This Mardi Gras fell on the February 13th, the 13th anniversary of the night we lost him to Mesothelioma, a cancer in the lungs caused by asbestos. It was a strange experience to dress up in glitter and revel in the streets on a day that always heralds mourning.

When he was very sick, my sister, Danielle, organized a team to participate in the Fight for Air Climb in his honor. She called it Team Whiskey Pete after a nickname she'd given him in high school. (He never did have much interest in whiskey, and his name was definitely not Pete, but when Danielle wants something to stick, it will.) Accompanied by some of our dearest, most stalwart friends, we climbed in his memory for several years running. It’s an evocative experience, climbing a skyscraper via stairwell- it gives you a glimpse of how scary it must be not to be able to catch your breath.

Eventually we decided to step it up. WE signed up for The Autumn Escape Bike Trek, where we cycled for 2 days (and 105 miles) through Cape Cod.  Twice.  We’ve been on hiatus for a bit, but Team Whiskey Pete just decided to get back in the saddle.

Now, I know l've been a cyclist for nearly 2 decades and that 105 miles might sound like small potatoes. But New Orleans is a flat city below sea level where even getting on a bike is Danger Will Robinson. There’s not a lot of conditioning going on here. In other words, l'm outta shape. But  Serafina and I will be flying up for the occasion and we’re gonna do this thing.

I would be so grateful to anyone that would like to ride with our team or who is able to make a donation. These donations will help with research and funding so hopefully one day we can all have healthy, strong lungs.

Thank you in advance for whatever support you can offer!

Love, 

Me