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The Randy Shaver Cancer Research and Community Fund was established to support the cancer community in Minnesota

Hello my name is James Rienstra; 5 years ago my father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, six short months later I lost a hero, a mentor, my Dad. This loss is what inspired me to complete this cross country journey. My goal is to raise $10,000 for the Randy Shaver Cancer Research and Community Fund.

On May 20th 2011 I will be departing Zimmerman, MN to pedal my road bike to Anchorage, AK; to raise money for cancer research, to honor my father and all those who have been affected by cancer. From now until I start this journey I will periodically give updates about; my training, my previously mentioned fund raising endeavor, and other random tidbits that pertain to this challenge. I will be enduring this journey by myself, trying to raise as much money as I can until the end of July.

Once my ride begins, I intend to post on a daily basis. I will talk about how I am faring both physically and mentally while discussing each day's ride, track how many miles I have traveled; per day and in total. I will detail some of my sightseeing experiences, complain about how much I miss my friends and family, and pass on other stories that will hopefully keep you visiting my blog.

I hope that you will consider helping me reach my goal $10,000 by making a tax-deductible donation. You can either make a fixed donation or sponsor me by pledging pennies per mile.
100% of the proceeds raised will be given to the Randy Shaver Cancer Research and Community Fund.

James S Rienstra
651-247-0521
Minnesota2Alaska@gmail.com
Facebook
http://pedalingforpennies.info

Updates and Donor Comments

  1. Amber GregoryAmber Gregory 08/12/2011 at 12:24 AM ET
    Have a good and safe trip back home. =]
  2. Patricia DenendPatricia Denend 08/10/2011 at 04:43 PM ET
    We hope this will help...keep up the good work...
  3. Mandi BerryMandi Berry 08/10/2011 at 02:54 PM ET
    Have a safe trip back home!
  4. James RienstraJames Rienstra 08/09/2011 at 10:31 PM ET
    Thank you all for the donations and kind words!... Thank you all for the donations and kind words! Almost to $10,000
  5. Deanna OthoudtDeanna Othoudt 08/09/2011 at 09:51 PM ET
    You are truly amazing! Keep up the great work Jim!!
  6. Claire @ Razoo MooreClaire @ Razoo Moore 08/08/2011 at 01:58 PM ET
    Keep Pedaling! You are a rock star
  7. Susan GeierSusan Geier 08/08/2011 at 09:48 AM ET
    Thank you for sharing your amazing adventure and thoughts of your Dad.
  8. kathleen Petersonkathleen Peterson 08/05/2011 at 03:33 PM ET
    What a wonderful, amazing and loving thing to do. Thank you Jim for sharing your ride.
  9. Devine HasaraDevine Hasara 08/05/2011 at 02:01 AM ET
    congrats!! Give Leanne a big hug from us and tell her we miss her!!!!
  10. Dinh L ChauDinh L Chau 08/04/2011 at 11:24 PM ET
    Very inspiring!
  11. Fred HoffFred Hoff 08/04/2011 at 11:26 AM ET
    Anything can be done when you put your mind to it, and James has really emphasized that fact!!! Definitely one of my heroes!!!!
  12. Peter TrippePeter Trippe 08/03/2011 at 07:43 PM ET
    You did it. You're an inspiration to us all. I'm proud to call you my friend!
  13. Karla BrueskeKarla Brueske 08/03/2011 at 12:57 PM ET
    Jim, your an inspiration, I hope you will write the book.
  14. chanda greenchanda green 08/03/2011 at 12:46 PM ET
    Very cool Jim! very cool!
  15. Lisa M BluemkeLisa M Bluemke 08/02/2011 at 09:32 AM ET
    It's so great what you are doing! Love to read about your adventure while doing something so great!
  16. todd klematodd klema 07/29/2011 at 08:41 PM ET
    Hay Jimpanzi never give up never give in ! very addictive blog. do it again.
  17. Jonah D LidbergJonah D Lidberg 07/29/2011 at 09:35 AM ET
    I got a cold one waiting for you when you get back
  18. heidi brownheidi brown 07/27/2011 at 06:39 PM ET
    I absolutely LOVE your blog Jim, and hope you publish it in book form! Its another way to raise $ for cancer! Thank you for all you're doing for cancer research! You are truly a saint!!!
  19. Barbara L BradleyBarbara L Bradley 07/26/2011 at 12:51 PM ET
    Barb Bradley Thinking of you and your wonderfull journey. Hope all that rain and road construction did not dampen your amazing smile !
  20. Norma PetersNorma Peters 07/25/2011 at 12:49 AM ET
    We were blessed to cross your path! Praying for you.
  21. PAUL EPAUL E 07/21/2011 at 10:06 AM ET
    Awesome story yesterday. I am sharing it with everybody and trying to raise some more donations. You rock Jimmer!
  22. Melissa M LehrMelissa M Lehr 07/19/2011 at 10:36 AM ET
    Your journey is a true inspiration to us all. Thank you for sharing your story. Todd & Melissa
  23. Susan L McDonaldSusan L McDonald 07/19/2011 at 05:16 AM ET
    Met you at the Parks Monument outside Fairbanks yesterday. Good luck on the rest of your ride, and thanks for supporting a good cause.
  24. Katie DixonKatie Dixon 07/18/2011 at 05:25 PM ET
    Hi, James. We had the pleasure of meeting you on the Alaska Ferry, me and my little girl! You are an inspiration. I hope that Alaska is treating you well, because you deserve it. ~katiejo
  25. Karen M VolkmanKaren M Volkman 07/16/2011 at 08:59 AM ET
    You're doing an awesome job! pedal, pedal, pedal :)

Organization Information

  • Summary

    Support the cancer community in MN by funding research, prevention, treatment and other programs relating to the cancer community's needs.
  • Reports

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$7,255 raised

of $10,000

($7,225 online, $30 offline)

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