Day 5…Blake Burton and Anya Hopkins… We could not have completed today without you and our hearts and minds…
For those that feel compelled to donate to the pediatric cancer research…
To Blake Burton and Anya Hopkins… I wanted to let you know that we road in your honor today. I can honestly say that there is not a single person that rode today who would have finished if you were not in our hearts and minds. I would describe myself as a very fit person and today’s ride broke me physically eight or nine times!!! However, each time that I broke physically and mentally, I had encouragement of the fellow riders, and your Mom’s voices in my head listing out all the challenges you both faced in your battle against pediatric cancer.
I’m not sure I can articulate how hard today was. I can just tell you that after logging 322 miles and nearly 28,000 feet of elevation over the first four days, Everyone’s legs were completely exhausted. God truly tested our resolve today as we rode into a stiff headwind/crosswind for 111 miles. We faced some rain and some hills that were challenging for everyone. However, the last 20 miles we faced what seemed like never ending hills that were causing our legs, lungs and our hearts to burn in agony. We all realize that we can never replicate the agony that you both suffered in your battle, I hope we all made you proud today!!!
Blake’s mom FaceTime us this morning sharing his story and giving us a lot of encouragement…
Blake was 3 years old when he was diagnosed with leukemia. We did everything right. He complained about leg pain, we took him to the doctor. They said it was "growing pains....he's going to be a big boy!"A couple months later, his body was so filled with cancer he could barely function. We took him to the ER and a blood test confirmed a parents worst nightmare.....cancer and he needed to be airlifted from Naperville to Lurie Childrens Hospital ASAP!Throughout his almost 4 year battle with this terrible disease, he relapsed six times!*3 failed transplants*On kidney dialysis twice*survived being on a ventilator three times*mouth sores, fatigue, hair growth and loss, spinal taps, surgeries, needle pokes, IV's, you name it, he had it.Blake has been poked with a needle more times than there are days in a year. Surgeries became so frequent, the smell of anesthesia on his sweet little breath became a familiar scent.All Blake wanted was to be in his own home, with his family and friends. Many whom we still keep in touch with today! We go out to dinner, pick out an outfit for the 1st day of school, make special memories at Christmas, and even have sleepovers once in a while.Blake was smart, kind, sassy, loving, forgiving, trustworthy, fun, strong, brave, bold, fearless, cute, funny and humble.He was 7 when his little body couldn't take it any longer.Blake loved riding his bike. When you are on a bike there's nothing like it. It's the best feeling!Today you ride for our sweet Blake. Push a little harder when you feel you can't anymore. Push through the pain, like Blake did. Take in the air, the scenery, the moment. Blake fought so hard to be here. He's not, you are. Make a difference! Live your purpose!.I have read enough books and seen enough psychic mediums to know that these kids are watching you. They are the push you feel behind you, they are the strength to do this day in and day out despite the physical pain and if you talk out loud, they can hear you.So keep riding! Take it all the way! Blake is with you today!! Our family is with you. These kids are with you.Cal's Angels is the absolute best! They mean so much to our family and so do each and every one of you.High 5, fist bump, thumbs up. Let's do this!!!!!Stay safe, We love you!!
We rode for Blake, but I also rode for Anya Hopkins, who is the daughter of a high school friend. I didn’t realize the connection between Melanie Jarecki and Cal’s Angels until she texted me last night…
Hi Rick it’s Melanie Jarecki, just discovered today that you are riding with the Cal’s WOW ride and I literally began to cry 😢! I have followed this ride for the past 3 years always amazed by the selfless act of strangers for kids they may have never met, but when I saw your name, (a familiar name) my emotions hit hard. Not sure if you were aware, by my daughter is a Cal’s Angels kid. In 2020 she was diagnosed with lymphoma went thru chemo and relapsed almost a year to the date of diagnosis. Upon more surgery and tests it was discover she has a rare incurable form. Research means everything to us and her future and the work and acts of selflessness that Cals does is second to none I just wanted to send a personal thank you to you and all the other riders. This means more to us families and our kids than you will ever know. I pray for a safe ride for you all, but have so much fun! I will see you at the finish line!!!! Go Cal’s Wow riders!!!!!🎗️🎗️Anya Hopkins had just turned 11 when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in October 2020. She underwent 4 months of chemotherapy and was deemed cancer free in March 2021 only to relapse in October 2021 almost a year to the date she was diagnosed.Upon further testing she was found to have a slow growing form of called NLPHL , Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma, which currently had no treatment or cure.Anya undergoes bloodwork and scans every few months to measure growth and sees her Doctors for exams. She is treated thru Comer’s Children’s Hospital , University of Chicago.Anya is currently a 14 year old freshman at Glenbard North and just finished her volleyball season on her freshman team. She’s been forced to become a very resilient kid, like many who face pediatric cancer.
I would just ask that we continue to raise awareness, accelerate, research, clinical trials, and the financial investment needed to save the lives of the sweet little angels.
Tomorrow’s gonna be hard. Maybe harder today because of the way we all feel after the last five days. However, we’re going to rally as a crew, and we’re gonna lean on all the prayers and support from everyone behind the effort.
THANK YOU 🙏🏼
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