Bike Ride Aims To Combat Cancer And Raise Awareness
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- One in two men and one in three women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. That startling statistic is the motivation behind an upcoming event in the Baltimore/D.C. area.
Monique Griego has more on a bike ride to conquer cancer and how you can make an epic impact.
Every rider is responsible for raising a $2,500 donation and they're hoping you can help them reach that goal.
Every pedal and every mile is important but bikers in this ride are about much more than just going the distance--they're fighting disease.
"Like every other rider, I think we all have a story and motivation," said participant Michael Iati.
Iati will be one of thousands of riders hitting the road in the first annual "The Ride to Conquer Cancer" in the capital region. While Iati works in the Johns Hopkins health care system, his ties to the disease are much more personal.
"I lost my mother to cancer several years ago, lost some other relatives and my dad is currently battling cancer," he said.
The event will take riders on a two-day 150-mile path that begins and ends in Washington, D.C.
So far, more than 1,500 people have signed up to participate and each one is committed to a fundraising goal.
Wednesday, as part of Epic Impact, a push for donations, Iati wants people to know every penny counts and can help prolong or save lives. Log on to www.ridetovictory.com to read about the riders and hopefully find one to donate to.
"If you start to read their stories, if you don't shed a tear at some point, you're not human," he said.
All the money raised benefits research and treatment at the Johns Hopkins Cancer Center, Sibley Memorial and Suburban Hospitals.
"They're fighting for all of us every day in that battle against cancer and this ride will raise vital funds to help support their work," Iati said.
The ride is Sept. 13 and 14.
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