Final thoughts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Hello friends,

Well, here we are, finally all of us are in Atlantic City. The wheels of our bikes have been in the sand of both coasts in a little more than eight days. For sure, a life changing experience for all of us – and for me, it’s hard not to feel some sadness today. I’ve been quite obsessed with RAAM for many months now – planning and imagining details and events. Dreaming about crossing mountains, plains, and deserts. . .and of how it would feel to stand on the podium with my team and Arianna on our shoulders here in Atlantic City.

It went by so incredibly fast - quite literally a blur at times. I woke up in a panic at about midnight last night after sleeping soundly for a couple of hours in the comfort of the cushy beds here at the Trump Plaza. I had a feeling that I had slept too long, that the team would be past needing me to start riding, driving, eating. . .whatever. It happened several times throughout the night. And, although it was of course nice to snuggle back into the covers with my wife on our 20th anniversary, I was sad too, that this journey was over – that the team would be disbanding and going our separate ways back into the routines that make up our lives.

RAAM was an opportunity to be part of something bigger than we ever imagined. It forced us to reach beyond our perceived limits, even beyond our dreams to an accomplishment we’ll be proud of for the rest of our lives. There have been times in my life when I feel like I’m standing outside the fire. . .a spectator, if you will, to my life as it plays out in front of me. For these past two weeks I was . . .we all were. . . in the fire. We were writing a proud chapter in our life’s history. Our watches each time we checked could have indicate only one time – the most important time in any of our lives. NOW! For “now” is the only time we can control. For two weeks we have lived completely and unquestionably in that time.

I spoke with Shannon’s father Pat Mahoney at breakfast. Informally we discussed how this might all wash out financially for the Children’s Tumor Foundation, once pledges were fulfilled and promises were kept. The two CTF RAAM Teams could surpass $600,000 in our research fundraising efforts. There were also TV cameras and newspaper and magazine reporters at many time stations along the route asking us about NF – asking us why we were riding for Arianna and Shannon.

My thanks go out to Ken Edmonds, our crew chief, for his grace under pressure, his incredible time commitment, his willingness to go without sleep for seemingly eight days straight. It also goes out to our crew Rick Rickards, Doug Slemmer, Dan Kendra, Bob Skold, Doug Rage, Connie Oslica, John McCarthy, Trish Hardy, and Dawn Wilson. To my wife Judy for bringing Dan out and providing a happy face just when I needed it. And, to my friends and teammates John Hardy, Bill Edmonds, and I guess most of all, to Bill Hardy for pushing me into the best shape I’ve ever been, and for his and his family’s unending support of the mission of the Children’s Tumor Foundation.

Until the next adventure, live now!
Steve
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RAAM Celebration in Atlantic City

Celebrate the success of the NF Endurance Team (Shannon's Soldiers & Ari's Angels) riders and crew in RAAM 2007 increasing public awareness and helping to raise funds to find an NF cure.

Location: Johnny Rockets at Bally's, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM,
Friday, June 22nd

Ari's Angels reach the Finish Line !

Thursday, June 21st, 7:26am ET
3,042.8 miles, 8 days 14 hrs. 8 minutes.

Ari's Angels - Wednesday, June 20th

Hi friends,

Writing to you all tonight from Lancaster Pennsylvania! John Hardy and I will tag team the 45 mile ride from here to the Delaware Memorial Bridge. From there the two Bill’s will shoot the 60 mile run across South Jersey and we’ll all ride in the last 15 miles to Atlantic City tomorrow morning hopefully around 9:00 am plus or minus two hours. It’s been an amazing 24 hours, and I’m sure the next 24 will be equally exciting. I’m really going to miss the friends and this routine we’ve slowly settled into over the past eight days. Last night we rode through some heavy rain into and out of Parkersburg for several hours. John and I did a couple legs that had a total elevation climb of 7000 feet early in the evening arriving in Grafton West Virginia. The two Bill’s worked even harder to get us through. West Virginia was the best and worst of the trip. The scenery and weather improved and the climbs and descents felt like they were straight up and down, and went on forever. I’d do Colorado again physically, instead of West Virginia any day!. Pennsylvania was very nice and scenic although not without its own hills and valleys. We even went through Gettysburg and did a rider exchange in the park.

Riding for a cure! . . . .and to see those big glass casinos in Atlantic City tomorrow morning.
Steve
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Shannon's Soldiers have reached the Finish Line !

