I wanted to write about why I ride for the Courage Classic. Seven years ago, it was a cold winter day; school was off. All I wanted to do as a 7-year old at the time was sled and have a snowball fight. Sadly there was no such luck. My brother, Koby, refused. He remarked that he could not move his right arm as he'd slept on it the night before; if only we were so lucky. The next day my parents drove Koby to the Children's Hospital of Colorado, where he was diagnosed with a brain tumor, later identified as Glioblastoma, a deadly brain cancer. Suddenly our family's life was turned upside down. Every day after school, my sister and I were at the hospital, doing our homework. Sadly, due to it being cold season, we were not allowed into the 7th floor, where Koby was being treated. Eventually, as cold season passed, we were able to visit Koby. I was shocked how the baseball loving, quirky kid that was my older brother, was transformed to a bed ridden patient. The journey didn't end there though. With the amazing help of the staff at the Children's Hospital, Koby went through the ordeal of physical and occupational therapy. Soon he was walking writing, and talking again. He may not have been able to play baseball, but he still had his wonderful, acute humor. Soon Koby was back at home with us, going through the ordeal of fighting cancer, and visiting the Hospital, many times a week. Sadly, like so many other stories, this one does not end happily. On Jan 19th of 2018, Koby died. The cancer had won.

I ride for Koby. I ride for all the amazing people who put some much care, love, and support into Koby's treatment. I ride for all the kids, like Koby, who just want to live a normal life, but can't due to their cancer diagnosis. I have been riding for seven years, raising money for seven years. Cancer has not been cured, yet I know the money I have raised, and hope to raise this year and next is for a good cause. The money raised has allowed for programs to help kids in the hospital, specifically in the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders attempt to feel normal. It has allowed for Bob Casey, a psychologist to work with the kids, and help them fight the immense struggles that come with a cancer prognosis, as well as the recent hiring of a second psychologist.

I hope you can join me in this continued effort to help kids like Koby, get the treatment, love and care they so desperately need.

Thanks,

Micah

P.S. If you'd like to register to ride the Tour De Koby, a ride my family puts on every year to honor Koby's memory, you can click here or click "Register to Ride" above.