Dick Hartung

Wow. I started doing Ride for a Child (RFAC) in 2002 and it hasn’t gotten any harder (NOT)!! However, it is for a great cause, and I can still ride a bike, which is a blessing.  My only regret is that you may be sick of seeing this letter!  I implore you to stick with me if you can.  Supporting a child with cancer is a true gift.

My honored child this year is 10-year-old Joshua.  Joshua likes to game, has three cats, and records his own videos.  Diagnosed in 2017 with Wilms Tumor, he is now in remission.  Joshua, along with the inspiration of my daughter Jill, will be driving me this year (and I hope you) to raise funds and awareness for Candlelighters for Children with Cancer.

With a childhood cancer diagnosis comes invasive procedures, nausea, baldness, hospital stays, a compromised immune system, disruption to family, and the threat of losing your life.  Candlelighters’ mission is to come alongside the hurting child and family and support them through this maze of trauma and uncertainty.   All funds raised go to Candlelighters, a 501-C3 that offers children and families amazing programs and services to support them through their journey.  You can visit their website at https://candlelightersoregon.org to learn about all they offer children & families.

I hold the support Candlelighters provides to children and families dear to my heart.  I have seen the impact of their services and programs on families struggling to care for a child diagnosed with cancer.  I ask you to share that compassion.  With your help, Joshua and I hope to raise $10,000 to support the mission of Candlelighters. If you are in a position to help with a gift this year, please consider enriching the life of a child battling cancer by supporting us.  Regardless of the size of the gift, every dollar raised is so appreciated.