​Back Row: Matt Hopken (PXGD Partnerships), Dan Jennings (SRAM, Zipp and Fizik), Jeremy Hutsell (Lauf), Mark Hoffman (PXGD Co-Event Director/Backroads Bicycle co-owner).  Front Row: Jeff Zell (Panaracer), Amy Oleen-Naaf (Pink Gravel), John Wilmeth (Cantu Wheels), Renee Hoffman (PXGD Co-Event Director/Backroads Bicycle co-owner) and Jon Naaf (Pink Gravel).

You may have seen the BIG announcement on the Pink Gravel social media outlets as well as many of the partners involved in this project.  We couldn't be anymore grateful for the love and support to receive such a gift and hope it inspires others to give to the PINK GRAVEL FUND held with the Emporia Community Foundation (ECF).

The Pink Gravel fundraising drive to qualify for entry into the drawing for the Lauf Seigla OFFICIALLY begins on JUNE 1, 2022 and lasts till SEPTEMBER 20, 2022.

The goal of this drive is to push the balance of the Pink Gravel Fund over $10,000.00.  This is the amount needed in order to start giving grants.  If you recall, in past posts/blogs I was wanting to start the grant process sooner, but I was informed that the Pink Gravel Fund would be more effective to assist those diagnosed with - or a survivor of -  breast cancer who submit a qualified application with a higher starting balance.  Right now, the Fund sits at a bit over $4000.  

​Which makes the timing of finding out some members of my gravel family cooked up so much sweeter.  Imagine getting ready for work, putting on make up, getting a call about this gift from Lauf and the plan to bring in others to complete the bike, to cry and start the make up process all over.  That was me a month ago.  As this announcement came near, I learned of the many moving pieces and the effort into putting this together. 

Who knew that a random idea suggested a year ago by the Pony Express Gravel Dash Race Director to paint a kids bike up with a Pink Gravel theme to give away in 2022, would turn into a Lauf Seigla frameset - a shade of pink no less!  Then add another member of the PXGD team to bring in more partners to complete the bike out.  Mind Blowing, for sure.

For EVERY person that makes a "donation or contribution" - of any dollar amount -  between June 1, 2022 through September 20, 2022 toward the Pink Gravel Fund will have their name tossed into a hat/jar/tub/beer cooler (something) for a name to be drawn for this one of kind bike.  

The drawing will be held on October 1, 2022 during the Just a Chill Ride - 50k gravel ride in Dwight, Kansas.  Do not need to be present to win.

For every $30 given by an individual from June 1st to September 20th will be given additional entries.  An easy way to say it is:  Your donation earns a person one entry & then for each multiple of $30 a person earns another entry.

For example a person's total given from June 1 to September 20 is:
< $59.99 = 1 extra entry earned
$60.00 to $89.99 = 2 extra entries earned
$90.00 to $119.99 = 3 extra entries earned
and so on.

Simply put: the totaled dollar given from June 1, 2022 to Sept. 20, 2022 divided by 30 and rounded down to last achieved breakpoint equals # of extra entries plus the 1 (one) entry for the act of donating.

PREFERRED METHOD OF GIVING:  A donation made directly to the ECF by scanning a provided QR code on one of the Pink Gravel postcards, clicking the link to the ECF on this website or going to the ECF website and choosing to give to the Pink Gravel Fund is preferred.   This method qualifies a person for a tax deductible donation for the benefit of the Pink Gravel Fund.  It is suggested (but not required) a person makes a minimum donation of $30.00 via this method.  Any amount of $30 or more will que the ECF to follow up with a letter to the donor acknowledging the donation (in addition to the email confirmation).  This preferred method of giving - is a true tax deductible "donation" - so if that is important to a person, please take the time to use this method.   I made the button extra long so you could not miss using this option on June 1st. *smile*

​
Alternate ways that are considered "contributions" and are not tax deductible: Pink Gravel will also take up a collection during this time period via our website store page.  We will also provide opportunities to give toward the Pink Gravel Fund at events we attend.  These methods of giving during the fundraising drive will also qualify you entry for to the drawing.  Pink Gravel can take contributions via PayPal or Venmo accounts or through the Pink Gravel website shop page.  (@PinkGravel is the name to use for Venmo and PayPal)   

It took a solid three years, but my husband and I finally got back to Stillwater, Oklahoma for The Mid South.  I attended and rode in 2019 & fell in love with the atmosphere.  We signed up to go back in 2020 but cancer(sucks) with a dash of COVID hysteria ​it did not happen and a race deferral elected.

