News
Pan Ohio Hope Ride to Cycle Through the State for Hope Lodges
The American Cancer Society announces the return of the Pan Ohio Hope Ride, a noncompetitive Cleveland to Cincinnati cycling tour that will raise money and awareness for the Society's Hope Lodges in Ohio and support programs for cancer patients. Following the successful inaugural Hope Ride in 2007, this year's tour will depart the Cleveland Hope Lodge the morning of Thursday, August 7 and arrive at the Cincinnati Hope Lodge about 300 miles later on Sunday, August 10.
"The Pan Ohio Hope Ride will allow cyclists of any skill level, from casual to competitive, to join an upscale cycling tour and fight cancer at the same time," said Don McClure, chief executive officer of the American Cancer Society, Ohio Division, Inc. "The Hope Ride will benefit services such as our Hope Lodges in Cleveland and Cincinnati, which provide comfortable, supportive, no-cost places to stay for cancer patients and caregivers who must travel to those two cities for treatment."
This year's ride will have overnight stops at the College of Wooster on August 7, Otterbein College in Westerville on Aug. 8 and Wittenberg University in Springfield on Aug. 9. Cyclists will travel 60-90 miles per day. A preliminary list of cities on the route is below. Cyclists and rest stop volunteers alike can sign up for the event by visiting www.cancer.org/hoperide or calling 888-227-6446 ext. 4211.
"As a cyclist myself, I've been looking forward to this year's Hope Ride ever since I crossed the emotional finish line in Cincinnati last year," said Dennis Hoffer, a volunteer co-chair from Columbus whose son-in-law was diagnosed with three cancers. "The American Cancer Society puts on a top-notch cycling event, providing riders with everything from food and drinks to support vehicles and on-site massages. With the quality of last year's tour, we're expecting this year's group to be much bigger."
Hoffer said many cyclists in last year's tour saw parts of Ohio that they didn't even know existed.
"When this year's 'Hope Riders' return to work on Aug. 11 and their coworkers ask them what they did over the weekend, they'll be able to say, 'I rode my bike from Cleveland to Cincinnati to fight cancer!' It's a big thrill."
In 2007 the first-ever Pan Ohio Hope Ride attracted 58 riders from six states. These first-year "Pioneer Riders" raised $89,000 for the two Hope Lodges.
Participating cyclists pledge to raise a $150 entry fee and $2,500 in pledges to join the ride. They also have the option to raise $500 to participate in one day of the tour. Both teams and individuals are welcome. The Pan Ohio Hope Ride Web site includes many fund-raising tips.
American Cancer Society Hope Lodges exist in 24 cities in the U.S., including Cincinnati and Cleveland, to provide comfortable, supportive, no-cost lodging to adult cancer patients who must travel to those cities for treatment. In 2007 alone, the two Ohio lodges provided about 10,000 room-nights to cancer patients and their caregivers, saving them about $1.5 million during financially difficult times. Guests from nearly all of Ohio's 88 counties have visited one of Ohio's two Hope Lodges. Learn more about the Joseph S. & Jeannette M. Silber Cleveland Hope Lodge at www.cancer.org/clevelandhopelodge. The Cincinnati Hope Lodge Web site is at www.cancer.org/cincinnatihopelodge.
The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives from cancer and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. For more information anytime, call toll free 800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
2008 Tour
Thursday, August 7: Cleveland, River, Brunswick, Medina, Seville, Sterling, Madisonburg, Wooster
Friday, August 8: Wooster, Fredericksburg, Millersburg, Brinkhaven, Mt. Vernon, Galena, Westerville
Saturday, August 9: Westerville, Dublin, Catawba, Springfield
Sunday, August 10: Springfield, Yellow Springs, Xenia, Spring Valley, Milford, Cincinnati