In just over a month, I'll be flying out to San Diego, California where I will join a group of women over 50 to ride our bikes over 3,000 miles across the country to St. Augustine, Florida. I'm hoping that you can be part of my ride by making a donation toward one of the two organizations (or both!) that I'll be fundraising for - The Brattleboro Music Center and the National Breast Cancer Coalition. I've set a lofty goal of $25,000 but with the cooperation of many people with gifts large or small I hope I can reach it. I'm also hoping that for you traveler types that you'll be able to experience my ride without the sore muscles or sunburn by following along on my blog by following this link: Ellen's blog (www.efmartyn.edublogs.org).
You can also read about my trip by following this link to the Brattleboro Reformer: Brattleboro Reformer - Ride for a reason
This ride was started by a breast cancer survivor. Think of how many people you know whose lives have been affected by this disease. We have made progress since my grandmother died of it while my mother was still a teenager, but it still strikes way too many women. The Breast Cancer Coalition works to support research as well as to educate and support those who have the disease.
The Brattleboro Music Center works to enrich the lives of people of all ages in our community. We are fortunate to have world-class performers come here, to have a music school full of talented teachers and to have opportunities for people to participate in choruses and orchestras for musicians of all abilities. As most of you know, music has always been an important part of my life and I would like to see the BMC meet its goal of moving into a building with soundproof rooms and a space for rehearsals and performances. There are great plans ahead and I'd love to see them realized.
How can you donate? If you like the convenience of online donations, there are links on my blog site. If you prefer, you can also send checks to me at my home address: 81 Laurel St., Brattleboro, VT 05301 and I will forward them on to the organizations. You can also send checks directly to the organizations at:
National Breast Cancer Coalition
Attn: Kelly Griffin/Ellen Martyn Fund
1101 17th Street NW 1300
Washington, D.C. 20036
The Brattleboro Music Center
c/o Ellen's Ride
38 Walnut St.
Brattleboro, VT 05301
Thanks to everyone who has donated so far. Whoever you are, know that I appreciate your support. Getting up each morning for the 58 days on the road will be easier knowing that my riding will benefit people across the country.
I'll be on the road from March 7 until May 1. I'd love to hear from you along the way — feel free to contact me through my blog.
Imagine a world with less breast cancer and more music! Thanks so much for your support!
- Ellen Martyn