LACROSSE REACHES OUT

Day 4 of the ride is here. Now is the time to join the Lacrosse Community and give back to those in need  I am a retired college lacrosse coach after 43 years.(RESUME ). I will be leaving on May 9th* to bicycle, alone, from Wooster Ohio to Long Island NY, in order to uplift those who are suffering in the Covid-19 battle. For so many, like myself, lacrosse has been an integral part of our lives and has brought us riches beyond anything money could buy. I am asking you to reflect on those experiences and give back to those in need, whose lives have been invaded by this disease. Let's do this on behalf of the lacrosse community.   The trip will take over two weeks and each town I stay in will receive the proceeds from this fund for first responders (fire, police, nurses, etc), nursing homes, small businesses as well as volunteers and food banks in their area.    Day 1 of  trip was ok except the last few miles my legs were on fire. I met with Seth at the Windsor Medical Center and gave him his donation certificate. They gave me dinner and I settled in the tent. Only problem it was 35 degrees with a windchill factor of 24 and I only brought summer gear. It is the middle of May!! I never slept.    Day 2 was horrendous and you can read the details on my facebook page I had to walk the last 4 miles because my handlebars were so loose they just spun. I was seriously thinking of canceling the ride. Then a miracle happened. A family out in their driveway asked if I need help. They fixed my bike, gave me water and inspiration and I continued on to Day 3. Thanks to the Emch family.    Donations will continue to be collected during the trip. At the end of my trip the monies will be disbursed to those town organizations.     That's a great gesture on behalf of the lacrosse community but it can't stop there.    From this effort we will kick start an effort for everyone to step up and help in this fight.    A website LETS BEAT THE VIRUS .com will allow anyone, anywhere to follow our lead. This will give them an opportunity to directly donate to the local or national charity, organization, or volunteer group of their choice. It also has some uplifting stories and humor as well.    When they donate they earmark exactly who their money is to go to by filling in the box, "I donated because". 100% of their donation goes to that organization. I will cover all fees and expenses for the trip. That is my donation.  People in Texas could give to their Police. People in Utah could give to their nursing home nearby for example.      Let's ignore the name calling, back-biting and laying blame that is rampant and instead come together and raise the spirits of those affected.                YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND GIVE BACK TO THE GAME WE SO LOVE!    Obviously many of our leaders have never played sports or they would know this saying by  Joseph. P Kennedy--    "  WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH  " (Song by Billy Ocean)        Follow the ride live everyday, including photographs by going to  the link on our facebook page Lacrosse Reaches Out.   On behalf of the lacrosse community and in honor of Cortland Alum Jimmy Burke , All-American, USA player, Hall of Fame Inductee, who recently passed, we thank you.  I can't think of a better player or person who could epitomize what the game of lacrosse really means to those who were ever involved in the sport. (Players, family, friends, referees). It is people like Jimmy, who I'm sure gave inspiration to a 25 year old 2 time all-american lacrosse player, Jack Allard, from Bates college. He contracted Covid-19 and was in critical condition with an induced coma, fighting for his life, but was able to recover. I would venture to say that many in the lacrosse community believe part of  his recovery was a direct result of the determination and spirit that he gained from playing lacrosse.                                                             100% OF ALL DONATIONS WILL GO TO THOSE TOWNS ON THE RIDE!!                                       Everyone received a $1200 relief check. If everyone give 1$ we have over $300,000,000. The lacrosse community may be small in numbers compared to some other sports but we are big in heart  and not afraid to stand up in a time of need!!   You may give anonymously give by checking the box on when you donate.   For more details and see how you can get involved go to the LACROSSE REACHES OUT .com website. The site provides information about the virus, volunteering,(even from your home), but most importantly lets our neighbors know that we are there for them.    If you would like to add your school or organization logo to our site just send $10. Just email your logo or link  your organization to [email redacted]                                                              STAY SAFE!!