Through the Dragon’s Tail to SIIM: Support the SIIM R&E Fund Through the 4th Annual Ride to SIIM - SIIM News Spring 2009

As I write this appeal, it is 5 degrees outside in Chicago, there are 4 inches of snow on the ground, and a 15 mph wind is blowing across Michigan Avenue from the lake. Nonetheless, with an audacity of hope for better climes and times, planning for the 4th Annual Ride to SIIM is taking root.

We will, as usual, leave Chicago at the crack of dawn on Sunday, May 31, with a scheduled arrival in Charlotte early Wednesday, June 3. The initial trajectory will take us south through Illinois and Indiana to Kentucky. We will pass through Derby territory just days after the race. We will skittishly traverse the Bluegrass Region, studiously avoiding the Radiology oral board examination that will be held that week in Louisville. We will plunge through Daniel Boone territory as we pass into Tennessee. The highlight of the trip will be riding through the Smoky Mountains, the Cherohala Skyway, and the Tail of the Dragon. The Tail of the Dragon is the number-one motorcycle road in the United States with 318 curves in an 11 mile stretch.

Once we recover, we will cruise into Charlotte for the meeting, crossing the southern tier of North Carolina. The road home will likely take us on a more northerly trajectory through a corner of Virginia, through the northeast sliver of Kentucky into Ohio.

Once again, YOU can participate in the ride in two ways. First, make a per-mile donation/contribution to the SIIM Research and Education Fund. Visit the SIIM Giving Program webpage to submit your contribution. At approximately 2,000 miles (round trip), a nickel a mile is a $100 tax deductible contribution, while $0.10 is just $200. A dollar per mile contribution ($2,000) will get you a DICOM-compliant image of you sitting on one of the bikes in Charlotte and special recognition at the SIIM Annual Meeting! After the meeting you will receive your tax letter from SIIM. Contributions to the SIIM R&E fund, a 501(c)(3) organization, are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowable by law. Please remember that in these challenging times, the R&E fund needs your help more than ever to continue its mission of supporting innovative research and education in imaging informatics. Last year we raised over $1,600 dollars. These monies helped establish the beginning of an endowment for the Samuel Dwyer Memorial Lecture to ensure distinguished speakers for the lecture for years to come. With your help, we aim to double that this year!

Of course, you can also join us on the ride. Either start with us in Chicago or we can meet you on the road. If interested, please contact Dave Channin.