Ride for Hope ovarian cancer awareness charity ride raises $30,000
The sixth 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.
Proceeds will benefit this year's nominated recipient, a West Chicago woman and her family, and the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition's Faces of Hope Program.
Bikers, riders and ovarian cancer survivors from across the country, including Melissa Aucoin, CEO of the NOCC, escorted by the Cook County Sheriffs, Kane County Sheriffs, the Chicago West Chapter Punishers, the Brothers of Liberty, the Sentinel Souls and the EMS Roaddocs of Illinois, who provided medical support on the route, all rolled out of Wintrust Field in Schaumburg on Sunday, Aug. 8, for the 45-mile ride.
Designed by Ed Cook, the ride took the bikers through parts of Schaumburg, Hanover Park, Elgin and South Elgin, as far as Burlington Road, before returning to the stadium for an after-party.
"Motorcycle riders always say, 'Loud pipes save lives,'" said Scully, "and, in this case, the deafening roar of these bikes called attention to this silent, deadly disease."
Due to restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2019 ride was canceled; however, fundraising efforts continued during the past year that helped to spread awareness of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer and contributed to the overall grand total.
"Monies raised help offset the medical cost of treatment and recovery for our recipient, as well as benefit the NOCC's Faces of Hope Program, which creates kits that provide information, hope and support for those facing a diagnosis of ovarian cancer," Scully said.
Ride for Hope is an official partner of the NOCC, and Scully is on the board of directors.
"It takes amazing, selfless volunteers, generous sponsors and supporters, and hundreds of man hours to reach our goal," she said.
Guests at the after-party dined on hand-held foods donated by Fat Rosie's Taco & Tequila Bar of Schaumburg, Franco's Cucina of Streamwood, Firehouse Dogs of Schaumburg, Vienna Beef, and Lou Malnati's, and participated in more fundraising at a silent auction; 100-box drawing; gift card chopper raffle; and a 50/50 split the pot drawing.
A 37-year, stage-three ovarian cancer survivor, Scully founded Ride for Hope in 2015, which has raised more than $155,000, to date.
According to the NOCC, there is no early detection test for ovarian cancer; consequently, most cases are diagnosed in their later stages. Ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women, and only 15% of all cases diagnosed are stage one.
More than 20,000 women are newly diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year, and approximately 15,000 women die annually from the disease.
Additionally, one in 75 women is at risk for ovarian cancer, and Illinois ranks No. 6 in the nation for the most ovarian cancer deaths. Symptoms include pain in the abdomen and pelvis, bloating, indigestion, nausea, change in bowel habits, abdominal fullness, fatigue, weight loss and loss of appetite.
"The NOCC is committed to raising awareness about ovarian cancer and educating every woman in America about this disease. We are grateful to Ride for Hope as they continue to help us fulfill our mission to help save women's lives," Aucoin said.
"We will be accepting nominations for ovarian cancer patients who need financial assistance beginning this year in September, which is National Ovarian Cancer month. The nomination form is on our website, www.rideforhopeil.org,"Scully said.
To get involved with Ride for Hope, make a donation, or learn more about ovarian cancer, visit www.rideforhopeil.org.
Anyone interested in joining the "teal tribe" of volunteers and sponsors can contact JuliAnne Scully at ocrideforhope2015@gmail or on Facebook at Ride for Hope - Schaumburg, where events, parties and fundraisers for the coming year will be listed. The 2022 Ride for Hope is scheduled for June 26, leaving from Woodstock Harley-Davidson on a 65-mile ride, with an after-party at Nikkos Red Mill Tavern in Woodstock.