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BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR TO CYCLE ACROSS U.S. WITH MESSAGE OF HOPE
Ride starts countdown to 'THE MARCH' in Washington D.C.
Cancer survivor Dani Grady mounted her bicycle at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Medical Center on July 20 and began a 4,000-mile journey across the nation to Washington D.C. She isn't alone in this effort, however. Dozens of other cyclists -- cancer survivors and volunteers -- are joining her along the way for segments of the 10-week ride, providing support and encouragement for Dani, and carrying a message of hope for Americans.
The "Conquer Cancer Coast-to-Coast National Bike Tour" is the brainchild of the Thrivers' Network, a community-wide cancer support organization based out of the UCSD Cancer Center that helps people thrive, not just survive after a cancer diagnosis. Grady is the founder and chairman of the board of directors for Thrivers' Network. Richard Bloch of H&R Block, the national tax-preparation service, serves as honorary chair of the event.
The riders' departure from San Diego began the countdown to THE MARCH, a national event on The Mall in Washington D.C. and a grassroots campaign in communities throughout the nation to increase funding for all cancer research. (For further information on THE MARCH, call 1-800-THE MARCH or visit their website at www.themarch.org). The national MARCH office is working closely with Grady and her contingent of riders as they make their way across the U.S. to The Mall, where they will receive a hero's welcome during the kickoff rally for THE MARCH on September 26.
General H. Norman Schwarzkopf (U.S Army, retired) is honorary chair of the national event, which organizers project will draw tens of thousands of marchers.
Grady, 40, is a 10-year cancer survivor and a passionate advocate for cancer patients. She is mounting this challenging journey to galvanize support for THE MARCH, stimulate local activism in cities across the U.S., and educate the public on strategies for living through cancer.
"We're standing up not only for cancer survivors but for anyone who might someday be diagnosed with cancer, to ensure that the medical care and support they need will be there," said Grady. "And, we're riding for a cure."
The Conquer Cancer Coast-to-Coast National Bike Tour has received a groundswell of support. For example, the Association of American Cancer Institutes has coordinated welcoming events and fund-raising rallies at 24 cancer centers along the route. Also, San Diego-based Agouron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., has underwritten a major portion of the ride, enabling 100 percent of the donations to the "$19.98 Buy-the-Mile" campaign to benefit free patient services of the Thrivers' Network. Through the ride's "Buy-the-Mile" campaign, individuals and businesses can buy one or more miles of the route for $19.98 per mile. And the Jabboury Foundation for Cancer Research has underwritten all expenses associated with the support van accompanying the riders, which will double as a mobile cancer-information center.
Founded in 1993, the Thrivers' Network provides support and services to those coping with the cancer experience. The group offers cancer patients and their families one-to-one support from professionally trained volunteers who have experienced similar situations.
For further information, call the toll-free pledge and information line, 1-877-THRIVERS (1-877-847-4837). For ride updates, visit the Thrivers' Network Web site: www.thrivers.org
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