Ride 2 Rosemary: Cyclists Embark on 525-Mile journey to Fight Cancer
A resolute group of 72 cyclists began a more than 500-mile ride from Germantown, Tennessee, to Florida on Saturday, all in support of teh West Cancer Foundation and the fight against cancer. The event, known as Ride 2 Rosemary, aims to raise $350,000 for vital patient programs.
The origins of this impactful event are deeply personal. Fifteen years ago, Chuck Bolton, the founder, turned to cycling as a means of coping with a challenging period in his life. What began as a solitary journey quickly evolved into a shared experience.
“We found out later that our wives actually had a plan year one that each one had a day that they would pick us up if we got lost or we needed to quit,” recalled a founding rider, highlighting the initial support system that underpinned the ride. However, the group’s resolve never faltered.
Over the years, Ride 2 Rosemary has grown exponentially, both in participation and purpose. To date, the ride has generated over $2 million in donations to support the West Cancer Foundation’s free patient programs.Thes programs provide critical assistance, including transportation to and from treatments, essential breast and prostate screenings, and vital counseling services.
Now a five-day, 525-mile trek to Rosemary Beach, Florida, Ride 2 Rosemary draws participants from all walks of life. The funds raised are directly allocated to supporting cancer patients,ensuring they have access to the care they need.
According to Leighanne Soden, president of the West Cancer Foundation, the impact of the ride extends far beyond financial contributions. “Since their inception, they have raised over two million dollars to support our free patient programs,” she stated.
But for Bolton, the ride represents something even more profound – a commitment to healing and brotherhood. He shared a poignant story of a mother who entrusted him with a photograph of her son, who was later lost to the disease.”A lady gave me a picture of her son that we prayed over before we left last year,and he passed this year,but she gave me a picture in tears. So, it’s just not the money and the awareness.It’s the care,” Bolton explained.
He emphasized the importance of community and mutual support among the riders. “The really crucial part is that community matters. We men here we know we’re not doing life by ourselves. There’s a lot of strength in that, and we got a lot of courage,” Bolton said.
Those interested in learning more about Ride 2 Rosemary or making a donation can find additional information here.
