Dear Friends,

I'm excited to share that I will be participating in a cycling event for charity from London to Paris from 7 - 10 June 2013. This event will start in central London across the rolling South coast through some of England's most idyllic areas, then across the northern French countryside with a finish at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris; site of the finish to the Tour deFrance. I'll be biking 234 miles in 3 days.

Although this ride is traditionally focused on European-based charities, I have worked with the organisers to allow me to choose a foundation that is very near and dear to my heart. I am humbled and honoured to take this opportunity to raise money for the Patrick Blessing Memorial Fund. Patrick, a close fraternity brother and friend, died on July 22, 2010. Patrick's heart suffered tremendous damage after winning a battle against Leukemia almost 20 years ago and after suffering a heart attack, it could not sustain a surgery that was needed to prepare him for a heart transplant. He was 34 years old, newly married to his wife Christy who was expecting their first child (Olivia, now 2 years old). The money raised for his foundation is 100% contributed toward Patrick's extensive medical bills, for the care and well-being of Christy and the future of their beautiful daughter Olivia. As a friend and Merriman brother, I ask you to join me in supporting Patrick's foundation.

There is still space available if there are any cyclists looking for a reason to come to England and France (do you really need more reason than that?) so please let me know and I will provide you with details. Patrick's favourite artists, Pearl Jam and Prince will be on my playlists and instead of Le Tour's yellow jersey, in honour of Patrick, I will be sporting purple. I'm looking forward to this opportunity and ask you to join me in contributing what you can. Your support is appreciated!!!

If you are one of the first 200 donors, you will receive a purple (Patrick’s favorite color) “Livestrong” bracelet that has PatrickBlessingMemorial.com debossed on it. The memorial site includes links to the CarePages information from when Patrick was in the hospital, information about becoming an organ donor, and plenty of other relevant information about Patrick. If you are interested in obtaining one of the PatrickBlessingMemorial.com “Livestrong” bracelets simply include your address in PayPal when you submit your donation and we will send one to you.

Mike