From Steve:

     In May of 2008 my mom, Chris Wright, was diagnosed with a rare disease called Amyloidosis. After having symptoms for months, doctors were finally able to make a diagnosis.  She was very lucky to be diagnosed so quickly, in part thanks to an article she had read about the disease in a local news paper. Being a rare disease, Amyloidosis is known by few in the medical world. Many patients suffering from the disease die because it is years before they are diagnosed and many die without ever having been diagnosed.

Throughout this past summer, she went through a Stem Cell Transplant and High Dose Chemo at the Boston Medical Center (one of two places in the country that treats this disease). The treatment itself is very risky and can cause additional harm on the body and possibly death. Between the disease and the treatment my mom lost all her hair, all her muscle capacity, all her fat, and all immunities in her body. She and my father spent the summer living in an apartment in Boston trying to protect and shield her from the outside world during this treatment. She was very fortunate to have the support of all of her friends and family while she battled this disease. With her sisters leaving their families to live with us (my siblings and me) for the summer, dozens of friends cooking us meals, and hundreds of friends and family sending her daily letters, cards, and prayers she was able to focus on beating the disease completely.

When she came home at the end of the summer, she was unable to do any task on her own, such as walking up stairs or dressing herself. She was completely dependent upon the help of others. Over the past 5 months she put every ounce of energy she had into beating the disease. She slowly began to regain strength and got back into a daily routine. After 5 months of spending every moment of her life trying to overcome the disease she is walking over 5 miles every day and is beginning to return to doing normal activities.

While she has come this far, she is not yet cured and continues to battle the disease. She has received a 94% response from the Stem Cell Transplant but continues to have very bad heart trouble (possibly as a result of the treatment). While she continues to fight the disease, it is my hope and determination that everyone continues to show the support all sufferers need for fighting the disease.

Over my Spring Break in March I am riding my bike from Jacksonville, Florida to our home in Holliston, Massachusetts. My purpose for the ride is to raise both money and awareness for the disease. Any contributions or support shown in my efforts would be greatly appreciated not only by me, but by my mom, my family, and all those around the world who continue to battle the disease. I have attached further information on how to donate, details about the route, etc.

Many thanks,
Stephen Wright