Ride for Hope Raises $26,000 for National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
The second annual Ride for Hope, a 501(c)3 motorcycle ride and celebration, conceived and organized by JuliAnne Scully, owner/operator of JuliAnne's Salon & Spa, in Schaumburg, raised $26,000 for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC), breaking last year's record amount.
Nearly 100 riders, including Scully and the City Limits Chapter (H.O.G.) of Palatine rolled out of the St. Peter Lutheran Church historic grounds in Schaumburg on Saturday, July 30, for a 90-mile ride, stopping briefly in Sycamore for refreshments and a photo opportunity, and then returning to the church's picnic grove for the after-party.
Music was provided by Hip Pockit and food by "Head Red's pig roast; Ricardo's Ristorante; and Frato's Pizza and Catering. Also at the after-party, the 245 guests enjoyed a silent/live auction; door prizes; an opportunity to visit the Survivor Tent where 110 cancer survivors signed a six-foot teal ribbon; and a Teal Marketplace selling T-shirts, pins, jewelry, and more.
"All causes have their own color," said Scully, "and Ovarian Cancer's is teal, which stands for Take Early Action and Live!"
Scully is a 28-year stage three ovarian cancer survivor.
"I am at a point in my life where I want to give back. I founded Ride for Hope as a charity to help spread awareness of this deadly women's disease," Scully said. "I chose to donate the proceeds from the event to the NOCC because they do an excellent job working to prevent and cure ovarian cancer, and to improve the quality of life for survivors."
"My sister Susan Tullo was diagnosed with uterine cancer last November," said Scully. "Had we not been aware of some of the early warning signs, she might not be with us today," Scully said.
According to the NOCC, there is no early detection test for ovarian cancer; consequently, most cases are diagnosed in their later stages. More that 20,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian caner each year, and approximately 15,000 women die annually from the disease. The NOCC also partners with Stand Up 2 Cancer to research genetic sequencing and DNA repair therapies.
"We hope our fundraising efforts will assist the NOCC so they can continue the work of these researchers and help to make more women be aware of the early signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer," Scully said.
September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and Scully has several more charity events planned including a "Girl's Night Out at the Salon, 544 S. Roselle Road, in Schaumburg, and two dine to donate nights at Moretti's Ristorante & Pizzaria and at Granite City Food & Brewery. The final donation to the NOCC will be made on Friday, Sept. 30.
Scully announced that next year's Ride for Hope will be on Sunday, July 30, 2017, supported by and beginning at the Fox River Harley-Davidson, in St. Charles, and ending at St. Peter Lutheran Church. Pastor Jerry Hayes, from St. Peter's will once again bless the bikes and riders before they head out.
For information about ovarian cancer visit www.rideforhopeil.org.
To join the 2017 Ride for Hope, or to make a donation, email ocrideforhope2015@gmail.com.