Buy My Book, Win a Book Signed by Team RadioShack, Help a Neighbor Kid Fight Cancer
SUNDAY NIGHT UPDATE: The 100 books are sold, so I’m taking down the form to buy books. I’m really pleased to announce that between book purchases and donations, we raised $3141.00 for Stephen’s treatment. Thank you to everyone!
There’s a kid in my neighborhood — his name’s Stephen — who’s fighting cancer: Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. He’s about to start his third kind of chemotherapy Gemcitabine — a therapy used when someone has refractory cancer (a term for when cancer resists treatment).
By itself, that sucks. Hard.
What’s worse, though, is that his family isn’t in a great financial position to pay for this treatment, nor for the stem cell transplant he needs this January.
The neighborhood here is rallying around this kid and his family, in a big way, doing a fundraiser dinner and raffle.
I want to help this kid. And I hope you’ll help me help him.
Buy My Book, Win a Book Signed by Team RadioShack
I’ve been getting the house ramped up for shipping out the pre-orders for my first book: Comedian Mastermind: The Best of FatCyclist.com, 2005-2007. I’ve bought a label printer, and earlier this week I got all the mailer envelopes:
Check out the awesome free water bottle I got by purchasing a dozen huge boxes of envelopes!
With any luck, I’ll get the actual books today, prepare a bunch of them this weekend, and start shipping them out Monday. My plan is to have all these pre-ordered books out the door right after the Thanksgiving holiday.
The thing is, I went ahead and ordered a hundred additional books, figuring I’d ind a use for them (and also because it bumped me to a better per-book price point).
And then I got this tweet from Johan Bruyneel:
It was an incredibly generous gesture from Johan, one with no strings attached. I could sell the books to make money for myself, give them away, keep them, whatever.
I’d like to use one of them as a pretty awesome incentive for you to help me help Stephen.
So, here’s how it works. Out of the next 100 books I sell, I’ll do a drawing, and one book buyer will get a 2-for-1 deal: the regular book, and a book signed by everyone in the new incarnation of Team RadioShack.
I’m pretty sure this will be the first opportunity it will be possible to get such a signed item.
Further, all proceeds — meaning all the money I make from this 100 books, minus actual shipping costs and the hard cost of the book — will go straight to Stephen.
So the more you pay for the book, the more goes to Stephen’s treatment (and also, the better your chance at winning the Team RadioShack book).
And, by the way, the people who order these books will get them in time for Christmas. In fact, it’s possible that you’ll get them in early December.
To be clear, though, the winner won’t get the signed book until after the Team RadioShack camp, so it’s not guaranteed that you’ll get that book in time for Christmas. But I’ll do my best.
And hey, worst-case scenario: you’re still getting a book, and early reviews (i.e., The Hammer is reading one of the proof copies) are very positive.
[UPDATE: The books are all sold, so the form for book buying is now down. Thank you to everyone who helped out!]
Note: This contest will be limited to 100 books. Once those are gone, the contest is over and I’ll choose a winner. So if you want in, you probably should buy a book today. As in, now.
So, here’s the handy order form.
Thanks for buying my book, and thanks for helping out a kid who needs a lot of help — as well as a family that doesn’t exactly need one more thing to worry about right now.
Comment by Laura S | 11.18.2011 | 8:57 am
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Wow, that’s a tough one. OK, count me in again.
Thanks, Laura! How’s the training for the Dolomites going? – FC
Comment by Yannb | 11.18.2011 | 9:02 am
I missed the order last go around. I’m in for 40.
Comment by Lorraine | 11.18.2011 | 9:18 am
I’m in :-)
(Paypal was being its usual difficult self, please let me know if mailing to me here in Germany is possible, otherwise, my parents will get a book they will definitely not understand for Christmas!)
Comment by roan | 11.18.2011 | 9:42 am
Fatty, what if I only get one additional book to those I’ve already ordered, but want to donate directly to the neighborhood fundraiser ? Can I send a check to (you ?) to (where ?) . I realize in today’s world names & addresses are dangerous to disclose.
Great question; I’ve added a “donate” button at the bottom of this post so you can just donate money if you’d like. – FC
Comment by Dan S | 11.18.2011 | 9:47 am
I don’t know Stephen, but my heart feels for him and his family. We lost a young boy to a similar cancer in my neighborhood a few years back. It was a difficult experience. Best to Stephen and his family!
