100 Days 48 States

100 Days. 48 States. A dream of mine came true. On August 17^th, 1999, I headed out across America via motorcycle, for 100 days, visiting the entire lower 48 states and traveling over 30,000 miles. My route took me through the most scenic parts of our country, and I visited with many friends along the way. Having ridden a motor bike for some time now, I always hoped to take a trip such as this. Through good fortune I was able to take this journey. But many of us are not so lucky – lives are often cut short and dreams are never fulfilled.

In the fall of 1982, my father, Dr. Howard Cohen, lost his battle against cancer. Diagnosed with a brain tumor in the summer of 1981, he fought the fight of his life for over a year, with surgery and post operative therapies. On September 27, 1982, at the young age of 48, his body conceded defeat. An avid traveler, my father would have enjoyed the journey I took, albeit via a different means of travel.

Unfortunately, what happened to my father has now become all too familiar to me. Six years after my father’s death, my dear friend Letitia Boyd Carter and her family were struck by the same tragedy when Letitia’s father Morley’s life was cut short by a brain tumor. In 1991, our close family friend Dr. Jerome Krieger was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He has fought very hard, but the disease took a heavy toll. Jerry passed away in 2002.

When I was only eight years old my teacher, Trudy Harrison, who also happened to be a patient of my father, succumbed to the same disease. Her illness had a profound effect on this second grader. Instead of becoming an astronaut, I wanted to be a brain surgeon and save my teacher. Well, things didn’t quite work out that way, but now I hope to make a difference.

I wanted this 100 days to stand for something more, to be worthy of a cause, to make a difference in this world, and I asked my friends and family to help.

The Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, launched in 1997 by Dr. Keith L. Black, is dedicated to advancing the field of neurosurgery, providing leading edge, compassionate clinical care and conducting unparalleled research for the full range of intracranial conditions. The Institute's multifaceted programs encompass a range of neurological disorders and specializes in the treatment of intracranial lesions and brain tumors.

Many people joined me in supporting this worthy cause and I raised over $20,000 for the Institute. Thank you to those who were able to contribute to this effort. Perhaps you might like to help too? Whatever you can give, it will be gratefully appreciated. Please e-mail your name and address to 100DAYS@danielcohen.org and I'll send you a pre-addressed, postage paid mailer for you to send your donation directly to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. All donations are tax deductible. If you would like to learn more about Dr. Black and the Institute call 310-855-7900 or visit the web site at http://www.csmc.edu/1043.html.

Thank you for your generosity and caring. See you on the road.

Sincerely,
Daniel Cohen