Registration Open for Seventh Annual Ovarian Cancer Awareness Ride for Hope
Registration is open for the seventh annual Ride for Hope, a 501(c) (3) ovarian cancer awareness motorcycle ride and celebration, conceived and organized by JuliAnne Scully, a 38-year ovarian cancer survivor and owner of JuliAnne's Hair in Schaumburg, IL.
The 50-mile charity ride, supported by the EMS Roaddocs of Illinois, begins at Woodstock Harley-Davidson, 2235 S. Eastwood Drive, Woodstock, and ends at Niko's Red Mill Tavern, 1040 Lake Ave., Woodstock, on Sunday, June 26. Day-of registration and check-in is from 8-10:30 a.m., with kickstands up at 10:45 a.m.
The after-party, open to riders and nonriders, begins at 1 p.m. and includes live music by Southern Jack, a buffet lunch, silent auctions, box drawings, a split the pot raffle, a $1,200 Chopper Gift Card Raffle, Harley Quilt Raffle, the Teal Marketplace, and a Survivor Tent with the LCMS Comfort Dogs.
Ride for Hope raises funds to help local women with financial hardships from ongoing medical treatment of ovarian cancer, and to support the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition's (NOCC) efforts to save lives through the prevention and cure of ovarian cancer. This year, three ovarian and gynecologic cancer warriors have been selected as Ride for Hope recipients: Aneta from Schaumburg, Erica from Chicago, and Isabella of West Chicago.
"Recipients are nominated, vetted, and chosen based on need," Scully said. "They become part of our TEAL family where no one fights alone."
In 2015, its inaugural year, Ride for Hope raised $25,600. Since then, Ride for Hope has raised a total of $215,574. "What started as a way to help the NOCC create awareness for the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer has grown into a community event - with riders from many clubs and participants from all over the area - to raise money for local women in their fight for survival," Scully said.
2022 sponsors include: The Chicago Law Tigers, Woodstock Harley-Davidson, Nikko's Red Mill Tavern, US Law Shield, RM Woodstock Properties, Horcher's Service, Laser Med Spa, and many more business and individuals who have donated gift cards, raffle items, in-kind services and money to support the cause.
"We have new hosts this year," said Scully. "Woodstock Harley-Davidson, owned by Windy City Motorcycle Company, is very charity-minded, and jumped at the chance to help kickoff the ride. General Manager Doug Jackson and his team are known for creating long-term relationships through their outstanding customer service, and, because they are also riders, they understand charity rides and their importance to worthy causes," Scully said.
Niko's Red Mill Tavern is around the corner from Woodstock Harley, and a favorite place for bikers to enjoy live music and great food.
Owner, Niko Kanakaris said, "We are serving up pulled pork sandwiches, brats, salad, fruit and dessert, while the Ride for Hope supporters enjoy Southern Jack playing hits by ZZ Top, The Marshall Tucker Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers Band, Molly Hatchet, and many more on our outdoor stage."
Scully bought her first bike to celebrate her 25-year cancer-free anniversary.
"To date, there is no early detection test for ovarian cancer," she said, "consequently, most cases are diagnosed in their later stages."
One in 78 women is diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year, and approximately 15,000 women die from the disease annually.
"We understand that the past two years and rising inflation have been a financial drain on everyone. That's why we hope for a great turnout: to ease the financial burdens of our three recipients, celebrate our survivor's anniversaries, and help more women Take Early Action and Live," Scully said.
There are three easy ways to register for the ride and after-party: visit http://rfh22.eventbrite.com, stop in to see JuliAnne at the salon in Schaumburg at 544 S. Roselle Road (Wednesday-Saturday), or call (224) 422-9914. Registration is $30 per person.
To join the 2022 Ride for Hope TEAL family of volunteers, make a donation, or learn important information about the early warning signs of ovarian cancer, visit www.rideforhopeil.org.