A Bicycle Ride to Raise Awareness
Organ, Eye, & Tissue Donation
Our team of riders come from vastly different backgrounds, however we all have one thing in common: to celebrate life and raise awareness of the need for organ, eye, & tissue donation. Please donate to those who've already signed up and be sure to come back to meet those yet to sign up!
Meet the Pedalers.
Tom Lebsack
Location: Park City, UT
Age: 31
Organ Donor Since: 1996
At only 11 years old, I lost my sister, Sunny. Her death was the most painful experience I have ever gone through. In an instant, my life was changed forever.
I never imagined how Sunny being an organ donor would impact my life so much. I find a comfort, an inner peace, knowing that she helped so many people... so many families. I wish each and every day that my sister was still here, but I'm happy knowing that so many others got to experience birthdays, weddings and so much more because of Sunny.
I will never forget my sister but that is just not enough. She was an amazing person who positively impacted so many people in her life. Because of this, I want to celebrate who she was and what she did by sharing her story and raising awareness for Organ, Eye, and Tissue donation. I encourage all of you to register as an organ donor and share that decision with your family and friends.
Haley Lebsack
Location: Park City, UT
Age: 29
Organ Donor Since: 1999
I am riding 580 miles for my sister-in-law who believed in the small miracles of life and in the power of kindness. To honor her memory I'll share a few of the things I believe in.
I believe 5'3" is plenty tall enough. I believe life is too short for bad coffee and bad beer. I believe in recycling (recycle yourself, register to be an organ donor today), composting, using alternate modes of transportation (like biking) and in general giving our beautiful earth the respect it deserves. I believe the book is always better than the movie. I believe running is cheaper than therapy and better for your lungs. I believe in the magic of Pullman, WA (Go Cougs!) I believe that even a $1.00 donation can make a big difference. I believe in the power of a small group with the desire to make a change and save lives. And, I believe this will be the best week of my summer!
I guess if you want to know more, you will have to sign up to join us. :)
Cris Lucas
Location: Sylte Ranch, North Idaho
Age: 42
Organ Donor Since: 1987
The Lebsack residence became a part time home for me back in the mid 80’s.
It was Shane’s family, bicycles, and laughter that I remember most about those days and nights in that small house packed with love and excitement. Coach Spindry(Jerry) became our Campagnolo mentor, teaching valuable lessons about hydration and riding technique... Mama is still the Mawma to everyone. The then infant toddler Tom now towers over all of us... Jodi and Sister Sun had their little basement domain all colorful and bright... Keeping in contact with this family has always been natural and easy. ...like those friends you don’t see for a while but you just know you will pick up right where you left off. I can still feel that way about Sunny, yeah? It’s crazy to know that through organ and tissue donation Sunny still lives on here in the physical world. It’s natural and easy to know that she lives on here in each of us every day, forever. While my schedule won’t allow me to ride all the way to Boise, I look forward to riding a few legs of this journey with Sister Sun and everyone.
Thanks for the opportunity and thank you for donating if you so choose.
Todd Carrier
Location: Bacon Drive, Boise, ID
Age: ((4.1 x 10^1)+.01643856) Julian years
Organ Donor Since: 1988
James Lipton ("Inside The Actor's Studio): What's your favorite word?
Todd Carrier: Victory
JL: What is your least favorite word?
TC: Bonk
JL: What turns you on?
TC: Downhill tail-winds
JL: What turns you off?
TC: Uphill head-winds
JL: What sound do you love?
TC: The crowd on it's feet in celebration
JL: What sound do you hate?
TC: Puncture flat
JL: What is your favorite curse word?
TC: Wheelsucker
JL: What profession would you like to attempt?
TC: Directeur Sportif
JL: What profession would you not like to do?
TC: Course Marshall
JL: If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?
TC: See, you are sometimes wrong!
It is hard to believe that 20 years has gone by since we lost Sunny. The unbearable heartache has been replaced by a calm gratitude that only the passage of time provides. I am so fortunate to have had the Lebsacks in my life, and so appreciative of Sunny's friendship... I feel like torturing myself to prove it!
Cathy Stephens
Location: Spokane Valley, WA
Age: Extremely Young 44
Organ Donor Since: 1987
What would it be like to save a life? Better yet, potentially several?
