Montana woman cycles for ITP
November 12, 2013; Posted by: webleed staff
Platelet Disorders Support Association’s Vice Chair plans to ride in the El Tour de Tucson to raise money and awareness for idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura.
Montana native, Jamie Canfield-Harwell, has ridden her bicycle all of the world in the past 30 years. She originally started riding in college because she didn’t own a car and has biked in Ireland, the UK, and most recently in Croatia.
On November 23rd, the 59 year old will take her skills to Arizona and El Tour de Tucson – a 111 mile ride that helps to raise funding and awareness for over 35 charitable organizations. Canfield-Harwell, who joined the Platelet Disorders Support Association 10 years ago and is now the board of directors Vice Chairperson will ride to benefit the organization.
Treatments for ITP can include steroids and removal of the spleen, which produces antibodies that destroy platelets. Canfield-Harwell opted for steroids briefly but did not undergo a splenectomy.
“I haven’t had any treatment in eight years,” said Canfield-Harwell told the Great Falls Tribune. “I tolerate the disease fairly well.”
To donate to Jamie’s cause, please click here.
Photo Credit: Great Falls Tribune
