A for Angels

Once again I am blogging my way from A to Z as part of the 2015 April A to Z Challenge!  Come blog through the alphabet with me!

Angels.  For some people the word conjures up images of heavenly glowing white creatures with feathery wings.  For others, angels are loved ones that have passed away but continue to look down on us.  For me, some angels are right here on earth; those people that contribute their time and effort into making the lives of other people better.

My favorite angels are the AngelRiders – those bicyclists that pedal their bikes with their hearts to make sure kids with serious illnesses don’t miss out on an ordinary kid experience:  camp.

I’ve written about the AngelRide before.  It’s a 135 mile fundraising bike ride through Connecticut to raise money for The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and Hospital Outreach Program. 100% of monies raised through sponsoring riders goes towards making sure kids (and their families) have an experience of a lifetime.  Our friend, Dana Bean, introduced us to the AngelRide and will be making his 7th ride this year.

Last year I was so proud to tell you that Number’s 2 and 3 grew their own wings  as they pedaled the 6.5 mile Young AngelRide course.  Well, they are back for more this year.  Number 3 will be a Young AngelRider again, but Number 2 will move up to become a Young Adult AngelRider.  He (and Spouse) will be tackling the 22 mile ride.  Number 4 is also considering joining in, but she seems to have inherited her athletic endurance from her mother, so she is not sure yet.

Either way, the rest of us can’t wait to cheer these angels on during the Memorial Day weekend!

To learn more about the AngelRide angels, read their blog.

Wow!  I can’t believe I forgot to mention the special fundraising efforts this year.    AngelRide has received a grant that will match all money raised by anyone 23  years old or younger, up to $100,000.  Thanks Dana!