In March of 2004
Ann Maree was diagnosed with Stage IV Breast Cancer, an incurable disease. That summer she watched Lance Armstrong win
his sixth Tour de France and, motivated by his story of victory over cancer, she began riding her bike and raising funds for
the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Two years later she formed a team of 16 to participate in the Philadelphia LIVESTRONG
Challenge, and in 2007 the team had grown to over 50 athletes and supporters. They took on the team name "Carpe Diem," which is Latin for Seize
the Day, and team members started to talk about what a great launching pad this could be for something even bigger.
In 2007 Ann attended the LIVESTRONG
Summit sponsored by the Lance Armstrong Foundation. When she returned home she began talking to other
members of the team about what Lance Armstrong refers to as the "obligation of the cured." Even though
there is no cure for Ann's type of cancer, she felt the need to give something back to people who have been diagnosed
with not just cancer, but any life threatening medical condition. As they talked about what they could do, the concept
of Carpe Diem USA was born, and with the assistance of the Berks County Community Foundation, the
concept became the reality that you see on the pages of this website.
While Team Carpe Diem will continue to ride, run and walk to raise funds in support of the fight against cancer,
Carpe Diem USA stands ready to "enhance the lives of adults
with any life-threatening medical condition by providing adventures and experiences
that enrich their lives."
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