Patrick's Page

Thanks for visiting my page. Last winter I found out that a friend and former coworker, David Virden, had been diagnosed in September 2006 with ALS and by March of 2007 was already experiencing speech and mobility problems. For those of you who aren’t familiar with ALS (Lou Gehrigs Disease) it is a disease of the nervous system which is usually terminal in 2-5 years. Some of you know Dave, some do not, but he, like myself, is an avid cyclist. In my efforts to help Dave in some way I have volunteered to ride my bike in a charity event called the Tri-State Trek to be held in July which is a three day 270 mile ride from Newton, Ma to White Plains, NY. Last year I rode the first stage of the event, which was 95 miles. It was an amazing experience.. Our team “Driven to a Cure” raised almost $65,000 for ALS research. After the incredible experience of riding the first day of last year’s event, I vowed that I would return this year and ride all three days and 270 miles.

To my amazement, Dave Virden rode two of the three days and was a great source of motivation for everyone who participated. Due to Dave’s inspirational effort, the event organizers have decided to name the first day of the event after Dave. This year we hope to surpass our fund-raising efforts from last year. Please consider a donation in any amount. Please use the link below to my Tri-State fund-raising page. For those who prefer to donate via mail, shoot me an email and I will forward a PDF donation form which can be printed and mailed directly to ALS/TDI.

To donate
www.active.com/donate/trek2008/pcushing

To learn more
www.tristatetrek.com/html/about_what_als.php