I could not be prouder to ride alongside the amazing Riccardi family to honor and celebrate Rena. Although this year is virtual I'll still be joining the Riccardi's for a 100 mile ride on Saturday, June 20th and can use some support. Donations of any amount are appreciated. Thanks!

It's hard to express through written word the uniquely incredible person my mother was and what she meant to us. The older I get, the more I learn, and the more experience and perspective I gain, the more I continue to fully understand and appreciate just how special she was. It feels personal yet appropriate to share some words I spoke after she passed that summarize, and express my gratitude for, her boundless strength, devotion, and love. Thank you for giving me a wonderful life. Thank you for always being there, no matter how hard it got, or how “interesting” I made things. Thank you for protecting us and for your genuine, unconditional love. She lived compassionately and cared for so many people in so many ways. As a big sister to her younger siblings. To her patients; every time I’d visit her at work I remember her laughing and smiling with them. To her grandkids that she loved so much and was so proud of. To all her friends who felt her love and compassion and became a part of our family. And of course, to our family, as a wife and a mother. To my mom nothing meant more than our family. It’s because of the love she showed us that we have so much to be thankful for, most of all each other. It wasn’t easy for her, but after I said all that, she managed to smile and just say, “family.” So thank you again Mom, for our family, and for all of the love you have brought to our lives. This is why we ride and continue to "dance in the rain." To remember, to thank, and to celebrate the woman who gave us everything we have to be grateful, taught us love, and made us a family. We love you.

My mother's last card to me had the inscription “Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass.  It’s about learning to dance in the rain.” A well known quote that mom followed til the end. She danced up until her final breath, managing one last sip of whiskey with loved ones by her side. My mother fought this horrific disease until the very end. As we witnessed her condition worsen all too quickly, she continued to battle through uncomfortable treatments, painful training sessions, strict dietary guidelines, and anything necessary to provide hope for our family. Even at her worst, it was always about family. Ultimately, and what I believe is no coincidence, my mother was taken from us on the first day of spring. Although her body was taken, her spirit will always endure as she passed along her strength, her courage and her love.   Riding has always been and will always be a part of our family.  However, this year the TREK is virtual,so you can join us no matter where you are!  You can ride, run, walk, scooter, jump rope, do burpees...if you can think of it, you can do it!  And, there is no minimum fundraising required and no registration fee if you select the DIY option. Our team is thrilled to be able to have you all join us this year. In just two years, Team MacaRena has raised over $60,000 for ALS reserarch.  Along with our fundraising efforts, we are hoping that our team continues to grow in size.   We now ride with strength, courage, and love for Rena.Share Rena's story and help raise awareness to end ALS. Not a day goes by where I do not think of my mother.  And at the same time, not a day goes by where I don’t feel blessed to have been able to call her mom.  Taken from this earth but never from our hearts, a broken halo that used to shine.  #teammacaRENA #renatough #ridingforthosewhocant #danceintherain #endALS #tristatetrek #wearetrekfamily #FUALS