Ride for Hope raises $30,000 for ovarian cancer

Posted August 20, 2017 11:00 pm

Submitted by Lisa Haring

It was kickstands up as 307 riders, led by the Illinois State Police and JuliAnne Scully, center, roll out of the Fox River Harley-Davidson dealership lot in St. Charles on the third annual Ride for Hope July 30. Courtesy of Lisa Haring

The third 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 $30,000 for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, breaking last year's record amount and bringing the three-year total raised to more than $80,000.

Three hundred and seven bikers, including Scully and the City Limits H.O.G. Chapter of Palatine, escorted by the Illinois State Police, 12 Cook County Punishers, and the EMS RoadDocs, rolled out of the Fox River Harley-Davidson dealership in St. Charles on Sunday, July 30, for the 80-mile trek.

The ride, designed by Bob Morrison, an officer in the City Limits Chapter, took the bikers through back roads and small towns, including a brief stop at the Woodstock Harley-Davidson dealer and ended at the historic grounds of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Schaumburg for an after party.

Supporters of the Ovarian Cancer Awareness cause then enjoyed live music by Six to Midnight and a buffet including a Head Red's BBQ pig roast and food from Ricardo's Ristorante. Guests also participated in a wine pull; silent and live auctions; visited the Survivor Tent to sign a six-foot teal ribbon; and shopped the Teal Marketplace for 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 30-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 to spread awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer and to help improve the lives of women battling this silent disease," Scully said. "This $30,000 donation will go a long way to increase that awareness and start a dialogue, which we know will save lives."

"And that," Scully said, "is what it's all about!"

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 cancer each year, and approximately 15,000 women die annually from the disease.

Additionally, one in 75 women are at risk for ovarian cancer and Illinois ranks number six in the nation for the most ovarian cancer deaths.

"We could never have had such an amazing day if not for the volunteers, bikers and attendees, sponsors and donors," Scully said. "We were blessed with beautiful weather, a safe, scenic ride, and a fantastic party. We look forward to next year's ride on Sunday, July 29, 2018."

Anyone interested in joining the "tealtribe" of volunteers and sponsors, or to make a donation, email JuliAnne Scully at ocrideforhope2015@gmail.com.

Hal and Rhonda Lasky Norman joined the 2017 Ride for Hope in honor of his sister. Courtesy of Lisa Haring

JuliAnne Scully and George Spencer, who came from Avon Lake, Ohio, to join Ride for Hope. Courtesy of Lisa Haring

Ride for Hope motorcyclists, led by JuliAnne Scully, return to St. Peter's after the 80-mile ride to raise awareness for ovarian cancer July 30. Courtesy of Lisa Haring

City Limits Chapter (H.O.G.) of Palatine Courtesy of Lisa Haring

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