THE CAUSE:
Tom O’Connor is a Sergeant in the Pennsylvania State Police. He resides in Monroeville, Pennsylvania with his wife and two young children. In early 2007, Tom was diagnosed with an aggressive form of bone cancer called chondrosarcoma. Tom underwent extensive surgery to remove a tumor from his sacrum (upper portion of the tail bone). Tragically, a complication resulting from the surgery left Tom permanently blind.
In July of 2008, Tom learned that the cancer had returned, causing a recurrance of the tumor on his sacrum. Even more disheartening, Tom's doctors found that the cancer had metastized and spread throughout his body. Tumors were located on his left femoral head (upper thigh bone), right acetabulum (hip bone), left humerus (upper arm bone), T9 vertebrae (mid-back in the spinal column) and on a right anterior rib (front of chest).
Tom’s doctors do not anticipate being able to treat all of these tumors at this time. There is a possibility that they may at least treat the tumor on his spine with intensified, localized radiation in an attempt to prevent it from growing large enough to impinge on his spinal cord (which could potentially cause loss of function and/or mobility). Tom has also requested to be enrolled in a clinical trial in which he would receive an experimental cancer treatment drug that has not yet been approved by the FDA.
Since being diagnosed last year and subsequently losing his sight, Tom has been unable to work. He has exhausted all of his paid sick leave with the State Police, and he is currently on leave without pay. Tom’s wife Jen is unable to work full time due to the level of care that Tom and their two children require. Understandably, their family is now under a heavy financial burden.
THE MISSION:
Joe Ruggery is a close personal friend and co-worker of Tom O’Connor’s. He is also an accomplished amateur bike racer. In order to raise money for the O’Connor family, Joe has committed to racing the upcoming Subaru 24-Hour Champion Challenge mountain bike race … solo.
This event will be held at the Seven Springs Mountain Resort beginning at noon on Saturday, August 30TH and continuing throughout the night until the finish at noon on Sunday, August 31ST. The course is a grueling combination of steep climbs and treacherous descents over rocky, difficult trails. Most racers compete in the team relay categories, where riders take turns completing laps on the course. Only a few racers compete solo – racing alone for 24 hours straight.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
Please consider making a donation to support the cause! All of the money raised will go directly to Tom O’Connor and his family. You may donate at any PNC bank location by advising the teller you wish to make a donation to the "Sgt. Tom O'Connor Family Fund". Your generousity is greatly appreciated by the O'Connor family!
Also, please feel free to send a personal message to Tom and Jen O'Connor to express your support. You may reach the O'Connors via e-mail at: tjojlo@aol.com
“Today I rode with the strength of two men.”
- Lance Armstrong, after winning a stage of the 1995 Tour de France in honor of a teammate killed in the race
