#WhyIPMC guest blog by William Stec, first-year, Team Christine rider
I jumped back on the bike after years of not riding shortly after my wife Christine passed away on Mach 25, 2023
after a courageous 10 month battle with pancreatic cancer. For me, the bike became and is a place for me to be alone, attack the sadness, push through tears, feel pain, release anger, and clear the brain some. It became a “flight from sadness”. I ride because when I get tired I remember those that can’t and are not here or able too and that pushes me to ride even harder. As I take on an incline or the legs begin to burn from the miles, in it helps me remember the amazing strength and courage Christine had every single day. I ride because for 10 months every day we fought together as a team. My promise to her and the kids was that as long as I live I will continue to fight for her and those who are forced to face this terrible illness. Christine was the most beautiful person in this world and only saw good in everything, every person, and every situation.
I ride to see the world and the people around me through what she saw each and every day. She took on this world with poise, bravery, love, courage, and remarkable strength, smiling and dancing the whole way. All of us are lucky to have a bit of Christine in our lives. Christine was taken too soon from us but has changed me for the better and made me the man, father, and friend I am today. I will miss her for the rest of my life and look forward to that day we meet again. Until then, I will ride and celebrate Christine’s life no matter what path life takes me on. She inspires me every day to face this world head on and the challenges it tosses in front of me with grace and dignity.
“The fight to beat cancer is different for everyone with the diagnosis. For loved ones, families, and friends it is important to remember to keep pushing forward, everyday is a battle, but support and continued strength can make all the difference in the war to beat cancer. My heart goes out to all of those who have lost someone to this terrible illness and to those who are currently fighters, I bike for all of you as well, keep fighting” 
“It’s a good day to have a good day”
