About TriStates 100
Six years ago on what was a spur of the moment idea,
the TriStates 100, has become a first class event and
fund raiser for the Children's Hospital of Alabama.  
Our first year we had 62 riders, our second year 120
riders, the next year 235, and last year 320 riders
supporting the event.  In 2007 we donated more than
$16,000 to the Pediatric Cancer unit (Dawn Pitchford
Account) of the Children's Hospital.  I guess the word
gets out when you have a good thing going!!  With
your help we can continue to build the success of this
ride.  Please share your memories of this event with
other riders, and let them know where to find us on
the web.  We would like to hear from you, our support,
on ways to make this event better.  Please feel free to
email us with any ideas, or ways we could improve our
event.

The TriStates 100 is the only ride in the area that
expands three states (Alabama, Georgia, and Florida)
in one exciting ride.  The course is challenging
without being difficult.  We are again offering the
TriStates Century route which is 100 miles and
encompasses all three states.  Our 62 mile course to
take in two states, Florida, and Alabama.  The 25 mile
course will continue to be loop through SE Alabama.
The story of the Dawn Pitchford Account

When our 14 year old daughter, Dawn, was diagnosed
with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia our eyes were
opened to the number of children treated by the
Hematology/Oncology Group at Children’s Hospital in
Birmingham. Like so many families who had healthy
children we never imagined how many people were
dealing with devastating illnesses. Over the course of
the 7 ½ months of Dawn’s illness we met so many
families whose children were dealing with a diagnosis of
cancer.  Many of these families were struggling not only
with their child’s illness but with financial needs for non
medical expenses.  Dawn met so many children that she
wanted to help.  
One little girl couldn’t walk in the hall because she had
no bedroom shoes.  As soon as Dawn was able to sit up
she wanted a wheelchair ride to the gift shop to buy her
shoes.  She also met a young woman about her age that
was already very ill when she was diagnosed.  She didn’t
have any gowns or pajamas except for the hospital
gowns, no turbans to cover her balding head, and none
of the stuffed animals, flowers, and balloons that always
filled our room.  When we had a brief visit home Dawn
made a quick shopping trip and filled a box with goodies
for this young patient.  She didn’t want to wait until we
returned so she mailed the box to the hospital.  We were
told it brought the young woman a great deal of
pleasure when she received the package.  
Dawn spent the money that people sent her to help
other people.  After her death we felt it only fitting that
the money she had accumulated from the generosity of
our friends go to a cause that was near to her heart.  
We didn’t have enough money to set up a trust so the
hospital helped us to set up and account, the Dawn
Pitchford Account, which would help with the non
medical needs of the children with cancer.  Cancer is a
devastating disease in many ways.  Many times at least
one parent is not able to work, gas to make the trips to
Birmingham and even sometimes money to buy bus
tickets are necessary.  Phone bills can be astronomical.  
There are so many things that you never think of until
you are there.   The account is administered by the
department and it continues to give us a great deal of
peace to know that Dawn is still helping other children
who are faced with a dreaded diagnosis.  Just think what
can be done with the money raised by the Tristates
100.  As bikers put forth the effort to make this ride and
sponsors give generously to support it we will be
reaching children and their families across our state.  
Long, difficult days may be made a little easier for both
the children and their parents.  So, I encourage you to
join us as we support a cause very dear to my heart and
the heart of all parents who have set beside the bed of
their child who is fighting the battle for their life.

Janice Pitchford