The seventh annual A Reason To Ride presented by Fuddruckers will be held on Sunday, September 7 at 8:00 a.m. at the Liberty Tree Mall in Danvers. An annual bike-a-thon through the North Shore, A Reason to Ride raises critical funds for cancer care and research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Last year, more than 250 cyclists rode 10-, 25- or 50-mile rides through the scenic North Shore towns of Danvers, Wenham, Ipswich, Essex, Gloucester, and Topsfield, raising more than $80,000.
Each year the ride draws an increasing number of riders, participants, and supporters and has surpassed its ambitious fundraising goals. “This year’s ride is even more special, because my cancer has returned and I am currently undergoing treatment,” states Tom DesFosses, cancer survivor and founder of A Reason to Ride. “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. We live each day to its fullest. 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. I am proud of this race and as they say ‘the race must go on.’”
A Reason to Ride was started by Tom DesFosses, a grateful patient and survivor of brain cancer. Diagnosed with primary CNS lymphoma, a cancerous brain tumor, DesFosses credits Dr. Eric Wong at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center with saving his life. This year’s ride is dedicated to Dr. Wong and his continued work in cancer care and research.
In 2007, DesFosses, with the support of his family and friends, rode his bike over 750 miles across New England to raise funds for Dr. Eric Wong’s Brain Tumor Fund. The following year, he felt he could make his ride into something bigger and started A Reason to Ride, now it its seventh year. The charity now helps support other cancer areas within Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Since 2008, A Reason to Ride has raised more than $500,000, with 100 percent of the funds gong directly to cancer care and research.
A Reason to Ride is an annual bike-a-thon with the option of 10- 25- or 50-mile bike rides through the North Shore. The start and finish of the ride will be at the Liberty Tree Mall in Danvers. There is something for everyone, from leisure cyclists to serious riders, and everything in between. Registration is $25 per child, $75 per adult, and $150 per family to benefit cancer care and research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. The family-friendly event also features a trike-a-thon for kids, a Fuddruckers cookout, raffles, music, and much more. Join us on Sunday, September 7 for the seventh annual ride.
Once again, this year’s presenting sponsor is Fuddruckers. Support for the ride also comes from NOVACURE, EBSCO, The Print House, Jungle Prints, Liberty Tree Mall, Herb Chambers Auto Dealerships, Peoples Bank of Danvers, Starbucks, Beverly Cycles, Dick’s Sporting Goods, O’Neill’s Authentic Irish Pub & Restaurant, Woody’s Cyclery, Garden City Pub, EBSCO Information Services, and Dunkin Donuts.
To become a sponsor or make contributions call or email Tom DesFosses at tomdesfosses@gmail.com.
A Reason to Ride presented by Fuddruckers has raised more than $500,000 to support Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center doctors and researchers develop better treatments as they work toward finding a cure for cancer.
Please visit firstgiving.com to register for this year’s ride.