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"The Sweeper" is always ready for Escape to the Cape

Richard O’Brien, who serves as Team Alpha-1’s “Sweeper” at the annual Escape to the Cape bike trek, wrote the following message to Alphas just before this year’s big event:

The Escape to the Cape Alpha-1 gathering is about to be held on Cape Cod this weekend, Sept. 12-14. Yes, the American Lung Association of Massachusetts is hosting its annual Autumn Escape bike ride, but for Alphas, this weekend is always more about rallying together in support of each other, raising awareness about Alpha-1, and raising funds for a cure. I’ll be riding for Team Alpha-1 and I’m writing to encourage you to join us.

Richard O’Brien and his “Hair Tattoo”. Those are the logos of the Alpha-1 Association, Alpha-1 Foundation and AlphaNet

Here’s a quick personal message to all you Alphas who attend:

Did you know that you’re thought about often?

The primary thing that makes the training miles on the bike pass so quickly is thinking about you…yes…YOU! I think about how relatively easy it is for me to ride up and down the hills of New Hampshire and Vermont in preparation for supporting you on the Cape ­ and then I think of how difficult it can be for Alphas to peddle up the slightest incline. The effort and determination it takes every one of you to participate is inspiring for me and I know is thrilling for you. I know John Walsh thinks about you as he leads the charge to find a cure. The folks working behind the scenes at the Foundation and Association think about you as they do their work on your behalf. Your AlphaNet coordinators think about you and I do, too!

Did you know that other people talk about you?

That’s right. All along the Cape ride, people are talking about the Alphas. They are amazed at what you do, how many of you there are, and they are educated and inspired by you. Your very presence either on or off the bike, with or without oxygen, is an inspiration to many of the riders and support staff.

If the thought of riding a bike on Cape Cod makes you nervous, you needn’t worry. First of all, you will not be alone and you will not be left behind—because I am downright territorial about coming in last! I’m never in a hurry, and I love riding with Alphas. Second of all, you don’t even have to ride a bike. The point of this weekend, from my perspective, is to come spend time with other Alphas and for you and them to be encouraged. You will be well supported.

For those who don’t yet know me, I’m Vicki Cameron’s son-in-law. Vicki is an Alpha living in Vermont and she’s the AlphaNet coordinator for Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. About 19 years ago I took an interest in Vicki’s daughter, Kathy. Kathy and I married within a few years of meeting, proceeded to have children ­ Spencer (15), Logan (12), and Mykayla (10). Vicki was finally diagnosed with Alpha-1 after Mykayla was born, 10 years ago next February.

Not long after Vicki’s diagnosis, Kathy, the kids, and I went to support Vicki at an ALA of New Hampshire bike ride. Vicki’s husband Bruce was going to be riding for Team Alpha-1, but decided not to, and gave me his bike to ride instead. Maybe 40-some-odd miles later, I was hooked!

Since then I’ve taken my preferred place of last in Team Alpha-1 rides, better known as “the sweeper.”

Richard O’Brien
Team Alpha-1 “sweepa”