Ride for Hope raises funds for ovarian cancer patients

Posted May 17, 2021 11:00 pm

Submitted by Lisa Haring

Registration is open for the sixth annual Ride for Hope, a 501(c)3 ovarian cancer motorcycle ride and celebration, escorted by the Illinois State Police and medically supported by the EMS Roaddocs of Illinois.

The 65-mile charity ride starts and ends at the Wintrust Stadium, formerly Boomers Stadium and Alexian Field, home of the Schaumburg Boomers, 1999 S. Springinsguth Road, Sunday, Aug. 8.

Day-of registration and check-in is from 8 to 10 a.m., with kick stands up at 10 a.m. The after-party begins at 12:30 p.m., open to riders and nonriders, and includes music, food and drink, silent and live auctions, and raffles.

Ride for Hope raises funds to help local women with financial hardships from ongoing medical treatment of ovarian cancer, and for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition's "Faces of Hope" program, which provides newly diagnosed women a tote bag of support materials and resources.

This year's Ride for Hope-nominated recipient is a 39-year-old West Chicago woman and mother of three, in her second battle with ovarian cancer.

The fundraiser was conceived and organized in 2015 by JuliAnne Scully, owner/operator of JuliAnne's Salon & Spa in Schaumburg. In its inaugural year, the ride raised $25,600, making it the largest third-party 501(c)3 donation to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition in the U.S. In total, Ride for Hope has donated more than $100,000 to the NOCC.

"In 2019, with the help of our sponsors, contributors, volunteers, bikers and the over 1,000 after-party guests, we raised $42,000 to help four ovarian cancer fighters," Scully said.

"Last year, due to the pandemic, we were unable to gather and ride. This year, we have hit a grand slam with our generous sponsors and are overwhelmed by their kindness and support."

Sponsors, to date, include: Schaumburg Boomers, Fat Rosie's Taco & Tequila Bar in Schaumburg, Rosati's Authentic Chicago Pizza of Carol Stream, Vienna Beef, Firehouse Dogs in Schaumburg, Wintrust Bank, Law Tigers Motorcycle Lawyers, Jewelry & Coin Mart of Schaumburg, Steak Syndicate, and JuliAnne's Salon & Spa.

Scully is a 36-year, stage three ovarian cancer survivor, who bought her first bike to celebrate her 25-year cancer-free anniversary.

"To date, there is no early detection test for ovarian cancer; consequently, most cases are diagnosed in their later stages. One in 78 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year, and approximately 15,000 women die annually from the disease," Scully said.

To register for the ride and after-party, visit RideForHopeOCA2021.eventbrite; stop in Julianne's Salon & Spa, 544 South Roselle Road, in Schaumburg; or call (224) 422-9914. Registration is $30 per person.

All registered receive a goody bag valued at $40, and the first 200 to register receive a free 2021 Ride for Hope T-shirt. The registration fee includes admission to the after-party, food, music, silent and live auctions, raffles, a wine pull and a visit with the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs. The event ends at 4 p.m.

To join the ride, make a donation, or learn about the early warning signs of ovarian cancer, visit rideforhopeil.com.

Hal Norman and his daughter point to his sister's name, Melody Norman, on the 6-foot teal ribbon at the fifth annual Ride for Hope at Wintrust Field. Courtesy of Lisa Haring

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