Month: March 2023

Please support my nephew and the American Brain Tumor Association

In October of 2022, my nephew, Bryant Hall, had a seizure on a flight to Boston. He soon found out that he had a brain tumor and an initial surgery was completed on October 27th. The subsequent diagnosis was a grade IV glioma, an incurable form of brain cancer.

This has all been devastating on many different levels. But, in the midst of it all, Bryant’s good cheer, positive attitude and frank intelligence has been a wonder to witness. All of this unfolded as he was preparing to graduate from medical school so he has been very aware of the ramifications of his diagnosis. With the phenomenal support of his girlfriend Julia and an extended family ready to assist in any way possible, he is still on the road to graduation in May.

Bryant is committing to running the Chicago Marathon this coming October (along with supporters like his girlfriend, dad, stepmom, and more) and to use that occasion to fundraise for the American Brain Tumor Association. You can read more about Bryant and his effort at this ABTA site.

What I’m Doing

I could never do a marathon at this point in my life but I do love to bike and I’m using the occasion of Bryant’s graduation in Portland, Maine, to spend the week afterward biking throughout northeastern Maine, from Brunswick to Bangor and back. As per the map at the top of this post, I’ve drafted a route of about 300 miles.

I am asking that you cheer me on in this effort by giving to Bryant’s campaign to support the American Brain Tumor Association. Just 1 cent per mile will result in $3 more toward the great work of this association. Of course, if you can give 10 cents, $1 or even $10 per mile, that would be awesome! I have already started picking up some special gifts for people who donate but honestly, any amount you can give will be greatly appreciated.

To Give Your Support

Simply go to this ABTA site and go through the donation process! If you want to add a comment that you were inspired to donate by the “Ride for Bryant,” I’ll be sure and find a way to thank you personally.

If you feel comfortable, please ask your friends and family to lend their support as well. You can send them to RideForBryant.com and that will redirect them here. THANKS!

As a very special side note, Bryant and Julia also got engaged in February. Here’s a picture of those two cuties from the night of the engagement:

More About the Ride

As you can tell from the map image, I’ll spend most of my time on the mainland but will be planning to hop over to Vinalhaven island on the 4th day of my ride. How many miles I cover on the island will depend on research, road conditions and what locals tell me is fun. I’ll be planning to cycle somewhere between 10-20 miles on the island but I don’t know what my exact mileage will be. Should you be interested:

Here is my planned mainland route.

And here is a rough idea of options on Vinalhaven.

You can come back to this site for news about Bryant, more details on the ride or follow the trip as it unfolds. It’ll all be under the category “A Ride for Bryant” or by clicking here.