7 days, 15 hrs, 59 minutes. Their official race finish time was Wednesday, June 20th at 9:15 AM ET.

One could say that this morning was quite an adventure as evidenced by their 8.07 mph average speed. Several wrong turns, two flat tires, and lots of comedy. The waiting police escort picked them up for their ceremonial finish. Our four heroes arrived riding four abreast to the podium to accept their awards with Shannon Mahoney in the pouring rain.

This incredible team and their exceptional crew are enjoying their hot showers and a little rest ... FINISH LINE!!

Hoorah for Shannon's Soldiers!!
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Shannon's Soldiers - Tuesday, June 19th

Today the team has had to deal with rain which was probably a welcome relief to the oppressive heat of the last few days. The windy, desolate mountain roads of West Virginia were also a challenge as apparently there were times when the riders weren't sure they were still on the route. (Am I the only one that associates West Virginia with the movie Deliverance?). Alcohol is strictly prohibited in the rules of RAAM for the crew and riders but we're told that the chant for a cold, frosty beer is getting louder and louder. I'll buy the first round (and, given the condition of these guys, probably the last). Cathy and I arrived in Atlantic City this morning just in time to see the 2nd place finisher in the Solo division, Wolfgang Fasching, cross the finish line. Very emotional event for a guy who had averaged 22 hrs of pedaling and 2 hrs of rest for the past 8+ days. This was his 8th RAAM and he is a 3 time winner of the event. (A lot of European riders). The finish line is on the historic Atlantic City boardwalk (real wood planks) which we're told is the oldest and longest boardwalk in the country. Reports from the crew of Shannon's Soldiers sounds like they overshot the food requirement for the trip which based on conversations with other teams today sounds pretty common. Local charities and food banks are the big winners here. So we'll be up early tomorrow morning waiting on the Boardwalk for the arrival of Shannon's Soldiers. They'll have a special guest join them on the RAAM photo stand, 10 year old Shannon Mahoney.

Thanks again for your support,
Cathy and Jim

PS: Dan says hi to Lou....what an adventure!
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Ari's Angels - Tuesday, June 19th (update)

Hi Folks,

The Angels are approaching Parkersburg WV as I write this. John Hardy and I will be heading into the mountains this evening. The two Bill’s have been doing the day runs and have come across the state of Ohio today. It’s a very hot and humid day so I’m sure they are shot. Luckily there are storms and cooler dryer weather on the horizon. If you’re into Geography John and I rode through Indiana last night and they started in Troy this morning on the west side of Columbus, cut southeast across the state through Athens to Parkersburg, WV. A wonderful thing happened this morning in London Ohio. Amy Curtis Kast and her family were at the time station to meet us and gave us a whole bag of goodies. . .and hugs. They made signs and were a very welcome sight for quite literally sore eyes. I’d like to tell you all that we are fine, in great shape with high spirits and anxious to dive into this last little 550 mile push home. For the most part that is true, however, due to our schedules we are physically and emotionally drained. There is an openness and even rawness to our team’s existence at this point that is hard to describe, but we are a team. . .and we will finish as a team. I think this is just as hard on our crew, if not harder. They are true heroes. My wife and brother are already en route to meet us in western Maryland tonight to provide some relief, and our friend Doug Slemmer is going to join us tomorrow late in the day to help us to the finish line.

Again, words cannot express the appreciation I have for these friends.

I can offer this advice to anyone standing on the high diving board of a life challenge. Jump. You will never know how far you can go if you don’t take the first step. Our marathon team, , ,and now this endurance team, are a perfect testimony to this. I know that it is human nature to place limits on our own capabilities. I have found consistently that whoever you are, those limits are set too low, and in most cases may not even exist at all. Be the change you want to see in the world. . .but more importantly – start the change you want to see within yourself. It’s okay to jump. You’ll never know if you can fly if you don’t take that first little step off the edge.

I’m looking forward to seeing you all soon. Thanks for keeping up with this blog. Thanks too to David Kennedy for attending to these entries and comments.

