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"I always planned on it," he said.
But on Sept. 4, 2007 Young was reminded that tomorrow is never a guarantee. He woke up that day with a heavy chest and a sore right arm. After some initial concerns, Young went about his day. After all, left-arm pain would be cause for alarm.
His chest and arm felt "tight" throughout the day and on the way home from his West-Hartford based job, Young finally decided to go to the hospital. He didn't even make it that far and stopped at a firehouse.
Young said it was a hard call for his wife to receive and it "sucked" making it.
The 38-year-old bicyclist, and amateur sports enthusiast, was having a heart attack.
"I always thought I was in pretty decent shape," said Young who lived several years in Wethersfield before moving to Rocky Hill four years ago. "That obviously wasn't the case."
These days, Young is working with doctors, eating better and working staying as healthy as possible. He remains active in athletic pursuits and chasing his two young daughters.
He also knew it was time to step up to the plate. The Jimmy Fund, which benefits the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute was still the obvious choice. His mother had told him how awful the leukemia treatment was but also of the wonderful people at Dana Farber.
So Young committed to participating in the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge and plans to ride the 190-mile Sturbridge to Provincetown route on Aug. 1 and 2.
"I figured there was no better time than the present."
"It is truly bittersweet and although I can't take away the pain that cancer brings, I can make a difference by helping a great cause," Young wrote on the Web page.
He has committed to raising $4,200 but has a goal of $5,000 and is working with Teak Media Communications to help publicize the efforts.
And Young is firm believer in the hospital and research efforts. Because of such fund-raising the form of leukemia that claimed his sister is no longer a death sentence, he said.
That was pretty inspiring to me, " he said. "It's a great charity."
Young said he feels awkward asking friends and others for money but at the same time is overwhelmed by people's generosity. He has already raised more than $1,200.
"Even in a bad economy people come through," he said.
To donate to Young's efforts, visit http://www.pmc.org/DY0012
