In September of 2000, my sister, Gay Nickle Lauritzen, died of ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease.  As an artist, she was fascinated with the quirkiness of Route 66 and wanted to travel down its highways, exploring the whimsical attractions. She never got that chance.

In 2020, which is the 20th anniversary of her passing and the year I turn 66, I will bicycle ALL of Route 66 (roughly 2500 miles) from Chicago to Santa Monica, to honor her memory and to raise awareness and funds to benefit ALS research.

YOU can help in the following ways: 1) follow me on Facebook @GiveANickle or on Instagram@joymonsonjarvis for updates, 2) volunteer to ride a small section of Route 66 with me, donating a nickel or more per mile ridden, 3) provide publicity or sponsorship, 4) MAKE A DONATION, large or small, to this very important cause on this website. 100% of proceeds go directly to the ALS Association for research to find a cure.

I will start the ride in downtown Chicago on August 15, 2020, and expect it to take approximately 3 months to reach Santa Monica. If you wish to bicycle a section along Route 66 with me, please contact me at bikejoy@comcast.net.  Follow my progress on Facebook @GiveANickle.

ALS affects more than nerve cells and muscles, it affects families, friends, co-workers, and communities.  With no known cause or cure, ALS challenges the human spirit and tests the courage of everyone touched by this devastating disease.

Your gift will help make a cure possible.  Please click the donation button to the right and give generously. Thank you!

Prefer to make a donation by check? Print and submit this form with your gift.