Cancer Sufferer's Tour de America
Aug. 8, 2006 — -- Cycling is a sport in dire need of some good publicity. Enter terminal cancer-sufferer Jane Tomlinson.
Tomlinson, a 42-year-old mother of three from Leeds, England, set out on June 29 from San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge with the goal of reaching New York City by Aug. 31 and earning more than $1 million for charity along the way.
She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1996, but in 2000 doctors found that the cancer had spread to her bones and told Tomlinson she had only six months to live.
Six years later, Tomlinson can be found just outside Jefferson City, Mo., having cycled about 2,400 miles. She remains under no illusions that there is still a long way to go before she reaches her East Coast target.
"It's a long trip," Tomlinson said of the 4,200-mile journey. "At times it's a painful ordeal and difficult to continue."
Tomlinson, who has suffered altitude sickness and spent certain evenings in tears at the size of the task ahead of her, is followed in a support car by her husband and 9-year-old son. Asked what inspired her to take on the 62-day challenge, Tomlinson was forthright.
"I can't think at all what inspired me," she joked. "Lay the blame at my husband's feet."
"People have invested money in this ride, and I hope going through this discomfort means others don't have to go through the same," she said, referring to the windfall various charities, including the Damon Runyon Cancer Foundation, can soon expect as a result of her cross-country ride.
Tour de France champion Floyd Landis, who is currently denying allegations of doping, was quick to praise Tomlinson when he heard of her feat.
"That takes some real motivation to make a change," Landis told ABC News. "She's not the type of person to complain about being a victim. I'm impressed, as I think anyone would be, with this real demonstration of spirit."
Since 2000, Tomlinson has completed three London Marathons, the New York Marathon, cycled the 2,500 miles from Rome to Leeds and competed in a number of triathlons. She became the first person to run a marathon while on chemotherapy and has already raised more than $2 million for numerous charities.
"For me, if you're given a terminal diagnosis, be it for cancer or heart disease, that's not the time you're going to die," said Tomlinson, who has developed severe heart disease due to her cancer treatment. "It's important for people to find ways to live life with the disease they have."
The significance of the Aug. 31 finish date is that it marks the sixth anniversary of the day Tomlinson was told she would be dead within six months.
Her latest diagnosis in December gave her 12 months. Tomlinson won't accept this as fact. Such reactions are what may just make the difference in the fight to cure one of mankind's deadliest diseases.
If you would like to make a donation, visit janesappeal.com.