I am here to tell you that not only can you make a difference, but that the answer is right under your nose, won't cost you a dime, and has health benefits for you as well as the person you give it to.  I know because I have seen this gift in action, I have been the giver and the receiver.  It is your smile!

I decided years ago that I wanted to make a difference in someone's life everyday.  My goal for the near future is to open a survivor center right here in Lancaster County.  Funding and our economic times have delayed this plan and brought me to a new journey on the road to that goal.  I am in the planning and preparation stages for an around the world trip on my bicycle.  Representing the 28 million people currently living with cancer, I will travel the globe delivering smiles to survivors as I go.  I like to think of it as inspiration to go. I will be stopping in a few specific places for some of the great organizations I have been involved with, the remainder of the trip will be a bit more flexible.

I have no idea how many miles I will ride, or how many smiles I will deliver so this will be a journey of unlimited smileage.   Currently my bike is being built to specs, I am selling my personal possessions, applying for Visa's, renewing my passport and getting all my personal things in order.  I will be leaving before the early Spring of next year, possibly as early as this Fall.  In the meantime I will be riding in the area with a fully loaded bike to prepare myself physically.  I have to say, that although this is a whirlwind that feels a lot like a docu-drama on most days, with each step of the process I have been blessed.  I have met survivors and created new friendships in the most unlikely ways, including replies to sale ads from complete strangers.  If you want to follow my journey or just want to learn more please ride on over to www.unlimited-smileage.com.

Written by

Vicky Darden, cervical cancer survivor

Check out the video below to learn more about Vicky's cervical cancer awareness efforts and her involvement with Tamika and Friends and the Lance Armstrong Foundation