Hey everyone. Long time, no blog. So long in fact, that I’m sure many of you have never heard of me.

Okay, here is a quick review. When I started working here at Me.dium seven months ago, several coworkers (especially Carol, David, Dean and Tobias) told me they like for my involvement with non-profits like the Lance Armstrong Foundation, and the John Wayne Cancer Foundation. They feel it is a good example of how Me.dium, and several other Boulder-area high tech companies are a different type of “Web 2.0″ companies.

This is all very personal to me. I just got through a skin cancer recurrence last fall (many at Me.dium World HQ wondered what was up with the bandages on my jaw and the horribly blistered, then chapped, lower lip). My wife, her mom, my uncle and my nephew are also all cancer survivors.

I feel so strongly about the support I receive from Me.dium, that I put my money where my mouth was when we launched the Internet Explorer version of our Sidebar last August. I can’t do that again this year, but I can be even more involved in other ways.

I’ll be mentioning at least one of those “schemes” (in which you all might be able to help) in an upcoming blog entry, but I figured I’d describe the most adventurous one (I’m sure my folks will say “crazy” one) in this posting.

This September, I am signed up to ride in cycling tour from San Diego, CA to east of Savannah, GA, 2912 miles in 26 days. The route map is right here.

I’m doing this partially because I want to raise money and awareness for cancer research and survivorship. Most importantly, my mother-in-law is currently over halfway through her first round of chemotherapy for metastatic colon cancer. I’m doing this ride in her honor.

Sure, some “purists” will call this cheating, because I’m not doing it solo. However, it is hard enough to get the time off to pedal yoru bicycle across the USA yourself, let alone getting someone else to take time off to drive the support vehicle. Believe me, I tried in 2007, and it did not work.

Like I said, I have other “schemes afoot” and will need your help. Don’t worry my ideas for involvement of the Me.dium Community won’t involve giving $$’s. Others ways to make a positive difference exist. If many people in a community give just a little of themselves, the impact can be enormous. I have seen it happen firsthand. I know our part of “Web 2.0″ can continue to have a HUGE impact for the better. I am not alone in my views about REAL high tech philanthropy.

So thanks for reading. Stay tuned for more info on my next scheme after I get back from running the Walt Disney World Marathon on 01-13-2008 (and spending next week at the Resort ).

Hi Songbird Just to wish you all the best in you life and the tasks you’ve set yourself, an hope the others in you family keep well Cherry 26.

Comment by cherry26 — January 11, 2008 @ 8:39 pm

First of all, I’m embarassed to show my attempt @ a 1st website, & just now trying 2 figure it again! My dad has ADVANCED colorectal cancer, so I’d sure love to be your friend—maybe some day talk. How’s your mom doing….I guess I shouldn’t ask as am still reading the part you wrote about her….then all of a sudden your page just scrolled down to this part all by itself. KARMA?? THANKS!!!!!
MEREDITH

Comment by meremoeckel — January 13, 2008 @ 6:28 pm

WOW, it’s real hard work to be a caretaker of someone w/ colorectal cancer, I KNOW FIRSTHAND—my dad actually has/had a HUGE tumor in his rectum, and on his 2nd round of chemo. It knocks him wayyyyyy down, so hard to all of a sudden also become his “whippin’ girl” since we’ve always been close! But when they’re going through the chemo, it’s ROUGH to say the least!

I am brand new to Medium, and want to invite you as a friend, but don’t know how…..

Comment by meremoeckel — January 13, 2008 @ 6:34 pm

Welcome to Me.dium, Meredith! You can add people to your friends list be clicking on the “add” link in the friends tab and entering in their user name.

I’ve sent you a request and look forward to surfing with you.

Thanks!

Comment by Dean — January 14, 2008 @ 12:51 pm

An Italian Oncologist by the name of, Dr. Simoncini has had great results with a %5 bicarbonate of soda solution. Very informative web site. Check it out.

Comment by thorax11 — January 14, 2008 @ 3:28 pm