Comment by katie | 11.18.2011 | 9:59 am
I sent you a personal e-mail about a question I had regarding my order and didn’t see any other way to contact you. When you get a chance, check it.
Comment by AngieG | 11.18.2011 | 10:15 am
We went through these challenges with when my sister-in-laws Hodgkins returned. If he will be getting his transplant at Stanford, his family can get financial assistance from the Fattal Foundation.
At any rate I am in. Please wish Stephen luck.
Comment by AK Chick | 11.18.2011 | 10:30 am
My brother-in-law is battling stage 4 colon cancer at 29 and is the inspiration for raising $10,175 (amazingly, from a mere 124 donors!) for LIVESTRONG Austin this year. He was given less than an 8% chance of surviving 5 years. Even though he recently had to quit his job and he is going to be on this chemo regimen most likely for the rest of his life, he has the greatest, most positive outlook. He went as “Fat Lance Armstrong” for Halloween and posted pictures. :) He’s not really fat, maybe just a few pounds overweight, but in spandex, you can’t hide anything. Anyhow, all that explanation to say that he explained that they expect that his chemo treatments will eventually stop working, then he’ll have to try a different combo. There are only so many combos out there and then when manufacturers run short…well, let’s just say the word “cancer” has the same connotation as “F**k.” I hate that disease. HATE. So getting the chance to help someone else going through treatment, esp. someone so young, I’m on board. Sign me up!
I bought a book (the autographed and personalized one that I can’t really afford, but it’s all going to Stephen so how can I not buy the best book?). Then I saw that we could donate too. I don’t have the extra funds to donate, but if you would keep us posted on Stephen and put that donate button in there, I’d love to have another opportunity or two to make a donation.
Thanks for helping your neighbors. :) I can’t wait for them to know the power of Team Fatty!
PS In the note section of the order, I asked that you write something for an Alaska girl who lives and loves to ride her bike (as long as the temps are between 50 and 85). :) I’ll let you think of something clever since I can’t. Can’t wait to get my book!!!
Comment by Kim | 11.18.2011 | 10:32 am
Please tell the family to check with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society too, if they haven’t already. I ride with the North Texas Chapter of TEAM in Training, which is part of LLS. The money we raise helps to fund research and to help local families in need of assistance. There should be some help in your area too.
Comment by ScottR | 11.18.2011 | 11:21 am
Awesome job to help out with Stephen, Fatty. Wish I could afford to buy more copies :-(
Comment by Dave T | 11.18.2011 | 11:30 am
My uncle went through the battle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma several years ago. Very trying times he has been cancer free for 10 years now. I’m in for a few more books and a donation.
Comment by davidh-marin, ca | 11.18.2011 | 11:52 am
@Yannb- Are you leaving any books for the rest of us? 40 copies! You Rock!
To Stephen and his Family: Our best hopes and prayers go out to you. Thank you Elden for bringing his story to Team Fatty and letting us help.
FIGHT! WIN! LIVESTRONG!
Comment by sara | 11.18.2011 | 11:59 am
Fatty,
What happened to the $9.95 option?
I’m not offering it right now because the purpose of my selling this particular 100 books is to raise money for Stephen. When I sell the book for $9.95, I raise no money. – FC
Comment by George | 11.18.2011 | 12:15 pm
Like some others, I missed the first order, but I am in on this one.
Positive thoughts to Stephen and his family.
Comment by The Hamer | 11.18.2011 | 12:41 pm
You have weird pictures on your wall behind the boxes.
Those are originals. By my sister. Who sells out every show. – FC
Comment by LauraS | 11.18.2011 | 12:45 pm
Hey FC! Trying to keep the mileage around 120 per week right now. Gets hard since it’s dark so early but we have some good bike lights. As long as the grade is below 8% or so, Paul is matching my pace now (he keeps getting smaller and faster)! Spring time I think we’ll get more aggressive on the hills. I have always wanted to see the Dolomites, so I am totally locked & loaded on this trip!
Comment by Lora | 11.18.2011 | 12:59 pm
Thank you for supporting my husband’s retirement – he works for Uline. I hope you ordered directly from them!
Comment by Dan O | 11.18.2011 | 12:59 pm
Hang in there Stephen, as a person who has three bone marrow transplants in the past three years, I can tell you that attitude is everything. Even though the chemo takes everything out of you, it can’t take positve attiude.
Best to you.
