Tom’s Ride to Aid Cancer Survivors

Stories

Joe’s Story (and why I started this ride)

I lost my older brother, Tom, to colon cancer on May 26, 2004. (Just writing those words wrenches my gut.) He left behind a loving and devoted wife, Laurie, and three wonderful children: Sara, Matthew and Mariah.

For seven long and arduous years, Tom battled his cancer vigorously. He was almost always in pain to one degree or another, yet he seldom complained. More often than not, he had a big smile on his face, or he was recalling some crazy antic of his younger years. The numerous hospital visits, radiation and chemotherapy treatments, and alternative therapies never deterred his hope of recovery.

The experience made him realize how precious our time on Earth is. To that end, he returned to his long-neglected love: motorcycling. Aside from spending time with his family, Tom loved nothing more than riding his bike down a twisty country road, far from the frenzied pace and tight confines of the city. And if a few of his buddies could join him, so much the better.

In 2002, Tom made plans to ride his bike around the country to raise money for cancer research, as well as to raise awareness of the need for cancer treatment that is specific to an individual’s need. Unfortunately, his cancer became more aggressive and Tom spent more time in the hospital than out. He never had the chance to take that ride.

Being an avid motorcyclist myself, I joined him on many of his country rides. Over the few years we shared on the road, our bond grew stronger, and I realized that Tom was not only my brother, but one of my best friends. Shortly after his passing, I had the idea of finishing what he had started. Emotionally, I wasn’t prepared to take on the task at that point. Even now, the prospect of driving around the country on a fundraising ride is somewhat daunting. That’s why I plan to start small with a three-day New England ride. The ride will start on Saturday, June 30, 2007 and end on Tom’s birthday on Monday, July 2, 2007.

I’ve never organized anything of this sort, so my plan is to keep it as simple as possible. I’m going to ride throughout New England to raise money for charity and, hopefully, raise awareness of cancer prevention along the way. Tom left his bike in my care, a red Suzuki Bandit 1200, so it’s only fitting that I use it for the ride. Tom’s wife and youngest daughter, Laurie and Mariah, got their motorcycle licenses last year and are expected to accompany me. Anyone else who wishes to join us is welcome, but all expenses are the responsibility of the rider.

With so much focus put on cancer research, cancer survivors seem to be forgotten. I have witnessed firsthand how important physical comfort and emotional support are to the quality of life for both the survivor and the loved ones who share this journey with them. Therefore, all donations collected from Tom’s Ride will benefit charities that provide support to cancer survivors.

For the first year’s recipient, I have chosen a local charity, CuzWeCare. CuzWeCare was started in late 2004 by Laurie’s aunt and uncle, John & Fay, largely in Tom’s honor. CuzWeCare’s mission is to provide comfort to cancer survivors, dialysis patients and children in need. In addition to comfort pillows, they also make polar fleece pillowcases for those patients who are undergoing radiation treatments or chemotherapy treatments. They have volunteer groups knitting and crocheting chemo caps, making polar fleece caps, and crocheting lap afghans.

Tom wanted more than anything to make a difference. With your help, we can still accomplish his goal. I'm asking for your financial support of this worthy organization in his honor. You can research them on the Internet at the web address I’ve provided on the Links page. Please give what you can comfortably afford and, as they are a 501(c)3 charity, all donations are tax-deductible.

Please send your checks (made payable to CuzWeCare) to:

Joseph Grunske
P.O. Box 641
Vernon, CT 06066

So that we can track donations, be sure to include in the memo section of your check: In Memory of Tom Grunske. You can also contribute on-line at their web site. If you do, be sure to note that the donation is in memory of Tom Grunske.

For more information, you can reach me by e-mail: JoeG at TomsRide dot org.

DONATE TODAY!