2-Day Bike Ride To Conquer Cancer Coming To Maryland This Fall
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- It's a common killer in the United States, and the fight to conquer cancer this year is rolling with a two-day cycling event around the nation's capital.
It's all part of WJZ's Continuing Community Commitment.
Christie Ileto explains.
Two days and 150 miles to conquer cancer. It's a bike ride to fight the disease and it's coming to Maryland this fall. For Andrew Reed, it's personal.
"I got a call and he said, 'You have cancer in your colon,'" Reed said.
Diagnosed two years ago, Reed was told he had a year to live.
"I never thought--and this is cliche--cancer happens to other people. It doesn't happen to me," he said.
It's estimated that one in four deaths in the U.S. will be caused by cancer.
"Overall, the number of cases is just plain increasing. The good news is the ability to treat cases is also improving," said Dr. William Nelson, an oncologist at Johns Hopkins.
Nelson says the bike ride raises money for hospitals like Hopkins' Kimmel Cancer Center and Sibley Memorial, helping doctors with cancer research and determining which treatments work best for cancer patients.
"Many people who participate have had cancer or are riding for a friend or a loved one who've had cancer. So the finish line event is one of achievement, but it's also very emotional."
The exact course has not been set, but cyclists pedal 75 miles on day one and another 75 on day two.
"I'm done with you. Cancer was 2013," Reed said.
And for Reed, a sound swimmer who's not exactly keen on cycling, he says he'll be making the ride come fall with a heavy heart.
"I will be fighting you every step of the way. So you [cancer] might as well give up because I am not giving up," he said.
The ride is Sept. 13 and 14. To register or to get more information, click here.
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