It has been a long and difficult journey from March 2013 through March 2014. I had 4 surgeries, followed by some set-backs that kept me off my bike until July 9, 2014. I missed out on my portion of the Sea to Sea bike ride, from Grand Rapids, MI to Toronto in August of 2013. I was ready to go, but ended up with my third surgery on my neck in that year (in 5 months). That was followed by Sinus surgery on March 17, 2014. I had raised $8,500.00 and was so disappointed that I couldn't join the ride.
After a series of Botox injections in my neck on June 17, I was finally able to turn my head again without pain. I began riding again on July 8, and have covered about 750 miles since then, with less than 75 miles left to ride to complete the miles I would have cycled in Aug, 2013. I am ever mindful of the purpose of that ride (to alleviate poverty), and think about it often as I ride. I should complete those miles this week (weather permitting).
A few good things have come out of all of these surgeries and set-backs. God had a plan, but it is in hindsight that I see it. I am now the local contact person for FRB (Foods Resource Bank) and our church is the sponsoring agent of "The Randolph Growing Project". Through an annual "Soup and Chili Supper" and some donated acreage from farmers, we are working together to sponsor projects through World Renew. This is an ongoing project that I hope and pray will continue to grow in popularity and donations for those who have been stuck in a cycle of poverty for far too long. I praise God for restored health and strength, as well as for the ability to serve in this capacity.
Over these past two + years, and despite the difficulties along the way, I have just reached my goal of losing 60 lbs. I had lost 50 lbs, but gained 7 back during and after surgery. I have lost 17 lbs since July 8, and I am now back in a 36" waist. I think it has been about 25 years since I wore that size!
To all my friends, family, and supporters, THANK YOU for your prayers and encouragement through those difficult times! I don't think I will be able to ride as many miles as I had planned to in the portion of the Sea to Sea ride, but I do look forward to participating in some way again in the future. Those steel rods in my neck make long distance cycling quite difficult. I rode 25 miles this morning and my longest ride was a little over 40 miles.
Ken Prol
Randolph, WI