Then 2021, with the world still questioning COVID, the Mid South made the decision to host a socially distant Mid South event.  Therefore, receiving another deferral.

Just this month, I got to cash that sucker in.  Not only that, with a little help from Pink Gravel friends - thanks to the race directors of the Pony Express Gravel Dash in Marysville, KS and the Flint Hills Gravel Ride in Americus, KS - Pink Gravel set up shop in a 10 x 10 space at the Mid South Gravel Expo.

While the weather was a bit sketchy due to the morning snow (yes snow), the Expo was great exposure for Pink Gravel, met new people and old friends.  It just felt good to be back.  Definitely #positivevibing.  I did scale back my ride from 50 miles to the Inspiration Ride of 12 miles.  I just have not been riding much and still trying to figure out my "post cancer - chemo induced early menopause" body.  Not to mention I work full time and have kids . . . so life is busy. :)   It was a wonderful 12 miles with a nifty climb a the halfway mark.  Crossing the finish line was indeed very emotional as well.  As I have mentioned in the past, the Mid South marks a memorable milestone and highly emotional time in my cancer journey just like the KC Chiefs.

Anyway, Mid South, you did not disappoint and it was a blast and the kids enjoyed the freedom of walking around and spending time at the nearby coffee shop.  As I recall, I made several trips to that coffee shop myself.

AND YES. . . I received my long overdue hug; twice even, with some very kind and encouraging words.  Thank you Bobby W.
​

On January 29th, six airmen out of Ft. Riley assembled by A1C Requidan (kneeling) helped clear trees and brush on property being prepared for campsites for future Pink Gravel events and public use. The Air Force requires volunteer hours and highly encourages local work for organizations they are passionate about. 

It worked out that we even had a gorgeous day to be working outdoors. 

I am so thankful for their service to our country and their interest in hel Pink Gravel.
#pinkgravel
#positvievibing
#usairforce
#thepinkgravelfund
#volunteerlocal
#cancersucks
#teamamy



​

The following is my personal journal entry from 12/9/2020:

"Today, I met with my oncologist to review labs and follow up to see how I am doing.  It has been 7 months of Tamoxifen and port flushes.   Sitting in the room after the nurse took my blood pressure and temp, I couldn't help but be mesmerized by the wall with knit hats in plastic bags in magazine holders.  It was surreal.  It was sad.
​

There used to be reading material in this room as you wait for the doctor/nurse.   These knit hats used to be on display in the lobby.  There was a basket and a couple foam heads to display these knit hats as they were free to chemo patients losing hair.  Those of us awaiting labs, chemo treatments and etc would interact trying to lift each other up.    Offer support to each other or share stories.  But when COVID came, the lobby and these "holding tanks" were stripped of anything not nailed down.  No magazines, no pamphlets, and no knit hats.  Only 2 or 3 chairs now sit in the lobby and these bagged knit hats on the walls where I wait.  

Before surgery, I had met with those that would perform my radiation treatments after chemo.  Their lobby at that time had a table with a large puzzle, coffee, donuts or cookies set out for those waiting on a loved one or waiting to be called in.   How nice of them and I looked forward to that. . . but. . . then . . . COVID.  By the time I got there for radiation all of that was gone.   I was to come in alone, masked, asked the standard COVID questions, temp taken and told to sit in the far chair.  It was bad enough having breast cancer and now to be treated with very little contact as possible for my own good as much as theirs.   It felt so sterile and cold.  My last day of radiation I rang the bell but received no hugs or celebrations with the staff.  Just me, waiting for the nurse to sanitize the rope for me to ring the bell and go.

