Over the past several years I have traveled through the web gathering stories and information. I thought it was time to set up a filling station of my own on this grand information superhighway.
In September 2000 I was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy. On March 26, 2004 I received a donor heart and had a cardiac transfer at the age of 52; the same age cardiomyopathy claimed the life of my mother. Its been quite a journey since...
This site is devoted to describing my current project, Tour de Second Chance, a bike ride from Cleveland Ohio to Boston Massachusetts and, tracing the journey that helped me find my way back to being athletic with my new donor heart.
March 20, 2004 - 6 days before my cardiac transplant, Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
June 2008 on a training ride with my beautiful Italian Pinarello.
In the spirit of challenging myself, I am riding to raise awareness of the importance of organ donation and invite you to click on the link below and consider becoming an organ donor yourself.
“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.”
Albert Schweitzer
To hear “Richard’s Heart”, written and performed by Rose Cousins click on the play button below the picture to the left.
picture taken at Passim May 2, 2008 of Richard and Rose before a gig
Photographs
on this site by
Barbara Gates
© 2008
all rights
reserved
