'Reason to Ride' for Cancer Research is Around the Corner

By Michael Bednarsky

Strap on your helmet and lace up your shoes: the seventh annual bike-a-thon A Reason to Ride is coming back to the North Shore.

The event will be on a North Shore route, and will raise funds for cancer care and research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. A Reason to Ride brought together more than 250 cyclists last year. More than $80,000 was raised as riders went on 10-, 25- and 50-mile treks through Essex, Ipswich, Topsfield, and other scenic towns of the area.

Presented by Fuddruckers, A Reason to Ride will be held on Sunday, Sept. 7 at 8 a.m. at the Liberty Tree Mall in Danvers. The fundraising goal has been surpassed every year since the first event in 2008, and the number of participants continues to increase in a similar fashion.

A Reason to Ride was founded by cancer survivor Tom DesFosses.

“This year’s ride is even more special, because my cancer has returned and I am currently undergoing treatment,” DesFosses said. “Times are difficult, but with the support of my wife, Judy, close friend Bob Barry, Dr. Eric Wong, and numerous friends, family and medical staff we persevere. All the money raised goes directly to research at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, but it also helps provide care to people and families each year who cope with one of the most horrendous illnesses in the world.”

DesFosses was diagnosed with primary CNS lymphoma, a cancerous brain tumor. Dr. Wong, a brain tumor M.D., is credited by DesFosses as the person who saved his life. This year’s ride is dedicated to Dr. Wong and his continued work in cancer care and research.

In 2007, DesFosses rode his bike more than 750 miles across New England to raise money for Dr. Wong’s Brain Tumor Research Fund. DesFosses then, because of that ride’s success, pursued turning the activity into a community event. A Reason to Ride was created a year later, and has since raised more than $500,000. One hundred percent of the funds go directly to cancer care and research.

“I am proud of this race,” DesFosses said. “And as they say ‘the race must go on.’”

A Reason to Ride welcomes both casual and serious riders. Registration is $25 per child, $75 per adult and $150 per family. Other festivities at the event include a Fuddruckers cookout, raffles, and a trike-a-thon for kids. For more information, visit: http://www.firstgiving.com/areasontoride/2014.

The full list of sponsors are Fuddruckers, Novocure, EBSCO Information Services, The Print House, Jungle, Inc., Liberty Tree Mall, Herb Chambers Auto Dealerships, People’s United Bank of Danvers, Starbucks, Beverly Cycles, Dick’s Sporting Goods, O’Neill’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, Woody’s Cyclery, Garden City Pub, and Dunkin’ Donuts.

To become a sponsor or to make contributions, email Tom DesFosses at tomdesfosses@gmail.com.