RIDE FOR BARB

Barb Zajbel served as the President/CEO of the Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce from 2002 to 2008, until the cancer she fought so hard forced her to resign from the position she loved and served so well. Please join the XACC and Board of Directors in honoring Barb as her daughter and son-in-law, Tracy & Joe Pamer, RIDE for BARB on August 20, 2011 in the Pelotonia, raising funds for the James Cancer Hospital at The Ohio State University. You can donate on-line by clicking on the page links below, or write a check.

Tracy's page -
http://www.mypelotonia.org/riders_profile.jsp?MemberID=114510&SearchStart=0&PAGING
I have memories... so many wonderful memories. My mom, Barb Zajbel, was and always will be my hero. I prefer to think of a battle "lost" to cancer differently because of my mom's journey. Mom only had one outlook in life. Positive! So, here's my spin: On March 26 of this year, after a three year battle with ovarian cancer, the cancer died. My mom will always live on. One of her favorite quotes said so much about her. "I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do." That's how Mom lived her life, always doing her part to accomplish some sort of mission or to help someone in need.

Mom spent her last days at home, but there were some very tough weeks leading up to that point spent at the James Cancer Hospital. No matter how hard she tried, Mom just couldn't find words to express her gratitude to Dr. Fowler, Dr. O'Malley and the wonderful team at the James Cancer Hospital. Each time she tried, she was overcome with emotion. But I knew. I knew that doing our part to help fund cancer research and giving back was "just what the doctor ordered" so, after exploring the fund raising opportunities, I promised Mom just three days before she WON her battle with cancer, that I would ride my bike 102 miles from Columbus to Athens on August 20 in her memory. My wonderful friends, Diane Dixon and Denise Davis, who Mom told to "take care of Tracy" have jumped on board with the "Ride for Barb" efforts. And my husband, Joe gently announced that if I was going, he was too! So, he too is registered, and off we'll pedal, into the sunset! Mom......this one's for you!!

Romans 5:3-4
More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.

Joe's page -
http://www.mypelotonia.org/riders_profile.jsp?MemberID=114511&SearchStart=0&PAGING
There are so many reasons for me to participate in the Pelotonia. My uncle John is currently fighting cancer. My aunt Therese and aunt Fay both lost their battles. Most recently, my mother-in-law, Barb Zajbel, lost her three year battle with ovarian cancer.

It was a tough journey for our family. Barb was so courageous throughout her battle and never complained even once. She was so appreciative of the team of doctors and nurses, quick to remind us that it takes a "special kind of person" to work at the James Cancer Hospital. Barb was always one to give back and that is why I am happy to have an opportunity to do this for her. My wife, Tracy, promised Barb just days before she passed away that she would ride in the Pelotonia in her memory. So together, we will "RIDE 4 BARB!"

Please make checks payable to:                                       Send checks to:
PELOTONIA                                                                               Pelotonia
You must include Rider name and ID in memo                  L-3454
Tracy Pamer ID - TP0008                                                        Columbus, Ohio 43260-3454
Joe Pamer ID - JP0031