MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- "It's amazing what foolish pride and 2,000 mg of pain reliever can accomplish," jokingly said Capt. Michael R. Hudson, company commander, Co. L, about leading a team of 15 cyclists from San Francisco to San Diego.
Hudson's trek down the California coastline was inspired by a more noble cause then his self-proclaimed "foolish pride." The event, sponsored by the Hemophilia Association of San Diego and the Hemophilia Foundation of Northern California, benefits sufferers of hemophilia and other bleeding disorders by raising money and increasing public awareness.
In its second year, the California Coastal Race for Hemophilia continues to grow. Hudson is credited with beginning the event as it bloomed from his efforts to help raise funds and public awareness toward the search for a cure for hemophilia. His connections to the illness are personal as Hudson's son, Ryan, was diagnosed with a rare and severe form of hemophilia shortly after his birth.
The riders, led by Hudson and depot Marines, Capt. Brian Dennis, Capt. Dave Schneider and 1st Sgt. Robert Guerra; and fellow Marine Maj. Brian Curry, wrapped up their more than 600-mile-long journey to the depot the afternoon of Aug 10.
Welcomed by family members and friends, the weary but excited crew celebrated their accomplishments with a barbecue.
Hudson's initiative and drive to help his son has inspired others who have children with bleeding disorders.
"It's incredible," said Wendie Chadd, a supporter of the event from Sun City, Calif., whose son, Braiden, has hemophilia. "The riders took time out of their day to support a worthy cause."
"They rode their bikes to help," added her son, Braiden Chadd.
Teamwork among the supporting organizations and Marine Corps Community Services has been the key to success of this year's event.
"Without teamwork and communication this would not have been possible," said Guerra, the first sergeant for Co. L.
The HASD and HFNC offer support to people with hemophilia and other bleeding disorders, according to Hudson.
The nonprofit organizations fund summer camps and other activities to help families live successfully with inherited bleeding disorders.
They also help fund research in the continued hope of finding a cure.