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When one of our co-founders, Bill Riddle, moved back to Florida in 2003, one of the first things he looked for was a bike ride to raise money for cancer research. Unfortunately, there was nothing even close. There were rides for other charities but he had a personal reason to want to raise money for cancer. He lost his mother and uncle to the disease and wanted to find a way to make a difference.
He had been fortunate enough to find such a ride in Massachusetts and rode in the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge (PMC) from 1998-2002. The ride was inspirational, challenging, rewarding and always different. Indeed, the PMC was the inspiration and model for starting a similar ride here in Florida.
The spirit of the PMC is one of selflessness, courage and even humor. In part, it’s about making sacrifices and overcoming adversity. The riders come in all shapes, sizes and abilities but one thing they all have in common is a passion to make a difference and find a cure for cancer. They have raised $239 million since the ride’s inception. Jack Gallaway and Bill shared a vision to bring a ride like the PMC to Florida. In May, Jack added two important pieces to the Cure on Wheels board, Richard Spayde, Wells Fargo VP and cancer survivor, and Mike Biety, partner of PeakBiety advertising agency. In August, Jack brought attorney Larry Heinkel on board to round out the board. The five of them founded Cure On Wheels. Jack lost his battle with cancer in 2008, but his spirit has become the essence of Cure on Wheels.
We like to consider our organization to be a fundraising enterprise that happens to have a memorable and enjoyable weekend of cycling thrown in as a bonus. There are many ways you can participate from riding, to volunteering to “virtual” riding. The founding members were personally committed to making this an experience anyone affected by cancer will want to be a part of for years to come and one that will fill them with hope and inspiration.
Moving toward a world without cancer,
Board of Directors, Cure on Wheels, Inc.
A non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation |
