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Meet the Riders: There has to be a stop to it!
Luda Bekchiu
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Luda & Holly |
As a nursing student at Seattle Pacific University, I first heard about Cycle the WAVE through one of my clinical instructors, Carol McFarland. I wanted to join right away since this would help me practice "self health" and I could also be part of a wonderful cause. But then I paused and said, "Wait! I haven't been on the bike for more than 10 years! Can I even ride a bike?" Carol assured me that she would help me and we set out on a bike a month before Cycle the WAVE. I rode my first mile in 10 years on a huge mountain bike to meet her. I was determined, but so terrified that I would not know how to stop. In the end, I made it safe and sound. She took me to see all the beautiful scenery around Issaquah; I instantly fell in love with biking. My next ride was Ride Day and this time, I rode with a classmate, Holly, who had a super small mountain bike that took 10 times more energy to ride. Let the adventures begin! We were both able to use special bikes loaned to us through Bicycle Adventures, which sure made the ride more enjoyable!
So why did I choose to ride? Cycle the WAVE supports a cause that has been part of my journey in this life. I am so happy to see people caring for others affected by domestic violence. I grew up in a small country called Moldova located in Eastern Europe. We moved to the United States in 1999. In Moldova, men tend to have dominance over the women and their children. This was true in my family. There were no programs or resources available for women who were battered and abused mentally, emotionally and physically, that's why I really appreciate what Cycle the WAVE is doing. Domestic violence became almost a norm for us in our home and in our neighborhoods. I didn't understand why someone would hurt another individual without a reason. I was the youngest of eight children, so I was fortunate enough to escape a lot of the abuse that my siblings experienced. I am also fortunate to have passed through a lot of hardships in life because they have helped me become a better person. Coming to the States has resolved a lot of issues, yet not all. Looking at the statistics, it is alarming to see the number of women and children being affected by domestic violence, it is really sad. There has to be a stop to it! This is why I joined Cycle the WAVE, to learn more about domestic violence, to see how I can help my family and my friends, and see how I can incorporate it in my future practice as a nurse. I am really glad I rode the bike with so many wonderful women who have their own personal story. I really had a fun time riding along with my classmate Holly, and being silly and smiling at the cameras. I will definitely ride again and hopefully bring more people to ride with me! Keep up the good work! |
 Meet Justin & Steve!
Featured each month will be interviews from both riders and volunteers. This month meet and hear from the voice behind the Emergency Phone Number that so many of you appreciated and took advantage of ride day!
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Turn Your Everyday Purchases into Fund$ for Cycle the WAVE!
Many top brands will donate to causes when we shop with them. By shopping online with them, they will know that you support The WAVE Foundation and Cycle the WAVE. They will then donate a percentage of your purchase. This is such an easy way to raise more funds for domestic violence programs.
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