Even though the Heat Index was 110 and the temperature was 98 degrees, I was able to push 57 miles

9:30 A.M. Pushed from the junction of highway 3 and highway 146 over the Mississippi River via the new bridge in Girardeau, MO. It was 4 miles from the junction to the MO side of the bridge. We met up with a Cape Girardeau police escort on the bridge at the MO state line.

I pushed another half mile to meet with Mayor Kundtson and the community leaders in Cape Girardeau, MO. The community really came out to support our tour. Everyone on hand really embraced our message of trying to get all community members involved in creating a healthier community for all citizens in the Cape Girardeau area. Tracy Glen, the public relations officer for the City of Cape Girardeau did a great job in organizing the event. Several health professionals from Cape Girardeau were on hand, including: Dr. Bill Logan from the fitness facility at Southeast Missouri Hospital, Sandy Duncan from the St. Francis Health Center, and Maryann “Miki” Gudermuth with the Southeast Missouri Alliance for Disability Independence Inc.

Media Present: Wendy Ray reporter with KFVS a CBS affiliate in Cape Girardeau. Also on hand were Hunter Johnston from KRCU 90.9 FM a NPR affiliate, David Bloom from the Cash Book Journal Weekender, and Toby Carrig for a newspaper interview.

Mayor Kundtson presented me with a Proclamation declaring July 13, 2004 as Kevin Saunders’ Day in the City of Cape Girardeau. I presented Mayor Girardeau and the City of Cape Girardeau with a sculpture and challenged him to help make the city a healthier place for all citizens by the time I return on the 50 state tour.

Immediately after the meeting with the Mayor and community leaders I pushed off, with the help of police escort, through the city. I pushed through the hottest temperatures of the day, but I made sure to keep my intake of water and Gatorade high.

It took a total of 16 miles to reach the city limits of Cape Girardeau.

12:30 – 1:30 PM- I took a break from pushing for food and hydration.

I pushed from Cape Girardeau to Delta, MO approximately 18 miles. Then I pushed on for another 19 miles from Delta to just past Advance, MO.

I finished my push at 4:00 PM in Advance, MO. We loaded up and returned to the hotel in Cape Girardeau.

4:45 PM- Media interview with local newspaper reporter Toby Carring of The Southeast Missourian.

Keep Going for the GOLD! Never Give Up!

Kevin Saunders