The tea you see above: great stuff I drink just about everyday and look forward to after rides preparing for a now annual Bicycles Battling Cancer, Ride to Remember, and other rides that add charitable purpose to my daily joy of cycling – and now, running.

Regarding cancer charity efforts, I’m not a big Facebook guy, but last year about this time a Westborough friend I’ve known since our kids were in elementary school laid down a post that, as soon as I read the first few words, made me want to read what you see below, all of which she wrote beautifully.

“After chemotherapy treatment, it’s true that it takes years to feel alive… with the side effects of the chemotherapy and radiation, you will never be back to 100% because of the weakened immune system.
Sure, in the most difficult moments of life you realize who your real friends are or the people who really appreciate you.

Unfortunately, like most friendships, FB friends will leave you in the middle of a story. They’ll publish an “enjoyed” for the story, but unfortunately they don’t really read your message when they see it’s long.

More than half may have stopped reading. Some may have gone to the next post on your news feed.

I have decided to publish this message in support of the families of friends and relatives who have fought this terrible disease until the end…

Now, I focus on those who take the time to read this message until the end… a little test, if you like, just to see who reads, and who shares it without reading.

If you’ve already read everything, choose “like” so I can thank you on your profile.

Cancer is a very invasive and destructive enemy of our bodies. After the end of the treatment, the body remains devastated. Recovery from the damage caused by the treatment of the disease is a very long process.

Please, in honor of a family member or a friend who died of cancer, or still fighting cancer, copy and paste this as a post on your FB.

How many times have we heard others say: “if you need anything, don’t hesitate to call me, I’ll be there to help you”. so i bet most people who saw this post (maybe even Reading until the end) will publish, to show your support to the family / friend who can wrestle.

Copy and paste – do not share this message.

I’d like to know who I can count on to take a minute of your day and really read this. When you finish this, you write “done” in the comments. Done for a friend.”

That was the post: clear and written with true courage and strength. I can’t tell you I know what it’s like or how she feels. All I can do is offer help to enable you to empower yourself to take charge of your life by enjoying life-promoting foods – there are tons of them that taste amazingly good – and promoting moving your body. Diet and exercise are the two primary contributors to improved quality of life and disease prevention.

Here’s a recipe for ginger mint tea that I drink daily – sure, I vary the flavor by adding other anti-inflammatory ingredients, just as you can.

Ride, run, and, most importantly, live on!