As we quickly approach our busy time at Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, we have had the privilege of “gearing up” in a different way this year. Kenny Herriot, a world class wheelchair athlete has been trekking across the country to raise awareness for childhood cancer. A taxing ride for anyone, we cannot even begin to imagine the physical stamina it must take to ride nearly 100 miles every day for over a month! We are so grateful for all that he is doing, and are impressed by his motivation and dedication to helping raise awareness of our cause.

It wasn’t long ago that Liz received a call from a woman proposing a one-of-a-kind partnership. Her name was Penne English, someone who we have come to build a great relationship with, and she was representing a Scottish hero named Kenny Herriot. Herriot is a world class wheelchair athlete who holds numerous records in Scotland. Kenny had decided long ago that he wanted to cycle across the United States, and when the opportunity presented itself, he decided to make the journey even more special by partnering with a charity. Unfamiliar with US charities, Kenny left Penne with the task of presenting him with candidates. Penne lives in Georgia, and lucky for us, she chose Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation as one of the charities to suggest. Kenny was immediately drawn to our cause, with children of his own, he said he couldn’t imagine having them go through a battle against cancer. After discussing the event, we of course agreed to work with Kenny to spread the word about what he is doing. We have been part of team Kenny, and he has been part of Team Alex, ever since!

Kenny’s ride got underway in the late weeks of April, starting at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. His journey would quickly take him through Nevada, Utah, Colorado and he is currently cycling through Kansas. There have certainly been trials along the way, starting with the RV he and his team are traveling in breaking down. In order to stay on course, and on schedule, Kenny decided to continue his ride without the RV and the rest of his team. Though he did get a little lost without them, they were able to catch up with him that same day. The next bump in the road would be a little more threatening as Kenny’s own cycle had problems in Montrose, Colorado. It was the same day that Big O Tires, one of our great supporters, would hold a reception for him. Kenny made it to the destination and the reception, was interviewed by TV and radio outlets in Montrose, and luckily the next day was able to get his cycle ready to go.

With all these obstacles, Kenny has never lost motivation or dedication to the ride and our cause. We are continuously amazed with how he and his team handle the hurdles thrown their way. Not only are they on schedule, but they get up every morning, start the day’s trek, and share their stories with us. We cannot wait to meet up with Kenny and his team in a few cities as he gets closer to his destination, and hope to throw our own large event when he comes through Philadelphia. In the meantime, keep up with Kenny, Penne and their driver John as they cross the country here:

http://blog.thegreatlemonride.com/