This is what COVID has done to those of us that have been fighting cancer the past year.  What is hard under normal conditions; with COVID, it forced many of us cancer patients to fly solo like a kamikaze pilot.   This is a disease with a treatment that tears a person down emotionally and physically over a period of weeks, months or years.  The treatment sucks so bad that people pre-COVID planned actual celebrations the end of it.  COVID took that away from several of us.  I got my certificate and the nurse said sorry no hugs as she looked at me as I cried and rang the bell.

Those knit hats in plastic bags represent how I felt as a cancer patient during COVID.  Fighting to be prevalent and present while being isolated for our safety."

This will be the first Pink Gravel Donation Drive since Jon and I opened The Pink Gravel Fund with the Emporia Community Foundation (ECF).   While donations can be made to the fund at anytime, during these 17 days donors names will be entered into a drawing for a Marc Jacobs Pink Tote Bag.

QUICK STORY BEHIND THE TOTE:  I was given $$$ from my parents right after the Halloween on Main Street event Pink Gravel hosted with the Dwight CDC.  My Mom said in so many words "use this for Pink Gravel however you want".  So for several days I carried it in my pocket trying to decide if it should be applied to the fund or put in the bank just to cover future expenses.  Well, one weekend I was out looking at Halloween stuff on sale, I saw this bright pink tote tied up and tagged like it was something special.  Honestly, I don't carry a purse or anything, so I was unfamiliar with the brand.  Turns out Marc Jacobs is up there on the brand names list of bags.  I starred at it for a long time somewhat mesmerized by the color and wondering how I could use this for Pink Gravel.  Eventually, I decided to buy it and figure it out later.  I couldn't pass this hot pink bag.  By the time I got home with it, I had figured out a plan to use it for the first Donation Drive for The Pink Gravel Fund.

SEVERAL WAYS TO DONATE:

1. Go directly to the ECF website by clicking this LINK.  Complete the form, choose your amount and pay using a credit or debit card.  For amounts $30 or more, the ECF will send you a thank you acknowledging your donations.  This method is alos the best way to verify your donation is tax deductible.
2. Go to the SHOP PAGE of this website and select the amount and quantity of said amount that you want to donate.  This options allows you to use PayPal, Credit Card or Debit Card for payment.  You will receive an email confirming the payment.  Donations thru the Pink Gravel website will be paid to the fund at the end of the term.
3. Mail a check.  To consider this a tax deductible donation, make the check out to: Emporia Community Foundation FBO the Pink Gravel Fund.  (or write Pink Gravel Fund in the memo line of check)  Checks can be mailed to Pinkg Gravel, PO BOX 155, Dwight, Kansas 66849.  In order to track checks and to make sure your name is included in the drawing, it is suggested you go to the SHOP page of this website and chose the option tha says you are mailing a check.  In the notes, write the amount.  This way if a check comes in after Dec. 10th, your entries will already be included.

ABOUT THE DRAWING:

1. Donations made between November 24, 2021 Eight AM to December 10, 2021 Midnight will be included in the drawing.  Name will be drawn on December 14, 2021.
2. Every person gets their name entered into the drawing once for making a donation of any amount.  Then, for every $5 donated, the person receives another entry into the drawing.  So a $5 donation gets you two entries into the drawling.  Another example is if you were to donate $25.  The calculation for that is ($25/5)+1= 6 entries.
3. A single entry for the act of making a donation can only occur once.  The "+1" only counts the first day you donate during the term.
4. A donation is considered to be $1 or more.  There will be no refunds on donations made.
5. Mailed donations will have till December 13, 2021 to arrive for names to be included in the drawing.  
6. All donations collected thru the Pink Gravel website will be sent to ECF for the Pink Gravel Fund after the drawing has occurred.

If you have any questions about how to donate, where to donate or about the drawing.  Please send an email to:  pinkgravelrider@gmail.com.
​

From August of 2020 to October 2021, Pink Gravel LLC has been my vehicle to raise enough money to open a fund within a non-profit organization.   So, in the past year plus, without being too pushy, I semi-silently fundraised and set 100% of Pink Gravel's profits to the side.  My husband and I volunteered or rode in events in order to introduce folks to the Pink Gravel logo and name.  We drug our kids, aka The Pink Gravel Crew, to many gravel intersections to cheer and assist participants on fun rides or organized rides. 

