I will be joining you guys in the New York walk but on a hand cycle.

I walked marathons prior to 2005 "upright" and then was injured lifting one of my special ed students and life has a way of changing, that's why we are all here right!

 I am original Yankee and I went to Farmingdale HS school swim coach has been fighting breast cancer since 1991 and this ride is in her honor as she survives. The event falls on her birthday too and hey I love and miss New York!

I have some other special friends who haven't made it, who are all part of this endeavor, and a small angel in my heart who has inspired me from the beginning of my fitness fundraising events, my cousin Ellen, who died at the age of 12 from brain tumors.

I was a synchronized swimmer, photographer and coach for many years and I gave back using my physical abilities, until I couln't. I just this past April found hand cycling and train one night with The National Rehabilitation Hospital in DC. They also allow me to use their equipment, the bike, which is very cool looking and fun, but it is definitely challenging as you are pulling your body weight and the weight of the bike.When you go downhill,it's a blast, on level ground it's a workout and uphill, lt's just say....no fun!

There is more about my story on the http://info.avonfoundation.org/goto/deeohara and I look forward to meeting as many of you as I can as I cycle with you on this trip together.