On Saturday, September 11th, I will ride in Beyond the Bike, a 100K (62 mile) bike ride to raise money and awareness for Beyond the 11th, a non-profit that provides support to widows in Afghanistan who have been afflicted by war, terrorism and oppression.
The organization was co-founded by Susan Retik whose commitment to Afghan widows was born from her own journey into widowhood — a journey that began on September 11, 2001, when her husband David was killed.
Proceeds from Beyond the Bike will fund a training program for local Afghan widows to become Skilled Birth Attendants. Candidates learn enough during a series of intensive four-week trainings to prevent nearly 70% of maternal and newborn deaths.
• Maternal deaths are the SECOND highest in the world,
where ONE woman dies EVERY 30 minutes
• The infant mortality rate is the HIGHEST in the world
where one in four children die before the age of 5.
Not only will this program save the lives of the mothers and infants, but it also provides the Afghan widows with a valuable skill, enabling them to contribute monetary support to their families and greatly improve their social status within their community.
Please help me achieve my goal of raising $1000.
If you prefer to write a check, please make it payable to Beyond the 11th with my name in the memo:
Beyond the 11th
PO Box 457
Needham, MA 02494
Thanks so much for your support!