advertisement

Ride for Hope raises $30,000 for National Ovarian Cancer Coalition

The third annual Ride for Hope, a 501(c)3 motorcycle ride and celebration raised $30,000 for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, breaking last year's record amount, and bringing the three-year total raised to over $80,000. It is conceived and organized by JuliAnne Scully, owner and operator of JuliAnne's Salon & Spa in Schaumburg.

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.

Five hundred and forty one 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 along 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 caner 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 No. 6 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 is interested in joining the "tealtribe" of volunteers and sponsors, or to make a donation, email JuliAnne Scully at ocrideforhope2015@gmail.com.

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.