I have to give a shout and thanks to the following for their support in the early beginnings:

>> Joe (Solstice Joe) for his sponsorship of the original Pink Gravel tee shirts.  It wasn't anything we asked for so the least I could do is give the Solstice top billing on the back of the tee.  This is the shirt I live in and the ones you see worn at SAGs and such.
>> Justin after our help at his Nebransas 100k made a nice contribution that was a surprise and appreciated. 
>> And of course, Mark and Renee for embracing Pink Gravel into the Pony Express Gravel Dash 120 fold.  Without even a nudge, they took Pink Gravel and ran; putting Pink Gravel large and proud on their volunteer shirts in 2020. 

It has been these random kind acts so early on that motivated me and the Crew to just keep doing as we do without being annoying ha ha.  We rarely - if ever - asked for money in return; we just wanted to be able to wear our pink shirts and get a slice of pie if possible.

And it has worked.

After 1.5 gravel seasons, $3000 has been raised.  I am tickled pink!  It was time to shop around for a area foundation that would welcome the purpose of the fund as well as fit the communities the foundation served.  After a suggestion from another foundation director, I reached out to Becky of the Emporia Community Foundation (ECF).  It did not take much for her to embrace the purpose of the Pink Gravel Fund.  In one week, an application was completed, submitted and approved on October 15, 2021.  My dream of a Pink Gravel Fund became a real thing.  Wow, just wow!

For those not familiar with the Emporia Community Foundation (ECF), the ECF mission is to connect caring people with causes that build stronger communities within the Emporia area which includes Chase, Coffey, Greenwood, Lyon, Morris, Osage and Wabaunsee counties.   The Pink Gravel Fund does extend to Riley County in addition to the seven specifically listed in the ECF.  So that is EIGHT counties in Kansas for the Pink Gravel Fund to serve and provide support for breast cancer patients and survivors.

The Pink Gravel Fund is up and ready to accept donations as we speak.  If you go to the ECF website and click DONATE you can select the Pink Gravel Fund.  (or click the button below)  Any amount welcome and all donations via the ECF to the Pink Gravel Fund is tax deductible.   The short description of the purpose of the Pink Gravel Fund is to provide support for breast cancer patients, survivors and awareness.  The support intended by the fund will occur when an application is submitted by a breast cancer patient or survivor that resides in one of the eight counties is reviewed and accepted by the Pink Gravel Advisory committee and the ECF Board.  Examples of a Pink Gravel grant request could be to help with: a utility bill, purchase item to provide comfort during treatment, assistance for treatment travel expenses.

The PINK GRAVEL FUND plans to begin taking grant applications in the SPRING/SUMMER OF 2022 (UPDATE: when the fund reaches a balance of $10,000.00).  Watch for more information to follow after the first of the year.

In the meantime, if you would like to make an online donation, click the button below.

Mailed checks should be made out to the:  Emporia Community Foundation (or ECF) 
with PINK GRAVEL FUND in the memo line.  

Two years ago... this week, life changed for me forever.
You may think I am back to normal-ish looking from the outside. I'm not.
Unless you have "done cancer*, it is never over.  Sure, the hair is back, no ill feelings with current treatment drug, and of course still alive.   

But I have:

• the memories,
• the external scars,
• the internal scars,
• the meds,
• lingering brain fog,
• numbness,
• nonexistent bladder,
• scan anxiety,
• and a body that is so wacked out due to lack of estrogen.

Sigh, it takes much mental effort to do anything now. I mean it, ANYTHING.

It makes me cry "pissed off tears' thinking about how much this diagnosis changed life . . . and I am one of those that caught it fairly early yet it took the whole 9 yards - surgery, chemo and radiation.

​So please, as we near the end of Breast Cancer Awareness month, get to know your boobs.  If it has been awhile, call your doctor and have them check your boobs or schedule a mammogram if necessary.