Dear friends, supporters, and our incredible clients,
As I sit down to reflect on the journey of Ride YourWay over the past six years, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and pride. What started as a simple idea has blossomed into a thriving company, touching the lives of thousands of clients, community organizations, and healthcare systems with our value-based transportation services.
Before I dive into the achievements and milestones of Ride YourWay, I want to share a personal story that many of you have heard before and what has been the driving force behind our mission. Tomorrow will mark eleven years since I received news that would change my life forever – I was diagnosed with CNS Germinoma, a rare type of pediatric brain cancer. The journey that followed was filled with challenges I never could have anticipated: countless procedures, an intense brain surgery, four rounds of chemotherapy, and weeks of radiation treatments. It was a period of immense struggle, but through it all, I discovered the power of resiliency and the importance of finding the good in even the darkest of situations.
My battle with cancer ignited a fire within me – a burning desire to make a positive impact in the lives of others, especially those facing similar obstacles. It was this mindset of resilience and belief in the inherent goodness of humanity that laid the foundation for RideYourWay.
What adds a cool layer to this journey is that after my diagnosis and treatment, I began working towards becoming a registered nurse with the goal of working on the same floor where I received treatment. This unique perspective allowed me to witness firsthand the challenges that patients face in accessing essential healthcare services, particularly transportation. It was this experience that solidified my resolve to create a solution that would alleviate the burdens of transportation for individuals and families in need.
Since our inception six years ago, Ride YourWay has evolved from a mere idea into a beacon of hope for those in need of reliable transportation services. We have worked tirelessly to remove barriers that prevent people from living their best lives, offering a range of data-driven transportation solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients and even becoming the first transportation provider in Michigan to become nationally accredited with the Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Accreditation Commission (NEMTAC).
Our commitment to providing value-based transportation services has allowed us to forge meaningful partnerships with incredible individuals within our communities, organizations, and healthcare systems alike. We have become a trusted ally, empowering individuals to access essential services, attend medical appointments, and explore the beautiful communities we call home.
But our journey does not end here – in fact, it is only just beginning. As we look to the future, Ride YourWay remains steadfast in our mission to serve as a catalyst for positive change in the transportation industry. We will continue to innovate, collaborate, and advocate for those who rely on our services, ensuring that everyone can live life to the fullest, regardless of their circumstances.
As I reflect on the past six years, I am humbled by the incredible strides we have made and the lives we have touched along the way. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of our dedicated team, loyal clients, and the community at large. Together, we have proven that even in the face of adversity, hope prevails, and dreams become a reality.
Thank you for being a part of our journey. Here is to the next chapter of Ride YourWay – may it be filled with continued growth, impact, and compassion.
With love,
Tom Sikkema, BSN, RN
Founder & CEO
Ride YourWay