In Grateful Nation's Spotlight Series, well-known people from all walks of life discuss the idea of gratitude. What does it mean to them? What is its role in their lives? How have they been bettered by expressing their gratitude? Check back frequently to see who's contributing to the greater grateful good.
For Jim Boland, owner and operator of four New England–based Fuddruckers restaurants, BIDMC’s A Reason to Ride bike-a-thon was the perfect opportunity to honor his friend Howie Rich and support a good cause. Boland was first introduced to the ride while escorting Rich, his close friend and pastor, to chemotherapy treatments at BIDMC after having been diagnosed with a stage four brain tumor. He discovered an A Reason to Ride brochure and wondered if the Eric Wong, M.D., it referenced was the same doctor treating his friend. Rich introduced Boland to Wong, and Wong took him on a tour of his research lab. Boland was touched. Not only did the tour make things more real for him, but grateful for the research being done behind the scenes in hopes of finding a cure.
Boland was eager to support the research being done at BIDMC and felt that the A Reason to Ride bike-a-thon was a good fit for both himself and his organization. He met with Tom DesFosses, A Reason to Ride founder and brain cancer survivor, to discuss how he might get involved. The two instantly hit it off. 2010 marks Fuddruckers’ second year as a presenting sponsor of the A Reason to Ride bike-a-thon. Both Boland’s financial contributions and personal enthusiasm and support have had a tremendous impact on the ride’s continued success and the advancement of BIDMC’s brain cancer research. In memory of his dear friend Rich, who passed away in November 2009, Boland, his wife, and two teenage daughters have formed a team and will join the ride on September 12, 2010.
Go to www.gratefulnation.org/areasontoride today to sign up to ride, volunteer or donate!