Thank you for visiting my fundraising page for the 2012 TD Bank 5 Boro Bike Tour!

You may already be aware that for last year's Bike Tour, I raised over $1500 for Gilda's Club New York City, in memory of my late mother, Dr. Patricia A. Gundersen. On Sunday, May 6th, along with more than 30, 000 other cyclists, I will once again pedal 40 miles through all five boroughs of New York City.  This year, my goal is to raise even more money to help Gilda's Club New York City and the cancer community, as it marks both the 3-year anniversary of my mom's death from cervical cancer and my 30th birthday.

About Gilda's Club:
Gilda’s Club New York City was named for Gilda Radner, the brilliant comedian and one of the original cast members of Saturday Night Live. Gilda was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1986. She learned to live with cancer with help from a support community she joined in California, where she felt she could express what she was really feeling—an experience she described in her autobiography, It’s Always Something. It was her dream that anyone touched by cancer would be able to receive the kind of emotional and social support that she had found. Following her death in 1989, Gilda’s husband, Gene Wilder and her cancer psychotherapist, Joanna Bull started the Gilda’s Club movement.

Gilda’s Club New York City provides meeting places where men, women and children living with cancer – and their family and friends – can join together to build social and emotional support as a supplement to medical care – free of charge.

People with cancer: From the moment of diagnosis, through treatment and beyond, the effects of cancer aren’t only physical – there is a profound emotional and social impact as well. Joining a community of people who have experienced cancer firsthand can decrease the sense of isolation and empower you to confront your fears.

Their family and friends: The impact of cancer extends beyond the person who has been diagnosed. Learning to balance the need to provide care and support with everyday responsibilities is something no one should have to face alone.

People who are grieving: When a loved one dies, communicating feelings of grief and loss can be very difficult. Talking with others who have been through the grieving process is often beneficial.

Children and Teens: Noogieland is a place where children affected by cancer can express their feelings in a friendly, facilitated play environment. We also have a program for teens.

No donation is too small, and all donation are appreciated! Many thanks for your support toward reaching my fundraising goal -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!