"My father didn't tell me how to live, he lived and let me watch him do it." -Kelland

This year I am privileged to be granted the opportunity to make a difference in our community by taking part in the 2011 HCM Endurance Team Challenge.  HCM Foundation is a grass-roots charity that tackles cancer head on – helping families significantly impacted by cancer through directly providing them with things like food, assistance with health benefits, rides to and from treatment – day to day things that really make a difference.  I am thrilled to be a part of this amazing team of endurance athletes dedicated to supporting families struggling with the impact of cancer in their lives.  As many of you can relate, when cancer affects a loved-one, it impacts an entire system of family and friends.  

Reaching out to families impacted by cancer is an endeavor that is especially close to my heart.  In conjunction with supporting HCM Foundation, I am dedicating my 2011 racing season to my dad who is diagnosed with mesothelioma (cancer of the lining of the lungs).  My dad is a great inspiration and support to my athletics, and was himself an accomplished collegiate basketball player, basketball and baseball coach and most recently an avid cyclist.  One of his most inspirational endeavors was biking across the state of Michigan (both west to east and south to north) on a tandem bike with a friend of his who is blind.  My dad is a person who has selflessly shared his genuine spirit, giving heart and positive attitude with everyone he has encountered throughout his life.  He inspired countless people in his career as a teacher and probation officer.  Over the past six years he has traveled over 30,000 miles in the state of Michigan as a Prison Outreach Volunteer, serving as a mentor and friend to over 40 inmates.  He also corresponds to each of them on a monthly basis.  He has also generously given his time and talents through a local nursing home ministry.  My dad’s strength, support and encouragement are aspects of him that I will carry with me as I race this year and aspire to pass them on to others facing the challenges of cancer in their own lives.

It is my desire that our team’s racing and fundraising efforts this year will help bring some joy and hope to families impacted by cancer through activities which have had such a positive impact on my own life.  Thank you so much for taking the time to consider a donation to HCM Foundation.  Every little bit counts and your generosity is most appreciated.  Your support keeps me motivated to work even harder!  I will continue to provide you with updates throughout the year as to how your donations are being used and on the progress of the families you are impacting.  Thank you once again for your encouragement and support.  I could not do it without you!  To donate, please check out my fundraising page:  http://www.active.com/donate/hcmteamchallenge/pollyjansen


More About HCM Foundation:
HCM Foundation is a non-profit organization that builds meaningful, comforting and long lasting relationships that support families who are significantly impacted by cancer.  When cancer enters into the life of one person, it enters into the lives of their entire network of family and friends.  HCM Foundation is the compassionate link within the community that keeps this network together, motivated and strong.  For more information, go to: www.hcmfoundation.org