I have been snowmobiling since the mid 1970's and it has become one of my passions in life. I met up with a great group of friends that has ridden this event since its inception and admired what they were doing, but I was "just too busy" to participate. In 2019 I was biopsied and had a "simple" squamous cell that needed to go. This was in the outer corner of my eyelid. Scheduled a routine MOHS procedure with a little reconstructive surgery and it should be good. Waiting for the pathologist to make sure my margins were clear, I was informed that I had a rogue type of this cancer that migrated into the nerves behind my eye. Multiple surgeries were done during Covid and 30 rounds of radiation on my face, and I was on my way to recovery. During one of my follow ups in 2022, a lump on my cheek was found and it was determined to be the same cancer that now migrated to my parotid gland and into the lymph nodes along my carotid artery. Several surgeries again to remove the gland and 19 lymph nodes, 2 of which were ruptured, and reconstructive surgery on my face. This time was another 30 rounds of radiation on my face and neck, and 8 weekly chemo treatments. During the 6th treatment, I had many side effects from the chemo and had a stroke at the hospital. Great place to be having a stroke! That ended my chemo treatments, but I continued to have a hard time coming back from the side effects and had blood pressure and kidney issues, as well as weight loss due to not eating. After about 3 1/2 months of daily infusions to stay hydrated, chemically balanced, and alive, I was admitted to the hospital for surgical investigation treatment. I was put under and along with the blood and kidney issues, the gastro surgeon found inflammation and the beginning of an ulcer in my duodenum, along with severe thrush. I started oral and intravenous medicine and in 2-days I was back on the road to recovery. Weak as hell, but getting better! I was feeling really good, but later in 2024, I had another stroke. After diagnosis, it was determined I had plaque break away in my carotid due to the surgery in that area and actually had 8 small strokes at that time. Thankfully no real side effects other than some neurpathy. I am currently on a short leash for follow ups and things have been very positive with no re-occurrences, until recently. I have a MOHS surgery planned for January 2026 to remove a spot with Melanotic tendencies. Fingers crossed. During this time, riding with my great friends and thinking about not only my cancer, I have reflected many times on my mother. She was a 3-time survivor of breast cancer and finally passed from complications of Parkinson's disease. I am feeling as good as I have in a long time and felt it was my time to do this ride, and I cannot wait to finish it, put that checkmark on my bucket list. I was very fortunate to have the prayers and support of my family and friends, and am blessed with the strength and ability to do this ride. To be able to help families that are not as fortunate as I was to get through the time and help with the cost it takes for surgeries, treatments, and recoveries, is what is driving me to do this, along side of my friends that stood with me at my time of need. DONATE GENEROUSLY PLEASE!!