Proudly riding for a cure,
Steve
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Ari's Angels - Tuesday, June 19th

Today started off just like any other. We loaded up the bikes and made our rider team exchanges. Bill Hardy and Bill Edmonds were the riders beginning at 7:30 a.m. We cruised through TS 43, TS 44, and TS 45 which took us all the way to Athens OH. Then began TS 46 with Bill Hardy on the bike. He road 24 miles at 21mph. Next was Bill Edmonds turn for his last 22 of the shift. About 5 miles into the 22 it started to rain…really, really rain. The thunder and lightening began a little to close for comfort and then the it just plain old poured down from the sky. Bill continued through his shift raising his fist to show the rain would not beat him but that he would beat the rain and the hills ahead. It didn’t let up for the remainder of his ride. He continued through puddles almost axle deep. He averaged somewhere in the 18 mph range for his ride. We dropped off the Bill’s and there was Steve Kendra ready for the next shift. Waiting in the rain and just as determined to continue. It is now 16 miles into his ride and the rain has slowed but does continue.

Your RAAM Crew Member,
Trish Hardy
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Shannon's Soldiers - Monday, June 18th

With just about 500 miles to go, you might be able to see the top of Donald Trump's hair-do in Atlantic City. I'm sure just like any good stable horse, the boys are starting to smell the barn. It's getting closer.

During the past 24 hrs., Shannon's Soldiers crossed into Ohio from Indiana and at the time of this writing are about to leave Ohio and enter West Virginia. They've pedaled over 2,500 miles since last Tuesday afternoon and have just over 500 miles to their Atlantic City destination. They still have the states of West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey in front of them but Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Kansas, Kansas, Kansas, Kansas, Colorado, Utah, Arizona and California are in the rear view mirror.

The hot and humid weather are still a problem but actually the average speed has increased today versus yesterday, probably again, because the end is getting closer. Shannon's Soldiers are projected to cross the finish line in Atlantic City between 3:00 am-3:30 am (Eastern Time) on Wednesday morning, June 20. I think they'll be a good contingent of family and friends cheering for them at the finish line but my guess is the guys will want to take a long shower and go to bed. Probably not much interest in hitting the casinos. My wife Cathy and I are catching the red-eye to Philadelphia tonight and plan to be in Atlantic City by noon tomorrow. I'll figure out some way to get my daily update out to all of you.

The enclosed photo shows my brother Pat finishing his leg and handing things over to fellow teammate, Dan Schmidt. These guys have almost completed this unbelievable challenge and they and their support crew are exhausted and running on fumes. When you wake up Wednesday morning, if for some reason you happen to think of Shannon's Soldiers being done with their journey across our country, I hope you grin from ear to ear thinking about what they've accomplished and the important role all of you played in making the purpose of this trip so meaningful to Pat and his daughter Shannon.

My next update will be from ATLANTIC CITY, NEW JERSEY!!
Jim Mahoney
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Ari's Angels - Monday, June 18th

The Angels Cross the Mississippi!

I hitched a ride with this crew at approximately 3:00am Monday morning in Marthasville, MO. John and Steve road steady into the night and early morning hours on the narrow and windy back roads of Missouri. The twist, turns and hills were a challenge….but nothing these two men couldn’t conquer! They had pedaled us all the way to the Mississippi River by about 8:30am, exhausted but determined to cross the river as a team as the picture proves! The hand off was smooth and Bill & Bill caught another gear as we proceeded East on 40 through Greenville, Effingham, and Marshal IL. During this phase of the race the guys pushed through rain for over 50 miles…never letting up! As Bill Edmonds said so eloquently “now this is racing”…ok that’s not a quote but it’s close. We ended our Day at 8:01pm in Putnamville, IN. As John rode off with Ken, Trish and Steve Eastward on Hwy 40 toward Indy land. What a day! GO TEAM!

Connie O
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Shannon's Soldiers - Sunday, June 17th

Happy Fathers Day. Three of the four Shannon's Soldiers riders are fathers and I'm sure they wish they were with their families today.

Today, the team has moved through Missouri into Illinois and soon will be in Indiana. They have just arrived at Time Station #37 in Effingham, Illinois which means they have completed 2,100 miles and have less than 1,000 miles to go to reach their Atlantic City, New Jersey destination. They're 2/3 done.

Oppressing heat and humidity has been the demon for the past two days with daytime highs in the mid 90s with high humidity. These conditions sap strength and accelerate mental and physical fatigue. The weather report doesn't sound much different for tomorrow as they make their way through Indiana and Ohio. Fortunately, the nights are much cooler with temperatures in the 60s.

