Fort Lee resident Maxim Almenas has qualified to represent the borough in the upcoming Gran Fondo New York bike race, a 110-mile pro-am challenge that will be held on May 19, 2013, drawing 7,000 participants from 70 countries. Almenas’ ride will raise funds to provide financial support for the ongoing medical expenses of Johnny Damato, a 16-year-old Fort Lee heart transplant recipient.

“Although Johnny is emblematic of what transplant families around the world go through – ongoing exorbitant medical expenses – what has further inspired my support is Johnny’s personal commitment to raise awareness of the need for organ and bone marrow registration and blood donations,” said Almenas.

“For example, Johnny recently organized the First Annual Johnny Damato Donor Awareness Drive which drew more than 200 people to Fort Lee to donate blood or register to be organ or bone marrow donors,” he said.

Almenas has pledged to raise $15,000 between now and the May 19 race day. Interested parties can log onto http://www.gofundme.com/thehumantriumph to make a private donation. Corporate sponsors may be eligible to receive logoed cycling jerseys for their donation.

 The cyclist is also blogging in advance of the race at http://www.thehumantriumph.com/where he is sharing inspiring stories including Johnny Damato and a range of athletes who have overcome challenges in their lives through exercise and healthy diets.

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