MEMPHIS, TENN., Sept. 16, 2025 — The Ride 2 Rosemary® cycling team, a group of more than 70 men who cycle to raise money for West Cancer Foundation, will kick off its 15th annual 525-mile journey from Germantown, Tenn., to Rosemary Beach, Fla., on Saturday, Oct. 4. The group will cycle more than 100 miles per day over five days to help fund free cancer-related services for those in need throughout the Mid-south. The free services include breast and prostate cancer screenings, transportation to and from cancer treatment, mental health counseling, wigs, and post-surgery garments and prostheses. West Cancer Foundation works with all cancer patients, regardless of where they are being treated, to provide these services free of charge.
To date, Ride 2 Rosemary has raised more than $2.6 million for these free services. Those wishing to donate can do so at https://give.classy.org/R2R25.
Ride 2 Rosemary was started in 2011 when one of the founders was going through some personal challenges in his life and wanted to do something big to help with his mental, emotional and physical health. He decided to ride his bicycle to the beach and, in the process, raise money for a good cause. Eight other men showed their support that year and joined him on the journey, with all proceeds going to what is now West Cancer Foundation.
“We are so honored to be part of this incredible event and to know these amazing men who commit such time, energy and passion to help people in their cancer journey,” said West Cancer Foundation President Leighanne Soden. “This isn’t just a five-day, grueling bike ride. They have to train for much of the year and give up time with their families in order to help others. Their sacrifice and dedication—not to mention the unwavering bond and brotherhood they share—is truly inspirational. It’s a joy to celebrate 15 years with them and to honor the thousands of cancer patients whose lives they’ve improved.”
Ride 2 Rosemary founder Keith Merriman is still amazed by the growth and impact of the event. “When we first started Ride 2 Rosemary with nine riders, we had no idea what it would become,” said Merriman. “What began as a simple idea to help a friend has grown into something much larger than any of us could have imagined, and we realized early on that this wasn’t something to hold onto—it needed to be shared.” This year, Merriman has the joy of having all three of his sons involved—one will ride with him and the other two will be in support positions. “The most powerful part of this journey is knowing it’s not about us. It’s about God’s involvement and the way this ride has impacted so many lives.”
The Ride 2 Rosemary cycling team will depart at approximately 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, from West Cancer Center located at 7945 Wolf River Boulevard in Germantown, Tenn. The route will take the cycling team and their support crew from Germantown through Tupelo, Miss., and Tuscaloosa, Selma and Andalusia, Ala. before arriving at Rosemary Beach, Fla. on Wednesday, Oct. 8.
The 2025 Ride 2 Rosemary is presented by International Paper with support from Pitchfork Farm, LSI Graphics, Boyle Investment Company, West Cancer Center & Research Institute, Ashley Home Store, Jerry and Margot Ladd, and Kim and Johnny Pitts.
About West Cancer Foundation
West Cancer Foundation is dedicated to advance the fight against cancer by providing free patient resources to improve treatment and recovery, early detection and education to reduce critical cancer
outcomes, and community-based research to improve health inequities. The Memphis-based nonprofit was founded in 2020 and is committed to developing collaborative partnerships and innovative patient-centered initiatives that remove barriers to cancer care. For more information, visit westcancerfoundation.org.
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