Based on their progress, Shannon's Soldiers continue to have a predicted arrival in Atlantic City during the morning of Wednesday, June 20th. Please keep them in your thoughts as the reports are that things have gotten a bit fragile. Maybe the riding segments in the cooler temperatures tonight will lift their spirits.

More tomorrow.
Jim Mahoney
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Ari's Angels - Sunday, June 17th

Hi Friends,

I think it is Sunday afternoon. . .and I’m pretty sure we are in Camdenton, Missouri. John Hardy and I did an all night pull last night through the middle eastern section of Kansas through towns like Pratt, Mt. Vernon, Wichita, and my brother’s personal favorite town to navigate through El Dorado. We finished up in Yates at about 8:00 A.M. RAAM time (EST). At that time we were a whopping 14 hours ahead of the maximum time allowable by RAAM. We’ve been gaining speed and time all the way across the country.

It’s hot and humid here in Missouri. Trish Hardy (Bill’s wife) has just joined the support crew and has jumped in with both feet having been trained and now working the follow vehicle with Bob Skold for this evening following John Hardy and I as we finish the trip across the state.

As we rode through the prairies of Kansas last night I had my iPod on and listened to one of my favorite Garth Brooks songs about the ones the wolves pulled down. There were many sounds in the night in my music free ear and with all that time to myself, and I couldn’t help but get the chills as I thought of the words to his song. Yesterday the team went through the town of Greensburg Kansas. This town was completely wiped out by a tornado in May. I also thought about my friend Nora in California whose sweet little angel of a grandson Jake passed on a few weeks ago – losing his battle to NF and JMML Leukemia. We ride for those the wolves pull down. My prayer is for them and our mission is to help them however we can.

Tonight we’ll be riding for the 2 million running from or in the grips of the NF wolf.

Life for me is made up not so much of the moments that I breathe, but more of those moments where my breath is taken away. RAAM has been full of those moments – and for that affirmation of how good it is to be alive and healthy enough to do this I am grateful.

Riding to enable a cure.
Steve
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Shanon's Soldiers - Saturday, June 16th

Our Soldiers spent most of their day pedaling through Kansas. Their first checkpoint was Montezuma, Kansas at 1:15am EST. By 11:25 PM EST, our heroes had entered Missouri and had checked into the first time station there at Collins, MO. The distance between these two stations was 394.7 miles!

The word from the team is that the crew has a great "keep on truckin' attitude. They tell us that sleep is light....but when you watch these guys riding hard and pushing on......it certainly makes you feel like you aren't contributing enough!

Pat Mahoney gave Greg Thielen the summary quote for the day, " It's all down hill from here" ... Greg decided not to break the news to him!

Tomorrow is Father's Day and I am struck by the tremendous sacrifice that all of these guys are making for Shannon, Ari, and all of the children affected with NF. I would imagine that in a lot of ways all of the dads on both teams and their crews are doing this race for their own children, as well. It is hard not to be moved by the lengths a father would go to for his own. If you guys want to leave any comments for our Soldiers wishing them a Happy Father's Day, I'm sure they'd be much appreciated. These guys have passed the half-way point and will have to dig deep from here on out. We're pulling for you!!

Go Soldiers,
Stacy
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Ari's Angels - Saturday, June 16th

Hello Friends!

Half of the Angel’s Team is sitting here in Pratt, Kansas waiting for the two Bill’s (riders) and the two Doug’s (support crew) to arrive so John and I can head off into the evening for another all night adventure. Our pace has picked up, and the weather has been cooperating. The days are sort of running together so please excuse any laps or repetitive information I provide. Yesterday we went up and down all three major passes in Colorado (the entire team helped with the steep sections) and for the past 24 hours have been peddling across the eastern Colorado and western Kansas countryside. We have so many good experiences and pictures to share, it’s hard to pick the ones that in any way define the experience. And, as always, the best memories are not on film. RAAM is truly a team sport. And, this team is performing very well.

