Ride for Hope raises record $35,000 for ovarian cancer
The fifth 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 $35,000 this year for two local women and the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition Faces of Hope Program.
More than 300 bikers, including Scully, 14 ovarian cancer survivor passengers from across the country and Dr. Meredith Mitstifer, president, National Ovarian Cancer Coalition board of directors, escorted by Master Sergeant Gregory Minx and three Illinois State Police, the Medinah Shriners Motor Corps bikers, the Chicago West Chapter of the Punishers, and the EMS Roaddocs of Illinois rolled out of Schaumburg Boomers Stadium Sunday, July 28, for the 50-plus mile scenic ride.
The ride, designed by John Sweeney, head road captain of Lake Shore HOG chapter, took the bikers through Schaumburg, Streamwood, Hoffman Estates and Barrington, returning to Boomers Stadium for an after- party.
Nearly 800 supporters of the Ovarian Cancer Awareness cause, including the City Limits HOG chapter, the Lake Shore HOG chapter, the Route 66 III HOG chapter, and PONO (Property of No One Chapter), then enjoyed live music by Hillbilly Rockstarz and a family-style picnic with food donated by Miller's Ale House, Head's Red BBQ, Sammy's Mexican Grill and Bar, Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, The Village Tavern & Grill, Deli For You Fresh Market of Crystal Lake, and Nothing Bundt Cakes.
Guests also participated in fundraising events, including a wine cork pull, a silent auction, 100-box drawing, and a 50/50 split the pot drawing. Survivors and family members signed two, 6-foot teal ribbons, pet the Comfort Dogs, visited sponsor tents, and shopped the Teal Marketplace for T-shirts, pins, jewelry and more.
Scully is a 34-year, Stage 3 ovarian cancer survivor.
"I founded Ride for Hope to spread awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer and to help improve the lives of women battling this silent disease. This is the second year we are offering some financial assistance directly to women in my community," Scully said.
"We posted a nomination form on our website and selected two women nominated by their friends and family. Monies raised will help offset the medical cost of treatment and recovery, as well as benefit the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition's Faces of Hope Tote program, which is designed to create kits to provide information, hope and support for those facing a diagnosis of ovarian cancer."
Ride for Hope is an official partner of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition.
"New research leading to better treatment is happening with the help of fundraising efforts and increasing awareness of the symptoms," said Dr. Carolyn Kirshner, who treated Scully more than 30 years ago.
Melissa Aucoin, CEO of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, agreed
"The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition is committed to raising awareness about ovarian cancer and educating every woman in America about this disease. We are grateful to Ride for Hope as they continue to help us fulfill our mission to help save women's lives."
According to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, 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, and only 15% of all cases diagnosed are stage one. More than 20,000 women are newly diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year, and approximately 15,000 women die annually from the disease. Additionally, one in 75 women is at risk for ovarian cancer, and Illinois ranks No. 6 in the nation for the most ovarian cancer deaths.
"This was the most inspiring, emotional, and rewarding fundraising we have done to date. I am looking forward to growing our mission with new sponsors, donations and volunteers for our sixth annual ride and after-party in September of 2020," Scully said.
"September is National Ovarian Cancer Month. We will be accepting nominations for ovarian cancer patients, who need some financial assistance, beginning this year in September. The nomination form is on our website, www.rideforhopeil.org," Scully said.
To get involved with Ride for Hope, make a donation, or learn about the early warning signs 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 upcoming events, parties, and fundraisers are also listed.