Took my son to the doctor early on a Friday for a quick appointment at the end of his bout with pneumonia. A 45-minute door-to-door visit to the pediatrician became a rush to Children’s Hospital in DC and an unexpected Shabbat overnight. Totally unprepared ourselves, the Bikur Cholim pantry room became a life saver! Snacks for my kid, meals for me, all of the Shabbat amenities anybody could show full storyneed, meeting other Shomer Shabbat families dealing with prolonged hospital stays, and enjoying the comforts that only a kosher instant cup of soup, a chicken cutlet, and an iced cappuccino could bring to an otherwise serious setting. My in-laws helped start Bikur Cholim and I’ve ridden past events to raise money for Bikur Cholim. This time, though, having been on the other end and needing the services showed me just how vital and necessary Bikur Cholim really is. I’m riding to give back to Bikur Cholim for the help they gave my son and I, and I’m riding to help out any of our community members dealing with hospitalization. Your donations will help in this effort. Thank you, Jason Pearlman