery. This is his website http://www.gavinwarren.com/. I didn’t know if you would consider sharing this to help pass on the word. Keep up the good work!
Thanks,
Kara-Idaho
Comment by GrannyGear | 06.2.2009 | 3:54 pm
“I can’t help at all.” Seriously, take a step back and see all you have done to help susan, those beautiful kids and countless others…
Put me down for a “Freaking dumb cancer” jersey.
Win susan!
Comment by Hamish A | 06.2.2009 | 5:33 pm
Notch up another ‘Freaking dumb cancer’ shirt / jersey / mousepad buyer. How about it Twin 6?
Comment by miss & stewOZ | 06.2.2009 | 7:10 pm
Having a sense of not being able to do anything is a horrid feeling but Elden look at everything you have achieved and continue to achieve… and look how many people you have inspired to ‘do something’ along the way.
It’s very important you don’t forget this and also…. that our thoughts are always with you and the fam.
WIN SUSAN.
Comment by troll (formerly "wheels for cancer") | 06.2.2009 | 7:55 pm
This comment used to have an insult directed at me, written by a troll. I have deleted it, choosing to replace it with the chorus from the disco hit “Le Freak:”
Aaahh Freak out!Le Freak, C'est Chic
Freak out!
Aaahh Freak out!
Le Freak, C'est Chic
Freak out!
Aaahh Freak out!
Le Freak, C'est Chic
Freak out!
Aaahh Freak out!
Le Freak, C'est Chic
Freak out!
Kind Regards,
Fatty
Comment by USAFANARC | 06.2.2009 | 9:41 pm
Wheels of Cancer,
I just wanted to make sure to sight the counter argument to that error filled blog post here:
http://www.podiumcafe.com/2008/9/23/620349/lance-armstrong-every-cent
Also note that the Charity Navigator rates the LAF 3 out of 4 stars. Not too bad, I think. BTW, that blog that you reference also throws out the hilarious rumor that Lance was going to buy the Tour de France from the ASO. Yeah, right. It also questions how much Lance was paid by the LAF…the answer is: not a penny.
The LAF is a very good charity and presents the cancer fight to many who would otherwise not find the fight. LAF is outstanding at advertising the cause. Maybe other charities should take note.
USAFANARC’s comment made more sense when it was replying to the troll’s comment than it does when replying to the lyrics of “Freak Out.” For that, USAFANARC, I apologize. – FC
Comment by Mike Roadie | 06.3.2009 | 5:03 am
Love the song……hate the pain!
Best wishes to Susan and the fam!
Move it, Seattle-ites!
Team Austin still ROCKS—-don’t let them catch us, guys!!!!
WIN
Comment by Big Boned | 06.3.2009 | 7:38 am
So THAT is what the chorus is!!!
Comment by Boz | 06.3.2009 | 9:05 am
You have the super power of love for your wife and family. Keep using it for Susan as long as super-humanly possible. You devotion and energy are an inspiration.