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Reading connects you to your dreams…

 When I was a little girl there were two mainstays in my life: books and my bike. I rode my bike all day every day into the night. And then I would read my books. These two activities are what expanded my view of the world and gave me ideas about what is possible.  It let me dream and reading helped me make my dreams come true.

 Now years later I am still riding my bike and reading my books. But a specific dream that I had at the age of twelve is now coming true. I always wanted to ride in the Tour de France…and this summer I will be riding one stage of it in the Etape de Tour.

 The Etape de Tour will take place on July 20th starting from Montélimar (Drôme) to the Mont Ventoux summit, after 172 km or about 107 miles and four climbing stages villa (Côte de Citelle, Col d'Ey, Col de Fontaube, Col de Notre-Damede Sabeilles) ending in the of village Mont Serein. It is the same stage that riders will travel in the Tour de France.

 Since I am realizing a lifelong dream I want to help others realize their dreams too. That is why I am going to raise money for Reach Out and Read as part of my ride.  Reading is so important and with the tough economic times non-profits are getting hit hard. There is less federal and state money. People have less money to donate as well. I hope you will sponsor my ride and all the proceeds will go to Reach Out and Read. 

Reach Out and Read is a national, nonprofit organization that promotes early literacy by making books a routine part of pediatric care so children grow up with books and a love of reading. Just like I did..

Reach Out and Read trains doctors and nurses to advise parents about the importance of reading aloud and to give books to children at pediatric checkups from 6 months to 5 years of age, with a special focus on children growing up in poverty. By building on the unique relationship between parents and medical providers, Reach Out and Read helps families and communities encourage early literacy skills so children enter school prepared for success in reading.

One child can be covered for five years for just $40.

I hope you will donate whatever you can so we can help kids learn to love to read…and dream…just like I did because dreams do come true.