She rides for many reasons. Climbing onto her bike to begin her journey, gazing at the Austin skyline one last time, Courtney is flooded with emotions. Her mission is clear. The Texas 4000 Rockies Route team will bring Hope to those fully engaged in the battle with cancer. Along the way they will also bring life saving Knowledge to groups gathered in towns of all sizes to hear their story. Most importantly they bring much needed Charity to the ongoing fight to eliminate this multi-headed disease.
For Courtney, it is much more personal. Having lost her father to Multiple Myeloma in 2013 she rides with a passion that burns from a deep place that many of us will never experience. With each peddle stroke she draws strength from the ever-present memory of her father's last words of encouragement to her.
"I ride for every person who has lost a loved one to cancer, who has lost the fight themselves, or who is currently fighting. Mostly though, I ride in memory and honor of Dad. Though he lost his battle, I will continue to fight this war for him and with him. I will be meeting him on the road to Alaska and we will finish what we started together." Courtney Schutze
You can not help but look at the life of this young lady, her determination, her spirit and her smile and see the influence of her family, beginning with her father. In Courtney's own words Tom Schutze is a true difference maker! His mark left firmly upon our city, state, and now across 4500 miles and beyond in his daughter. The next generation of Difference Maker's is upon us, and I for one am not only encouraged but very hopeful for the lives she will yet influence.
Ride strong Courtney, for with every mile you and the team go we draw that much closer to winning the fight!
As with all Difference Maker's there is only one direction from here....
ONWARD!!
Learn more about Courtney and the Texas 4000 Riders.
In the month of June all profits from sales of The Difference Maker will go to support Courtney and the Texas 4000 Riders.