I think I had the best shower and breakfast of my life in an old truck stop this morning. . .after John and I did a 196 mile pull though the mountains and all night through the plains. Boy did that feel goodJ. Of course, I’d like to give credit to the riders on the team as they are literally busting their humps riding across the country – but without the crew, I don’t know that we’d be out of California. They are without exception the true heroes of our RAAM adventure. I’m especially grateful to have my brother Dan with us for the time being (he’s leaving us tomorrow). As he has done for most of my life, he is looking after me, and the team, with a grace and perseverance beyond measure. We picked up Bob Skold and Doug Rage last evening in Trinidad and pick up Trish Hardy and Connie Oslica in Kansas City and St. Louis respectively tomorrow.

I am looking forward to catching up with Pat Mahoney and his team in Atlantic City to share some stories, and find out how they made out. I understand they are kicking butt, and will be well rested before we arrive. Like I have mentioned, this is an amazing adventure. . .but the effort that the Mahoney family and their team of supporters have put forth in funding a cure for NF, is beyond compare. We are competing in this Race Across America together, but in the core of all of our hearts as we race to fund treatments and a cure for NF it is clear that there is no us verses them. . .there is only we.

So, from Pratt Kansas, where the fine folks at McDonalds have donated a free meal to all racers and crew in RAAM, I wish you all a wonderful weekend, and I’m looking forward to seeing you soon,

For Ari’s Angels,
Steve Kendra
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Shannon's Soldiers - Friday, June 15th

Hello Everyone;

We spoke with our riders and crew several times today. Our team started the day in Colorado and ended up by nightfall in Ulysses, KS, where they all enjoyed another hot shower at a motel and met up with the waiting crew reinforcements (Jim Manship, Greg Thielen, and Casey Van Balen). Everyone sounds in great spirits, although understandably tired. Sounds like our team is finally getting the hang of sleeping on the road - thank goodness! They're also starting to get a better grip on the logistics required to switch riders without losing a lot of time, although there have been a few hiccups (and one 8 mile detour) in this area. I know the crew is working hard to get their system down and work out the kinks along the way.

One of our riders told his wife back home that this was the hardest thing he has ever done. Funny, I have NO problem believing that to be a true statement! You wouldn't know just how hard it is from watching these guys, though, and the way they are riding. What an amazing test of physical strength and stamina! Thankfully, their bodies and their spirits are holding up well - and there has been a lot of bonding in the process. Every rider has raved about how the crew (Kathy Alexandre, Joe Asher, Mike Asher, Gonzo Grasis, Casey Mahoney, DJ Mahoney, Ciera Sarager, Edi & Jerry Remaklus) are taking excellent care of them. Gonzo, DJ, Edi, and Jerry will be heading home tomorrow and will be sorely missed, although I'm sure it will be great to have some fresh bodies on the crew!


I have to admit, I'm addicted to keeping track of their time and predictions on the www.raceacrossamerica.org website. It's exciting to see how each climb and descent factors into their overall performance!

Until next time,
Stacy
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Ari's Angels - Friday, June 15th

Hey guys,

It’s Friday at 6 pm EST and we are in Colorado. It’s been a crazy 24 hours or so since I’ve written to you last. We went from the incredible beauty and heat of Monument Valley Utah, into the evening and Colorado where last night for one pull I was riding at 35 degrees and freezing.

The highlight of the trip so far was cresting Wolf Creek Pass at 10,857 feet. The highest point of RAAM 2007! We went through such towns as Durango, Pagosa Springs, South Fork, and Cortez Colorado so far, and right now John and I are waiting to do the final of the three passes over the Rockies – Cuchara Pass.

The crew has been awesome. It is very sad to be losing John McCarthy in a couple of hours in Trinidad. He is an amazing crew person and a friend beyond measure. His upbeat humorous and laid back approach to moving us forward and keeping us nourished and rested has been amazing and inspiring. However, we’ll be picking up Bob Skold and Doug Rage, so we’ll have an extra man!

The climb up Wolf Creek went up just about 3000 feet in 8 miles or so. Getting us up to the top took all we had. I’ve sent a few pictures along for your amusement. By the way, as I crossed the 115 desert floor yesterday I developed an uncanny ability to read the minds of the people in the air-conditioned cars passing by. I hope I can use this gift later in life. Ironically however, every voice that telepathically entered my brain was saying the same thing. “What on earth could possess this idiot to ride out here in this God forsaken heat?”


I think we are all missing our families a little now. . .and nursing little aches and pains (maybe more than a little), but there is an overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment. I am truly blessed and honored to be surrounded by such friends on this adventure. Till next time!

