The Inspiration . . .

The idea of this journey began a couple of years ago when I was visiting my nephew Jared in the hospital. He was battling complications borne from a long battle with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Conditions were dire; Jared was sequestered in the intensive care unit and his weight had plummeted to nearly 60 pounds. His life was on the line and his will to live was the only thread remaining. I recall standing there looking at Jared and thinking how brutally unfair life can be. Why was this perfectly innocent boy being dealt such a harsh hand? It makes little sense, and frankly, I don't understand such injustices. I probably never will.

This ride was originally conceived as a tribute to Jared's life - a memorial ride celebrating his spirit and the joy he brought into this world. I didn't believe it was physically possible to battle back from where he was, but I'm overjoyed that he is proving me wrong! Nearly two years have passed, and we continue to be inspired by Jared's indomitable spirit. He recently returned home after a nearly two-year hospital stay - and still bucking the odds all along the way.

I'm delighted to make this journey now, not as a memorial ride but instead as a means of sharing this beautiful country of ours through my eyes, with my stories and the photographs I take along the way. I consider it an honor to know Jared and I hope you get to know him too - he can teach us all a great deal about this thing called life.

Keep fighting Jared, we are all rooting for you.

Visit the Jaredsmiles.org website.