On May 22, 2011 I will ride my bicycle the 1,216 miles between Amarillo, Tx to Chicago, IL over the course of 15 days. I’ll be riding my bicycle all those miles because my sons don’t have the opportunity to ride their bicycles down the street. The goal is to raise awareness about Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), the horrible disease that took the lives of my two sons and to raise money for The Matthew and Andrew Akin Foundation. A video will be created every morning and uploaded to this blog dedicating that days ride to a child who is currently battling HLH. Another video will be created each evening talking about losing two children and honoring a child who has either won or lost the battle with this horrible disease. I’ll end up in Chicago on June 5th, on what should have been Andrew’s 4th birthday.
I hope you check in as I’ll be updating this blog with thoughts and pictures from the road. Thank you so much for all your support.
Justin Akin
26 Comments
I live in Iowa city Iowa and if u r coming this way? Son passed away of leukemia different, but I will get on tomorrow to see how I can support u.
Justin,
What an amazing feat. Your boys will be so proud of you. Please be sure to let us Tulsans know when to expect you through our area so we can cheer you on. Good luck!
Graham
Go Justin Go! We will be praying for you all the way! Looking forward to updates and photos!
I have read your story and wish you the best of luck in your ride and in bringing awareness of HLH. This year I am doing a century (short by your standards) ride and running a full marathon in honor of our children who have had to endure a BMT. My daughter had her BMT to cure ALL and AML.
Praying for your safety as you do this courageous thing.
Good Luck & may the Spirit of the Lord and Matthew and Andrew ride with you on your journey
You have all my prayers and love, Honey! I know the love you have for Matthew and Andrew would carry you and Kristin to the moon and back, without a bike!!!
Nana
Justin,
I will pray for strength and saftey!! You ROCK!!! Your boys would be soo very proud!!!
I pray God will do GREAT things in and through you to raise awareness!!!
Luv yall!
Sandy Daron
Cole’s Foundation
Dearest Justin and the entire Akin Family,
We wish you much love and luck as you embark on this amazing journey. We will be watching everyday for updates. Thank you, once again, for honoring all of our HLH warriors and angels, especially Andrew and Matthew. Your boys must be so proud! How I wish they were here on earth to greet you at the finish line, but there is no doubt that they will be guiding you safely home!
Hugs and safe travels,
Erika Celentano – proud mommy of Luke Celentano, HLH survivor
cp-lukecelentano06
Hi There! What an awesome idea! Are you looking for donations in relation to this bike ride? I’m trying the best way to figure out how to post this on http://www.voiceofhistio.com
Be sure to let me know if you have any flyers or anything, we are having a fundraiser (for our family) on May 20th…I’d love to have your information posted at our event for everyone to see!
Justin,
Glad to hear you got the foundation off to a good start and this is an great tribute to your boys.
Will you be posting your route. You should be coming near us in Joplin , MO and would be honored to get the chance to meet you.
All the best for a safe and successful ride.
ron
Cooper’s Dad
You know we will be thinking about you and all that you are doing to honor your 2 sons.
We will follow your journey for sure, I know many all HLH families including mine are thankful for people like you, what an inspiration you are to all of us. May god bless you and be with you and your family – up in heaven Matthew and Andrew must be so proud to have such wondeful parents. Best of luck and THANK YOU!!!
You go Justin!! We will be cheering you on. Is there a celebration in Chicago? We aren’t to far from there so maybe we will make the trip.
Justin – Where do you plan on completing your ride in Chicago? I would love to be there to welcome you since I’m in the area! Let me know if you want – I’m so happy you are doing this!! You are an inspiration!
Amanda Tokarski
A truly heartfelt effort. I’lll be following your ride and cheering you on from afar!
Dear Justin,
You are incredible for doing all that you and your wife are doing. We would love to celebrate with you when you get to Chicago on June 5th. Please let us know where you will wind up and if there is anything planned.
Tracy Martin (mom to Sydney (LCH))
I’ll be following your journey and cheering you on! (Susan, mom to Elyse Yu)
Justin –
As always my thoughts and prayers are with you. What an awesome undertaking. You my dear cousin have a heart of Gold and the Will of 1,000 Men. Godspeed and I’ll be looking forward to any pics and your updates.
Love,
Freddy
Dear Justin and Family,
I was brought to your familly via The Caring Bridge ( my niece Maddie at 5 years old had ovarian cancer) she is4 years and counting, I then visited her friend Tates site with ALL, then to Liam with HLH, Miranda Rose and just kept me going with the prayers and emails, they keep coming and I keep embracing. I have cried tears at the loss of your sons, then tears of joy as you embraced your newest member. I will be with you as the wind behind you, helping you on your journey, God Bless you and keep you on your journey of love!
There is no force to be reccond with like a parents love for a child. GO JUSTIN!
Big Cyber Higs
Cheryl Tomasso
We know how painful it is to have little ones suffer.
My hubby has LCH.
Inspiring. Inspiring. Inspiring. I’m sure some days that is such good news and some days that is such old news. It’s beautiful what you and your gorgeous wife do. Keep it going and never give up the love you two hold.
Sooooooooooo thrilled to hear about the boy you are adopting.
Much, much, much love and so many prayers to you both. I am constantly reminded of you both when I am feeling like things are amazingly unfantastic around here : ) – Can’t wait to track the blog updates on the ride! May it be as inspirational in your heart and in your wife’s heart via you as you are to the Histio Community.
Blessings!
Go Justin!!! I’ve followed ya’ll for years now and I know those angel boys will be helping you ride every pedal of the way!! If you are coming through southeastern Louisiana I’d love to know so I can help cheer you on!!!
Hi Justin, I’ll be praying for you.
Justin~~
May you have a smooth ride…..may you find all the support you need….you are truly honoring your boys~~~They will be the wind on your back…the love that will surround you your entire way!!!
Good luck with the fund raising. THANK YOU for raising Histio awareness~~~~I will follow your blog
Sue Messier
Hi, Justin,
Your life is inspiring…how you carry on every day with such determination is simply inspiring. My family and I are supporting you!!! We’ll be praying for you! Have a safe ride and good luck!!!