There are moments in life once you look again and understand how all of your life experiences join — whether or not it’s future, divinity or mere coincidence. First-time Empire State Rider Fred McKenna displays on this concept as he sits down at his laptop in his residence workplace in Oakdale, NY. Donning black-rimmed glasses and a blue-and-white polo, he shares his why for taking part in Empire State Journey and fundraising for most cancers analysis — one thing Fred says is akin to widespread sense.
“It’s simply the best factor to do when you have the means and the chance, and you are able to do it,” Fred says. “In the event you can’t do what I do and journey and lift that a lot as a result of bodily or financially you possibly can’t, then contribute indirectly.”
For Fred, 74, a prostate most cancers survivor, former science instructor and retired entrepreneur, driving in Empire State Journey means extra than simply the journey. He remembers the times when he’d coach his daughter Aileen’s soccer workforce, doing his greatest to instill in her vital life abilities.
“My dad was my coach from a really younger age all through till I used to be able to go off to varsity,” says Aileen. “He was an awesome coach. He beloved the sport and beloved seeing us succeed — however he additionally felt very strongly that taking part in soccer wasn’t nearly taking part in soccer. It was about studying, about dedication and teamwork and the worth of arduous work.
Lately, Fred and Aileen found that the son of a fellow soccer coach went on to turn into a number one researcher within the area of CAR T-Cell Remedy. Up till a number of years in the past, this reality could not have given them pause. In the present day, nonetheless, it connects to their lives in a big means.
