Tour des Chutes – Bend, Oregon – July 14, 2012

Cancer has touched me in so many ways. I’ve lost my mother and younger brother to cancer. I have friends who either struggle with it themselves, or have family members who are. No matter where you turn, you cannot escape the insidiousness of this disease. So, I ride in memory of my mom and brother; I ride in support of my friends who’ve also been touched by cancer; and I ride for the myriad others who are surviving!

I ride because I’ve known & loved my friend, Gary B. for 20 years and I work with oncology patients…they are truly amazing in their fight against cancer

Why I Ride by Ian Boswell of Bontrager LIVESTRONG cycling team. I ride for those who are fighting. For the 28 million people fighting this disease around the world. Cancer affects the lives of everyone, and as a result we each have a story, be it our own, the story of a friend, or that of a family member. I am so fortunate to ride for LIVESTRONG because they spread the word that no one is alone in the fight against cancer. I took comfort in this message when my mother was diagnosed, then re diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006 and 2011, respectively. The Tour des Chutes is a celebration of survival as well as a yearly reminder that cancer is all around us, but together we can live strong and fight this disease.

This is an important event for me; specifically this year.  Like many others, cancer has touched my life in different ways.  My father died of cancer at age 50.  My sister has had two occurrences and is now cancer free.  This past October I was diagnosed.  I underwent a nine hour surgery at OHSU and am slightly over two months into my chemo.  My time on my bike is healing.  I cannot express the joy I felt cleaning my bike this weekend and hearing from my brother that he and his wife are flying up to Bend to ride with me.  I am not only going to survive but thrive.  The finish line will feel like my start over line.

~Bill Baker

There’s not a more beautiful place in the US to ride.

Originally, we rode because we knew it would help fund the St. Charles Survivorship Program…once we met Gary, it was obviously much more. Now we ride for Gary, my mother, my father, loved ones, and all those affected by this terrible disease. My family looks forward to TDC each July…see you soon!!! )

Having taken up cycling about 9 months ago, I was looking for an event to aim at. This one struck a cord because in the past year and a half both my father and father-in-law have been battling cancer … And like most families I know, they are the first in our extended families. Not only is Bend a great place for my first century, but the cause adds an extra layer of meaning.

Good friends we had, oh good friends we’ve lost along the way in this great future, you can’t forget your past so dry your tears I say

To honor my big sister. She fought the good fight, starting in september 2011. She lost the fight april 5, 2012.

I ride to honor my father who passed at age 50, my sister who’s a survivor after two battles and for myself, newly diagnosed and completing chemotherapy on May 5th! My bike is my freedom and my healing. I cannot wait to feel energized by those around me!

I ride because I can make a difference. Biking is in my soul because of this ride. It was my first ever organized ride about 5 or 6 years ago and it is the motivation to get on my bike each spring.

The ride is around the anniversary death of my stepfather who lost his battle with colon cancer in 2010 so I ride in honor of those that can no longer ride. Whether they are not with us on earth or they do not have the strength to ride do to cancer. I will have to get me a pair of Richard’s socks that say “Cancer Sucks”!! Ride on Ride on…..

I ride to support my patients, family and friends who currently have cancer, are survivors, and in memory of those who have passed. I also love a long ride with my husband and children, and the other fun central oregonians who ride. The food, music, and fellowship can’t be beat.

Great ride for a great cause. Like to honor my Grand Parents who died of cancer.

I ride for my dad who lost his battle and for others who continue to fight and livestrong , such as yourself Gary. Not to mention a great cause with great people and to be thankful for each moment I get to live my life with those who matter most.