Survivor Finishes 100 Miles at LIVESTRONG Challenge
What does LIVESTRONG mean? If you're Judy Regan, it means training several hours a day, seven days a week, for a century (100-mile) ride while still recuperating from brain surgery.
In July 2007, Judy suffered a brain aneurysm and had surgery. She hadn't fully recovered, but she wanted to participate in the San Jose LIVESTRONG Challenge century ride. Her doctors told her she wasn't ready.
Regan had raised money for cancer research through other charity athletic events for more than 25 years, so she didn't let these obstacles discourage her. She asked if she could ride a stationary bike. She got her doctors' okay and began training at home.
A year later in July 2008, she became the first person ever to cycle 100 miles on her stationary bike at the start/finish line of the San Jose LIVESTRONG Challenge, raising almost $4,000 for the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF).
"Judy's decision to ride 100 miles even though she couldn't do it on the actual course is a true reflection of the LIVESTRONG spirit," said Doug Ulman, president and CEO of the LAF, "The fact that she challenged herself in this way, while still following her doctors' recommendations, is proof that many people can live life on their own terms—and achieve great things—after they've been diagnosed with serious illness."
The LIVESTRONG Challenge is the Lance Armstrong Foundation's signature fundraising event supporting its mission to inspire and empower people affected by cancer. In 11 years, the LIVESTRONG Challenge has raised in excess of $40 million to support LAF research projects, community-based programs and advocacy initiatives. This annual series of events takes place in cities across the country, including Portland (June 28-29), San Jose (July 12-13), Philadelphia (Aug. 23-24) and Austin (Oct. 25-26), and features a 5K run/walk and a 10-, 40-, 70- or 100-mile bike ride.
Learn more about the Lance Armstrong Foundation here. Feel like participating in the next LIVESTRONG Challenge? Check out livestrongchallenge.com.
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