Libby Landy raises $5,770 on her bike from Seattle to Portland!

The run started at around 5:30am on Saturday, July 10, 2009. Libby and her partner in life and bike-riding, Matt Stoecker, were ready to go (pictured right), and we see the first of many waves from Libby. As she said, "It's hard to get good tandem pics of the person in the back..."

The gallery pictures above show Libby and Matt's progress, about half way through the ride (farmhouse in the background); two thirds of the way on Saturday on the Tenino Trail (sunsine and leaves); Sunday - all bundled up (bright orange garb), probably near Chehalis in the morning; around Kelso before lunch on Sunday; and crossing the bridge into downtown Portland.

Read all the details of Libby's ride on her blog postings for each day: Saturday and Sunday.

And when it was all over, Libby sent a heartfelt and inspiring thank you to all her supporters, on special pink paper:

YOU GUYS ROCK!

Together we not only reached my goal of $5,000.00, we passed it! The grand total of donations, after all matching was $5,770.00! Check out the donations page to see how many of you contributed!

I cannot tell you how much I'm moved by everyone's generosity! This ride was definitely not the easiest. Day 1 was great. It was sunny, warm, and we covered 100.6 miles in what seemed like no time at all. Day 2 was the polar opposite. It was cold and wet. It hailed and rained. We were soaked through within minutes; not the greatest of conditions in which to be riding a tandem touring bike!

Had I experienced that ride 2½ years ago, B.D. (Before Diagnosis), I would've said "that was the worst day of my life". While I can no longer say that, I will admit I was miserable. You can ask Matt if you don't believe me. The only thing that kept me going was the knowledge so many of you were cheering me on. So many of you opened your hearts and wallets to my cause, and I knew I couldn’t let you down.

With head down, and renewed determination, we pedaled the remaining 103+ miles to Portland.

(pictured right: Libby and Matt cross the finish line!)

I cannot thank each of you enough for your encouragement, support, and donations. As recently as 10 years ago I might not be here today. I hope and pray for the continuation of science and medical advancement. With continued donations from you, your family, and your friends, one day we might just see a world where no one has to hear the words "you have cancer".

Thank you. It's only 2 small words, but they mean so much.

Libby Landy
Diagnosed age 40
Breast Cancer Survivor
Never, ever, ever give up.