MEMPHIS, TENN., September 19, 2023 – On Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, the Ride 2 RosemarySM team of 65 cyclists will depart on their annual five-day, 525-mile journey from Germantown, Tenn., to Rosemary Beach, Fla., to raise money to provide free cancer-related services to those in need in Memphis. The event benefits West Cancer Foundation which provides free breast screenings, free transportation to and from oncology appointments, free post-mastectomy garments and prostheses, free wigs, and free lymphedema compression garments. West Cancer Foundation works with all healthcare providers in Memphis to support cancer care and prevention.
The cyclists will ride more than 100 miles per day over the five-day journey. They train all year long with group and individual rides as well as other cycling events throughout the city, and even across the country or globe depending on the rider, to build up pace and endurance skills. This is the 13th year for the cycling fundraiser, which began with nine riders in 2011. Those wishing to donate can do so at this link: https://give.classy.org/R2R23.
“The physical endurance of the cyclists is beyond impressive, but the enduring commitment to raise money to provide free cancer services to those in need in our community is what is truly heroic,” said West Cancer Foundation Executive Director Leighanne Soden. “These men train all year long to give it their all and raise much needed funds for those who are underinsured or uninsured. Our goal is to ensure that everybody, regardless of resources, has access to compassionate cancer care.”
The Ride 2 Rosemary cycling team will depart at approximately 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, 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, October 4.
Ride 2 Rosemary originated in 2011 when one of the founders was going through some challenges in his life. His vision was to start a new chapter of his life by riding his bicycle to the beach and, in the process, raise money for a good cause. Eight other men showed their support and joined him on the more than 500-mile journey. The nine riders from the very first ride have grown to more than 60 riders today. Over the last 12 years, the group has raised more than $2 million to provide cancer support services in Memphis.
International Paper is the presenting sponsor for this event, and other sponsors include Pitchfork Farm, Boyle Investment Company, West Cancer Center & Research Institute, LSI Graphics and Rosemary Beach Cottage Rental Company.
About West Cancer Foundation
West Cancer Foundation is dedicated to advance the fight against cancer by providing 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.
Media Contact
Lori Guyton
lori@onbrandcommunications.com
901-277-6066
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