Riding for an NF cure, and my sweet little angel Arianna!
Steve
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Ari's Angels - Thursday, June 14th

Well friends, we’re off and running. Really tough day yesterday. From Congress, Arizona at 3000 feet and we crested 6400 (near Prescott) at one point, back down to 4500 feet through Chino Valley to Paulden, then made the grueling climb through Little Hell Canyon, and by the time we reached Williams AZ we were back over 7,000 feet. Temperatures exceeded 115 degrees through most of the climbs, however I was able to keep cool by dipping a towel into the cooler ice water and wearing it on my neck. . .a new fashion statement J ! Albeit one you probably wouldn’t want to make.

Last evening, the two Bill’s rode from Williams, through Flagstaff, even did a short climb on historic Route 66, then went north and skirted the Southeast corner of the Grand Canyon. They also went through Tuba City, past Yellow Butte, Whiskey Bottle Rock, and into Kayenta Arizona.


We’re now riding past Agathia Peak on Highway 163 towards Mexican Hat Utah.

We are tired, but generally happy. Our struggles have been mostly organizational in nature as we move our gear from one support vehicle to another. We are sleep deprived and trying to eat as much as we can. The scenery is now breathtaking as we go into Monument Valley.

Life is Good!
Riding for NF!
Steve
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Shannon's Soldiers - Thursday, June 14th

We met up with the Shannon's Soldiers team in Flagstaff, AZ on Tuesday evening (6/14), attached are a couple pictures of their pit stop. Everyone was pumped and running off of pure adrenaline and excitement. We know it wasn't sleep as none of them had yet learned the fine art of sleeping in a moving, active RV in thirty minute bursts. Not one of our four riders had slept a wink! By day three of four, we'll sure they'll have that one down. We got everyone showered and fed, washed a mountain of dirty clothes, and sent them up on their way to the four corners area by the time it was dark.

Our four riders have divided into two - two man teams with John Asher and Pat Mahoney taking one leg, and alternating shifts approximately every four hours with Peter Alexandre and Dan Schmidt. Despite a few minor delays, the team is making great time. Thankfully, no accidents or penalties! You can check their progress and time station updtes on the RAAM website: www.raceacrossamerica.org (Team #408 - Shannon's Soldiers for CTF Research).

The Shannon's Soldiers crew is holding up well and dividing up their responsibilities between driving, navigating, cleaning, and the countless other jobs that need to be done. These guys are amazing!! There will be a crew change in Kansas City, MO sometime this weekend. Approximately half of the crew will be replaced with some well rested and fresh volunteers to help push through to the finish line.

On another note, we just heard that Shannon's Soldiers has made the news. Look for an article in the Arizona Republic on Friday (6/15/07).

Onward to Atlantic City, NJ!

PS: Tell the Ari's Angels team that Shannon's Soldiers STILL has enough food stuffed in their motor home to make it to New Jersey without stopping!! Who knew you could squeeze so much stuff into (or on top, under, and behind) a motor home??

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D-Day .........Tuesday Morning

Hey Folks,
It’s Tuesday morning. . . .Everyone is here, happy and healthy. I think Shannon’s Soldiers have enough food stuffed in their motor home to make it to New Jersey without stopping. . .it looked tasty too. I think we’ll just follow along behind and pick up the crumbs they leave in their wake. We all leave at 5 pm EST and travel on up a little mountain range and down into the California and Arizona desert for few hundred miles. Our riders and crew are pumped and ready to move. We’re leavening Oceanside with our chief, Ken Edmonds, Dawn Wilson, Rick Rickards, and John McCarthy crewing. We’ll lose Rick and pick up Dan Kendra and Doug Slemmer 24 hours into the race in Prescott Arizona. I think I’ll be riding during that leg. I’m reminded of a tee shirt my wife showed me one time about two skeletons sitting leaning against a cactus with the caption, “Yes, but it’s a dry heat”.
More to come!
Steve
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Ready to Race Across America

Children’s Tumor Foundation’s riders are ready to Race Across America.

Pat Mahoney receives an award at the RAAM starting banquet from Steve Kendra for his team’s outstanding fundraising efforts on behalf of the Children's Tumor Foundation.

Ari’s Angels Team poses with the eight-person team from MD Anderson Hospital also riding for NF research. In all 16 riders out of the 195 RAAM team riders will be riding to end Neurofibromatosis.