Ride to Defeat ALS: July 20, 2019

Donnie Graham, Jr.

Meet Team Drafters. Drafters was started by Donnie Graham, Jr., in 2015 for the Ride to Defeat ALS. Donnie had been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, also called Lou Gehrig’s disease) in November 2014. In 2017 we added riders who wanted to honor Rasjad Lints. Rasjad was a Kaiser doctor who loved cycling and running. He passed away in 2016 from ALS. Donnie was honored to ride Rasjad’s trike in 2016. I am the co-captain of the Drafters. My name is Jan Steinbock (Conner).

Why name our team Drafters? Bicycle riders will draft each other to save energy. A key strategy in dealing with ALS is conserving Donnie’s energy for what is important.

Come join our team! Drafters welcomes members from Portland Bicycling Club, friends and families. Come ride to support Donnie, Rasjad, and other ALS patients and their families. Your help will be warmly appreciated. We can help you strategize your fundraising commitment so that the entire experience is fun and easy.

Why help the ALS Association? Donnie, along with many other local ALS patients, has benefitted directly from support services and durable medical equipment provided by the Oregon and SW Washington Chapter of the ALS Association.

Donnie’s reason to Ride to Defeat ALS

• Donnie has had a lifelong love of cycling. Cycling has always been a part of our family and what we do.
• Before this chapter was started, ALS patients in our area had almost no resources. They were sent home to die. This chapter keeps us sane by building a community of support around ALS patients and their families.
• It’s an incredibly fun ride with great routes, solid support, family activities, more food than you can eat, and free beer and wine!

What is the Portland Bicycling Club connection? In August 1998, I went on my first club ride, when the club was called Portland Wheelmen Touring Club. It was a Tuesday night ride from the Sandy Park & Ride, out to Troutdale and back. Because I was a newcomer, Marvin Rambo rode with me. On the return part of the ride we were both struck by a drunk driver and sustained severe injuries. Donnie and I were both impressed by and grateful for all the support and well wishes from club members.

Find my fundraising page and select the red box on the right to Join Jan’s Team!

I am happy to answer questions any time!  [email protected] or 503-267-7394

Jan Steinbock, Guest Contributor