Eighth annual Ride for Hope Ovarian Cancer Awareness Charity Ride Raises $40,000
Margaret Meade once said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, concerned citizens can change the world."
The eighth annual Ride for Hope, a 501(c)(3) ovarian cancer awareness motorcycle ride and celebration, conceived and organized by Julianne Scully, a 39-year ovarian cancer survivor and owner of JuliAnne's Hair, Inc., in Roselle, raised $40,000 to benefit four ovarian cancer recipients: Cody from Palatine, Rosie from Elgin, Lisa from Countryside and Lyn from Carpentersville, as well as to support the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) Midwest Region.
"Nine years ago, our goal was to help the NOCC promote awareness of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, a deadly disease that claims the lives of over 15,000 women annually. Now, Ride for Hope has grown into an annual community event - with riders from many clubs and participants from all over the area, who ride rain or shine- to raise money for local women in their fight for survival," Scully said.
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.
Sixty-five bikers road in the cold, rainy weather on the 45-mile charity ride, through winding roads in Cook, Kane and DuPage counties, escorted by the Cook County Sheriff's Office. The Kane County Sheriff's Office, the village of Wayne Police Department, the Kane County OEM, and the St. Charles OEM provided traffic control. Route support was provided by the Chicago Punishers West, the Winfield Latin American Motorcycle Association (LAMA), the Elgin Latin American Motorcycle Association (LAMA), and City Limits Palatine HOG. The EMS RoadDocs of Illinois provided medical support, which fortunately was not needed.
"One of the amazing things about the Ride for Hope community is that it enables us to welcome and help those we couldn't as individuals," Scully said. "When we pool our resources and our strengths, share the work and responsibilities, we can help so many more people, and we look forward to growing our efforts in 2024."
The motorcycle route, designed by Bob Morrison, began at Moretti's Restaurant, 1175 W. Lake St., in Bartlett, on Sunday, June 11, with a bike blessing by Pastor Jerry Hays of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Schaumburg, who also rode and the singing of the national anthem led by Bob W. of Burlington. Riders were welcomed back by the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and the 350 people who joined the bikers for the after-party.
"We are incredibly grateful to everyone who came out to support this lifesaving event that raises money and awareness for ovarian cancer, and to help our four recipients with their financial difficulties," Scully said. Monies raised help the recipients with costs not covered by insurance such as clinical trials, prescriptions, and experimental procedures, as well as their lost wages and daily expenses.
Guests at the after-party dined on Moretti's pulled pork sandwiches, hamburgers, mostaccioli, salad, fruit and dessert, and enjoyed the Nick Bell Band. Attendees participated in fundraising at a silent auction of more than 60 items; a raffle to win a 2012 Heritage Softail Classic, donated by the family of Linda "Jo" Giovannoni, the co-founder and publisher of Harley Women's magazine, who lost her battle with cancer last year, (won by Bert I. of McHenry); 80 box-drawings; a gift card chopper raffle worth $1,375, (won by Gerry M. of Schaumburg); a hand-made Harley-Davidson quilt raffle, (won by Nancy M. of Arlington Heights); and a 50/50 split the pot drawing (won by Jim Z. of Huntley).
"We always hope for a great turn-out, we hope for community and business support, and we hope for good weather, because hope is what keeps our recipients and their support teams going. We ride to share awareness of this silent, deadly cancer," Scully said. "It takes amazing, selfless volunteers, generous sponsors and supporters, and hundreds of man-hours to reach our goal."
Scully's Teal Tribe includes many sponsors, businesses, individuals and volunteers. This year's Teal Business Sponsors include: The Chicago Law Tigers, US Law Shield, Magnolia's Weddings and Events, and Dazzles Salon & Spa. The CMA of Palatine, Black Sheep HDFC Wheaton Chapter, the City Limits HOG Chapter of Palatine, and the Route 66 HOG Chapter in Countryside provided great support the day of the event.
"We appreciate the businesses and individuals who work all year long soliciting gift cards, raffle items, in-kind services, and money to support the cause."
To get involved with Ride for Hope, donate 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.