Bob Falkenberg
Recipient and Founder, Team Lifeblood and NMDP Cyclist
Bob Falkenberg started riding post-transplant to focus on wellness, he rides today to bring hope to patients undergoing transplants and to share one version of what survivorship can look like.
In 2009, Bob underwent a bone marrow transplant for Philadelphia Positive ALL. At 67, he’s recently retired and is able to devote himself full-time to volunteering. He is one of the couriers, delivering lifesaving bone marrow/stem cells from donors to patients, a legislative ambassador, a fundraiser for NMDP and helps to plan the NMDP Cyclist rides (and inspired the NMDP Cyclist program).
Bob has been riding for Be The Match for a number of years – mostly solo and carrying his own gear. For some of the rides he was able to convince friends to join him and he’s learned how to be a seasoned ride leader. This year he will lead all five tours as we ride throughout the country raising funds and raising HOPE for patients and medical personnel serving those patients.
As a ride leader, Bob emphasizes safety and keeping the group together. “These tours are not races – I’ll ride at the back of the pack and we’ll take it slow and steady. We welcome first-timers and thriving patients and if you are interested – we’ll be happy to recommend the tour for you.”
When you sign up for one of our tours, you’ll hear from Bob or one of our other staff members as they reach out to let you know what to expect and how to prepare for your upcoming tour.
Jeramy Davies
Jeramy Davies is a PBSC and MNC donor. While attending Texas Tech University Health Science Center, Jeramy started their first NMDP registry drive as Vice President of the Student Government Association in 2010. He matched and donated after his 35th birthday in 2015. Jeramy started cycling with his wife Laura in Lubbock Texas and then added running and swimming to the mix to start competing in triathlons. In 2017 Jeramy lost his wife to brain tumors and left health care to discover his purpose. In 2018, he drove himself around the U.S. meeting Kelly, the recipient of his life saving donated blood stem cells, on the way. Learning she had gone into kidney failure, he immediately offered his kidney to her and also found out in himself what he wanted to do with the rest of his life.
Jeramy now works for NMDP, is a volunteer staff courier, and is a strong advocate for living donations. After joining the end segment of the NMDP in Seattle last year, Jeramy has volunteered to co-lead the California Napa Wine Country tour.
Michael Stewart
Michael Stewart fell in love with bike riding the moment his parents gave him his beloved Raleigh Chopper for his 10th birthday. Throughout the ensuing years, he has continued riding for pleasure and to (briefly) earn a living as a bicycle courier in New Orleans...in the summer. That experience motivated him to find a job that involved an air-conditioned environment and cycling just for fun.
Michael’s connection with NMDP started through his own bone marrow transplant on New Year’s Eve of 2015. For the past 7 years, he has been a Volunteer Courier for the organization and Chairs the Foundation Board of Directors.
Michael first joined NMDP Cyclist last year, riding in the Rocky Mountain National Park Tour, as well as participating in several cycling events across the country in support of the NMDP (Tour of the Moon, Tour de Big Bear, the TD 5 Boro Bike Tour and the Double Bypass).
This year Michael is excited to co-lead the Napa Wine Country ride and the TD 5 Boro Bike Tour in New York City. Both will be unique events that will be fun and accessible for riders of all skill levels.