The tragedy of losing a loved one so suddenly is devastating, but knowing that they live on in this world physically and that that physical presence resulted in lives saved is beyond words. I didn’t know Sunny, but her story went straight to my heart when I learned about it through this event. I was so moved, I felt compelled to jump on board.
I am beyond privileged to have the opportunity to use my passion for endurance cycling to raise awareness for this great cause. My schedule will not allow me to complete the entire ride, but I will go as far as my donations and schedule will take me. Please consider donating and if you are not currently an organ donor, consider that too.
Ride on!!!
Ray Colvin
Location: Portland, OR
Age: Older than salt
Organ Donor Since: 1986
Ray Colvin joined Oregon Culinary Institute after serving eight years at Western Culinary Institute in various positions, most recently as Vice President of Academics and Student Services, Dean of Students, and Educational Director of the Le Cordon Bleu Hospitality & Restaurant Management program. Before joining Western Culinary Institute, Colvin worked in senior management, including as a regional vice president and owner, for three nationally recognized hospitality organizations including Piatti Restaurant Group, McCormick & Schmick’s Management Group, and The Holland Corporation. At Oregon Culinary Institute, Ray is responsible for management of the school’s marketing and advertising, the Admissions Department, and overall operations. He is also significantly involved in new program development.
Ray is an avid cyclist, back packer, singer, cook and gardener and has been an organ donor since 1986. Although, to this point, no one has taken advantage of this.
Sandy Santos
Location: Forest Ranch, CA
Age: 69
Organ Donor Since: 1997
I am Sandy Santos, a grandmother from Forest Ranch, California. I became aware of this event from my special quilting friend, Sandy Vick. I have signed up for the whole ride for two reasons - (1) Why Not! and (2) there is no better time than now to participate, raise money for such a worthy cause and celebrate Sunny's gifts.
My awareness of organ/tissue donation came from my involvement with the dialysis clinic where my husband was a patient. Although Tony didn't qualify for a transplant, some in our clinic "family" did. What a gift to have new life through organ transplant donation.
My excitement about this event comes from my believing I can do it. I really do! I have a wonderful support team helping me train for this once-in-a-lifetime bike ride and see country I have not seen before. I am also looking forward to some awesome PBJ sandwiches and sharing with the other participants.
Moises Romero
Location: Park City, UT
Age: 40
Organ Donor Since: 1992
My name is Moises Romero, and I am joining Sunny's Pedal to show my support for a very worthy cause, Organ Donor Awareness.
It is very comforting to know that with today's medical technology and advances, we can live longer and better than any of our previous generations.
There are however, limits to what medicine can do, and with a large number of cases, organ donation is the only cure for many people today.
There are still very long waiting lists for various organs. Would it not be great if there were shorter waiting times?
So if by riding my bike, I can increase the awareness for this cause, even if only by one person who signs up to become and organ donor, it will be well worth it!
Dixie Madsen
Location: Layton, UT
Age: 48
Organ Donor Since: 1988
I am lucky enough to have a job that allows me to meet truly incredible people. Through them, I have learned that organ donation changes lives. I’ve met recipients who were given a second chance at life and are living that life to its fullest. But, what I have found most impressive are the families of organ and tissue donors. They have found a way to make something positive happen out of a tragedy. I have a dear friend who lost her 16 year old son. She expressed her feelings when making the decision to donate organs as, “If I couldn’t bring my son home, I couldn’t think of anything I would want more than to have him help someone else.”
I never had the opportunity to meet Sunny, but I have met Tom, Haley and Sandy. They are working for a great cause and I am excited for the opportunity to be a part of it. I love the saying, “I always wondered why somebody doesn't do something about that. Then I realized I was somebody.”
Patrick Bulger
Location: Spokane, WA
Age: 44
Organ Donor Since: 1999
Well, what can I say other than were it not for my friend and teammate, Cris Lucas, I would very likely be doing yard work and soccer dad duties on the days of this event.
In other words, I am truly excited and honored to be participating in Sunny's Pedal.
Cycling has been a passionate part of my life for over thirty years. Many of my greatest experiences, friends, and memories have come from the simple act of riding my bike. Knowing that I can do something just partially as powerful as the gift Sunny gave is truly a great opportunity. If I can help raise awareness for donation registration while doing something I love, a great time is in store (although climbing is truly my personal Kryptonite, and after seeing the profile, I am a bit worried).
When not riding, I spend the remainder of my waking moments with family, running an event announcing company, and teaching high school theater, English, and Psychology.