Story about Heros

I pass along a story that came to me today. This is from a local guy and group of cyclists I occassionally go out to ride with. It was passed on by a team mate from our amateur team. While I had planned to make a post about cycling in Europe this summer, this is something I want to share. I think we have all heard stories and seen lots of press about Lance Armstrong. I have voiced some opinions in this blog over the years, but here is one story that won't make the news:

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Please take time to read the following excerpt from Marc's blog. You can read more about Marc's own story on his web site, www.10-hours.com or www.triscottsdale.org.

What is a Hero? Some believe a Hero is one who is admired or idealized for courage or outstanding achievements. I think that definition holds true most of the time but it does not completely encompass who/what a Hero does. For example, to a child his/her mother or father is often a Hero. But there is more. How can a person who is a Hero to one become a Hero to all. In my mind's eye, a Hero has to be bigger than life. He can do things that no one else can do. Let me share a story about a Hero.

This is a sad story. As I was walking out the door and heading for Masters swim, an email popped up across my iPhone that said 'Help'. I decided to read it. It was a forward from a friend of mine. My interest was peaked as I read 'Phoenix Children’s Hospital' in the header. I then read a sad story about a seven-year-old boy who unfortunately will likely not make it through this weekend. One line caught my attention. The line stated this child’s dying wish. It read, in essence, 'There is no time for a trip to Disney World, etc. or any other exotic locale.' The letter went on to explain that the child was from a family of biking enthusiasts and that this child had one wish and that was to talk to Lance Armstrong.


Well. Lewis was waiting for me and I told him about the email and we both talked about life’s uncertainties and just how lucky we were to not be facing these problems. I thought of my kids and reflected on the hell that this child’s family must be going through. And, I thought about how impossible it would be for us to get this to happen.
I then asked Lewis if he knew of anyway to get in touch with Lance. Just a few years ago, Lance and Lewis rode together and had a few meals together. Lewis wasn't sure at the moment. Then I thought of a friend who did indeed know Lance. I called her, we discussed the email, and I sent the email to her. A few minutes later she called me crying about the child’s plight. A moment after that she asked me for the child’s home phone number. (We knew he was at home because Phoenix Children’s Hospital discussed how Hospice was staying with him at his home.) She told me, 'no promises' but that she would get this information to Lance. I thought, 'Cool we got the info out there. It is highly unlikely that anything will happen.' Anyway, the next day I received an email from the lady at Phoenix Children’s Hospital confirming that Lance did indeed call this child. The email explained that it was this type of thing that made her job. Her job was fulfilling the wishes of these unfortunate kids.

How freaking cool is that. First, that someone spends their days and nights helping children and their families in perhaps their most challenging times and second, that Lance actually called.

I was shocked that someone actually did this stuff. You hear about these stories from time to time but they never happen to you. I was overwhelmed that he actually called this child. Lance Armstrong was a Hero of mine before this but now he is a Hero for so many more reasons. I pray that this child had a happy moment talking to his Hero.
Thanks,
Marc S.Rubin