The Ride for Hope Ovarian Cancer Awareness Charity Ride Raises $28,800

The ninth annual Ride for Hope, a 501(c)(3) ovarian cancer awareness motorcycle ride and celebration, conceived and organized by JuliAnne Scully, raised $28,800 to benefit two ovarian cancer recipients: Delores J. of Carol Stream and Janet I. of Roselle, as well as to support the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) Midwest Region. Scully, who has been a cosmetologist and owner of JuliAnne’s Hair, Inc., now in Roselle for more than 30 years, is a 40-year ovarian cancer survivor.

“Nine years ago, our goal was to help the NOCC create awareness of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, a silent and deadly disease that claims the lives of over 15,000 women annually. Now, Ride for Hope has grown into an annual community event that draws riders and clubs from Chicago, Rosemont, Huntley, Schaumburg, Milwaukee and Madison, WI, and all points in between. Wildflowers on Wheels, Honored Heroes, Black Sheep HDFC Wheaton Chapter, Madison HOG, and Milwaukee HOG are among the many clubs who ride and help us raise money for local women in their fight for survival,” Scully said. Scully bought her first bike to celebrate her 25-year cancer-free anniversary. She said, “To date, there is no early detection test for ovarian cancer, consequently most cases are diagnosed in their later stages.”

Ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women. The median age at which most women are diagnosed is 63. Only 15% of cases are diagnosed at Stage 1.

One hundred and forty-five bikers—and dozens of passengers, including survivors—rode the 45-mile scenic route through winding roads in Cook, Kane, and DuPage Counties, escorted by Cook County Sheriffs, with road assistance and traffic control by the Kane County Sheriffs and Kane County Office of Emergency Management. The Chicago West Punishers, several local LAMA chapters, the Illinois Route 66 Hog Chapter, and the Chicago Hog Chapter provided blocking and route assistance. The EMS ROADDOCS of Illinois were once again on the ride for medical support, which was not needed as all riders and passengers returned safe and sound.

“We know we can make the biggest impact in the lives of our recipients and their families when we pool our resources and our strengths. Our fundraising goal is to ease their burden and help their families concentrate on supporting their loved ones’ on the road to wellness,” Scully said. “The commitment and generosity of the Ride for Hope community, sponsors, businesses, riders and clubs, and our group of 80 volunteers, allows us to aid those in desperate need.”

The motorcycle route, designed by Bob Morrison, began at Moretti’s Restaurant, 1175 W Lake St., in Bartlett, on Sunday, July 14. The ride began with a bike blessing by Pastor Jerry Hays of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Schaumburg, who also rode. The singing of the national anthem was led by Bob W. of Burlington. Riders were welcomed back by the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and cheers from the four hundred people who joined the bikers for the after-party. “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who came out to support this lifesaving event,” Scully said. “Winston Churchill said, ‘You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give.’ Monies raised help our recipients with costs not covered by insurance such as clinical trials, prescriptions, and experimental procedures, as well as to offset their lost wages and daily expenses.” Scully said, “It takes amazing, selfless volunteers, generous sponsors and supporters, and hundreds of man-hours to reach our goal.”

Guests at the after-party dined on Moretti’s hand-sliced Italian Beef sandwiches, chicken fingers, salad, watermelon and dessert, including Diana’s frozen bananas, and enjoyed the high-energy Chicago-based rock/jam band, Bronson Rock. Attendees participated in fundraising at a silent auction of more than sixty items; over 70 box-drawings; a gift card chopper raffle worth $1375 (won by Linda S. of Streamwood), and a 50/50 split the pot drawing (won by Kristen B. of McHenry). Cherie P. of Glen Ellen won the grand prize: a Bastard Kamado Ceramic Grill and Bar-B-Que valued at over $2800.

“The generosity of our sponsors and our Teal Tribe is a huge reason why we are able to do what we do,” Scully said. This year’s business Sponsors include: The Chicago Law Tigers, US Law Shield, Dazzles Salon & Spa, Moretti’s Restaurant, New Havana Joe’s, Cycle Gear, Costco, Parkway Bank, and Lakeview Appliance Distributing. “We appreciate the businesses and individuals who work year-round soliciting gift cards, raffle items, in-kind services, and money to support the cause,” said Scully.

Plans are already in the works for the 2025 ride, which will take place on June 1, beginning at Moretti’s Restaurant in Bartlett. “We are looking forward to sharing awareness about Ovarian Cancer all year by attending health fairs, speaking to mom’s groups, and providing materials to schools, hair salons, spas, and veterinary clinics. I am also launching a new ‘Look Good, Teal Better’ program this fall, that will help women with cancer address questions and concerns about hair, nail, skincare, and wigs,” said Scully.

Plans for 2024/2025 fundraising are in the works and include a Popcorn sale, a Girls’ Night Out on Monday, November 18, at Dazzles Salon & Spa in Roselle, and a Biker Burger Dude & Bourbon Night on Wednesday, September 11, at Magnolia’s Weddings and Events in Bartlett. To become involved with Ride for Hope, to donate, or to learn more about the signs and symptoms of Ovarian Cancer visit www.rideforhopeil.org. Anyone interested in joining the Teal Tribe of volunteers and sponsors can contact JuliAnne Scully at ocrideforhope2015@gmail or on Facebook at Ride for Hope Schaumburg, where the events, parties, and fundraisers planned for the coming year will be listed.