Matt Cardoza, a good friend and contributor to Veterans Golf Park and our facility, Veterans Community Center in Citrus Heights, is participating in a self recovery project.  At the same time, he is looking to raise money to benefit our Veterans Community Center.  Although Matt is not a Veteran himself, he was looking for a cause to benefit those struggling with similar disabilities such as TBI, and other brain related illnesses, which afflict many of our veterans.

In the summer of 2003, Matt rode 100 miles in America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride (around Lake Tahoe, CA/NV) which includes a challenging 800 foot climb to a rest stop overlooking Emerald Bay and a 1,000 foot climb to Spooner Junction.  There are also many short rolling ascents and descents totaling over 4,024 vertical feet of elevation gain!  Just a month after this challenging ride, he underwent brain surgery to debulk a rare benign brain tumor called an epidermoid.  This surgery put an unfortunate halt to Matt's academics when he was just 6 classes shy of earning a bachelor's degree in Computer Science from California State University, Sacramento. 

After a few years of recovery, Matt had a second surgery in 2008, again to debulk the same tumor. 

With today's technology, skull based surgery is the best solution.  Others with the same tumor have had as many as nine surgeries.  During Matt's second surgery the surgeon accidentally nicked a blood vessel, which caused a stroke.  This stroke left Matt in a wheelchair for 4 months, until he learned how to walk again.  Along with having to re-learn how to walk again, there were other tremendous obstacles during that time which he eventually overcame with the help of speech, physical & occupational therapists.  

After months of therapy, support from friends and family, and a little determination, Matt attempted America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride again in June of 2012.  That year he completed 38 miles of the ride.  A year later, in 2013, he completed 56 miles.  

Matt is finally in his last semester of college and will not only complete his bachelor's degree in May, but on June 1st of this year, once again, Matt will attempt to complete the full 100 mile ride around the Lake.  This is a very exciting year for Matt as he will complete two of his life-long dreams - completing his degree and completing this ride.  Matt is looking for motivation and support from the community to complete this epic ride, and what better way than to benefit our Veterans Community Center than by raising funds for them at the same time?

Matt is asking for donations, based on his participation in this year's America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride.  Please follow the link to donate and support this cause, or send a check payable to: Veteran's Golf Park, 6817 Castillo Ct, Citrus Heights, CA 95621.  Please include the word "bike" in the memo section on your check for reference.

A jersey will be worn during and after the event. Last year there were over 3,000 other participants. After the ride the jersey will continue to be worn in the greater Sacramento area on the American River Bike trail, etc. 

We are looking for sponsors and have room available for advertisement on the jersey.  For a business to sponsor the event a donation of $100.00 or greater will pay to have a logo on the jersey. For residential donations of $25.00 or greater a name will be placed on sleeves of the jersey (while there's room available).

Let's all wish Matt success in this worthwhile venture!