Dan
Comment by cyclingjimbo | 11.18.2011 | 1:42 pm
Fatty, your continue to impress and inspire your friends with your generosity and your spirit. I am already in for three autographed books, but have made a donation for Stephen.
Please let Stephen know how many friends he has out here and that we’re all pulling for him.
Comment by John H | 11.18.2011 | 2:34 pm
I’m in for 2, you’re a prince Fatty. Hang in there Stephen, Fatty’s army is pulling for you.
Comment by George | 11.18.2011 | 2:35 pm
I missed the book order the first time around. So I am glad there is another opportunity. Thanks for all the good things you do!
Comment by Nurse Betsy | 11.18.2011 | 3:45 pm
Yea, just got another book at the highest price. So excited. I can hardly wait to see what clever note Fatty will have for me.
Go Stephen!!! Hang in there and Fight like all those who fight everyday with cancer. I am attending a fundraiser tomorrow night for a very dear friend who is starting her journey with Breast cancer. She has had her mastectomy and will get her first chemo on Monday. Too many people with cancer, just too many.
Comment by Limey | 11.18.2011 | 4:21 pm
Just got in from wk. hope I’m in time, ordered 2.tell Stephen weare all pulling for him. Fatty you are a gem mate. Cheers
Comment by bob | 11.18.2011 | 11:46 pm
Donation sent from the new button. I second the weird paintings on the wall. Which sister has the dark side? They look like something from the original Night Gallery…
Comment by davidh-marin, ca | 11.19.2011 | 1:31 am
As for the paintings:
I think the one on the right might be a painting of Elden as a baby. Look closely at the hairline.
LauraS in the Dolomites! How cool is that. I hope we get a guest post of your trip.
Comment by skippy | 11.19.2011 | 3:10 am
If you look at the site supporting ” Charles Pelkey/Fundraiser for his Cancer Bills ” you will see there is a ” Button ” that can be lifted and put on OUR blogs ! CAN YOU arrange the same facility for US to do likewise on our blogs to assist ” stephen “?
@lauraS if you time your trip for third week in April you will find the ” Giro Del Trentino ” , four days of being able to talk to the racers at the start .
Comment by Trina | 11.19.2011 | 12:42 pm
Fatty,
My son died this summer. He did not die from cancer. He was severely autistic with speech/language impairment and legally blind. He was 17. He laid down for a nap at 10:00 in the morning and when they checked on him at 11:00 he had gone home to heaven. I used to ride pulling him behind in his cart and he would stomp on the floor every time I would slow down.. he hated stop lights. The faster the better. His loss, while a relief that he isn’t suffering, is still such a huge hole in my heart and I still grieve daily for him. I do not want another mother to experience this. I had to fight for everything he accomplished in life and was so proud of how far he had come. I know Stephen and his family are in for the fight of their lives and I want to support them in the small way that I can. Please keep us posted.
Comment by sara | 11.20.2011 | 4:14 pm
Thanks for the explanation. That’s what I figured.
I donated what I could, though not enough to buy a book. Thank you for helping this family!
Comment by Jenni | 11.21.2011 | 10:38 am
Would Stephen be thrilled to be inundated with cards for Christmas? We can rally for money, but by gosh, Team Fatty can rally for support and fun too.
I’d love to send a card and some thoughts so Stephen and his family know they’ve now become part of our extended family.
Pingback by Fat Cyclist » Blog Archive » Thankful, 2011 Edition | 11.21.2011 | 11:32 am
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Comment by Jane | 11.21.2011 | 9:00 pm
Wow Team Fatty! I don’t know what to say. You have an amazing group of friends. I just want you to know how much we appreciate your support and generosity. Stephen just got home from a chemotherapy treatment. I can’t wait for him to feel well enough to get on the computer and see what an amazing support group he just acquired! Thanks Eldon/FC you are incredible.
Jeff & Jane Griener and family
Comment by Kristy DeCoursey | 11.28.2011 | 1:25 pm
PLEASE Print more!!! My friend just told a friend and I about this book and it sounds GREAT!!!! I would love to get at LEAST one copy.
Comment by Kathleen McGuire | 11.28.2011 | 1:39 pm
Dear Fat Cyclist & all your Followers,
I am Stephen’s grandmother and I just cried when I saw what you and your friends did for Stephen,even though you don’t even know him. Thank you so very much for your generousity. There is so much kindness in the world after all!
Love, Kathleen