PORTLAND, Ore. -- (LETTER)

"Dear RIDO,

I am a colon cancer survivor who has been through 10 major and 5 minor surgeries over the past 6 years. Twice I almost did not make it through.

I have had a colostomy for over a year. Last January I spent 28 days in Providence Portland Medical Center (Portland, OR.) and had 2 major surgeries and 9 additional operating room procedures, including the removal of my rectum. They also took my gracillus muscle from my right leg and re-directed it up into my abdomen to try to stop a recurring abscess that would not heal due to my radiation treatment 6 years ago.

My friends tell me that my bike riding and my skiing are what have gotten me through these difficult times. Bicycling in particular has been my route back to good health after each surgery. I have skied for 45 years and spent 12 years on the National Ski Patrol. I love long distance riding and used to participate in the annual MS150 ride out here. As an employee of Providence Health & Services, I know how important it is to support those in need and facing critical health issues. I now realize that more than ever.

In February I told my lead surgeon that I had signed up to race in the Pacific Crest Olympic Distance Triathlon in Sun River, OR. on June 30th. He told me it was not a realistic goal and that I should rethink it. In May he changed his mind and gave me his approval. I finished the race! 29 miles on the road bike and 6.2 miles running! Attached is a picture of me crossing the finish line. I am going to do more of those, that's for sure! It was a blast!

I did a ton of research to figure out how I could get back on my bike given the January surgeries. The last thing I needed was more complications or another surgery. You can imagine why my surgery in particular was screaming for your saddle. I found it by searching for bicycle seats designed for prostate cancer patients. I ended up purchasing your saddle and a Selle. I returned the Selle and bought a second Rido! I can honestly say that I would NOT have even been riding the bike on June 30th, much less completing the 29 mile bike portion of the race in 1 hr 50 min without a Rido saddle. It was nothing short of amazing. I say thank you to Rido every single day. And I mean that sincerely. I also share your website, because it has a wealth of useful information, with friends, coworkers, acquaintances, anyone I know or meet who rides a bike. Everyone can benefit from a Rido.

By the way - I am thinking about getting the Providence Cancer Center to be a sponsor of some of my exploits going forward. Definitely some more duathlons, and I am thinking of organizing a fundraising bike ride for the Cancer Center that would be a Portland (we are a big bike town!) to Mt. Hood (Government Camp or Timberline Lodge) ride, perhaps in September. August is out because I need more ride time and I have a best friend racing in Iron Man Canada at the end of August. I am on her support team.

So don't be surprised if I come asking if you would be one of my sponsors. I am not talking professional athlete sponsorship, maybe a cycling jersey with RIDO on it, some way to talk about my journey, cancer and what it means to all of us, and about the role RIDO played in getting me back into the race. Of course I believe so strongly in your product I will be talking about it anyway.

I was featured in my company newsletter twice during my fight with cancer complications, with a distribution to 17,000 employees in Oregon. Of course if there were any interest I am happy to share those articles, my resume, references, etc. as I know the importance of character. If you would just like to use me as a customer testimonial, that is perfectly fine too.

You folks should be really proud of your product, and your efforts are definitely worthwhile! It is so much more than a “product.” It provides people like me with hope, and with the ability to continue doing the things we really love. Last weekend I did two rides totaling 80 miles, and usually ride 3 or 4 evenings after work. I am getting out there a lot now, thanks to Rido!

Your loyal customer, Dan"
D.K, Portland, Oregon, USA