Bikes form a Teal Ribbon in honor of ovarian cancer at the second annual Ride for Hope Bike Blessing
Dozens of bikers, volunteers, survivors and friends of the Ride for Hope Ovarian Cancer Awareness charity organization gathered to kick off the 2024 motorcycle season on May 4 with their annual Bike Blessing at St. Peter Church in Schaumburg.
Senior Pastor Jerry Hayes joined with the Teal Tribe and offered prayers to keep all the riders safe on the road this year.
“May the Lord watch over you, and may he give you his guidance, protection and care,” Hayes said.
After the photo and blessing, everyone enjoyed music from “Live Pete” and DJWRCKS.IT, and faire from local food trucks including Chico’z tacos, Italian street food, smash burgers and beverages from Beerhead Bar & Eatery in the picnic grove. This event is an important part of the charity's year-round work to spread awareness and raise funds to support local women battling ovarian cancer.
This and other fundraisers will culminate in the ninth annual Ride for Hope on July 14.
Registration is open for the 50-mile escorted charity ride which begins and ends at Moretti’s Ristorante and Pizzeria, 1175 W. Lake St., in Bartlett. Support during the ride will be provided by the EMS RoadDocs; LAMA, the Latin American Motorcycle Association, in Winfield; and the Punishers Chicago West.
Event registration, eventbrite.com/e/9th-annual-ride-for-hope-ovarian-cancer-tickets-823295317457?aff=erelexpmlt) which is $35, includes a Ride for Hope T-shirt, breakfast and the after-party. Day-of registration is $40 and open from 8-10 a.m., at Moretti’s, with kickstands up at 10:30 a.m.
Riders and nonriders are welcome at the after-party, from 1-4 p.m., that features the Moretti’s lunch and dessert buffet, live music by Bronson Rock, a silent auction, box drawings, a Teal Chopper Gift Card raffle, a Split the Pot raffle, the Teal Marketplace, a wine and bourbon pull, the Survivor’s Tent with LMS Comfort Dogs, an opportunity to sign the life-size teal survivor ribbons and vendors to browse and shop.
Ride for Hope raises funds to help local women who have financial hardships from ongoing medical treatment for their ovarian cancer and support the Midwest programs of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC). This year three women from the area have been nominated, vetted, and will receive financial assistance to aid in their efforts to fight ovarian cancer.
Information about the 50-mile motorcycle ride and other ways you can support Ride for Hope are on their website: RideForHopeIL.org.