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TdC emcee Roger Worthington
interviewing Karsten Hagen,
a 43 year old prostate
cancer survivor. One year after
his prostatectomy, Mr. Hagen
feels great and has
even improved his performance
in the time trial.
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On
a brilliant day with alternating sunny blue skies and rumbling thunderstorms,
the 8th annual Tour Des Chutes sent a strong message that, when it comes to
surviving cancer, you are not alone.
Over
1,400 riders, from 16 states and ranging from age 2 to 93, pinned their numbers
on and rode from 8 to 100 miles for somebody they know who has cancer or died
from it. It was a picture perfect day, with the majestic snow capped Cascade
Mountain Range as the soaring backdrop.
The riders rode with a purpose: as in life, there were moments of
reverence, a time to put the head down and grind away, and those special
moments when the exuberance could barely be contained.
The
TdC has come a long way in a short time. The Pacific Meso Center is proud to be
a yellow jersey sponsor for the fourth year in a row. Last year, the TdC raised
over $100,000, a record many thought would be tough to break. But this year,
thanks to the generous support of sponsors like the PMC, the TdC exceeded
expectations by raising over $125,000.
Since
the TdC is an all volunteer effort, the lion share of that net revenue goes
directly to a cancer survivorship at the St. Charles Medical Center in Bend,
Oregon. St. Charles provides cancer treatment as well as a bevy of useful
support programs for both patients and their loved ones. A few of the these programs include a monthly
DEFEAT cancer dinner, a Young Adult Survivor Network (age 18-40), the Soaring
Spirits Camp (a fun retreat for children at nearby Suttle Lake), Nurse
Navigators, Cancer and the Arts, and the Support Sisters and Brothers network,
a mentorship program that matches one year survivor "veterans" with
newly diagnosed patients.
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Every finisher was greeted by a
throng of supporters who
jubiliantly clanged their cowbells.
Cancer survivors got a special
treat - a beautiful yellow
rose. Over 100 of the
1400 participants were
cancer survivors.
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On
a day filled with joy, laughter, music, food and good old fashioned exercise
induced salty sweat, there was unfortunately one dark cloud. The man who
hatched the idea at his kitchen table with a few friends in 2004, Gary
Bonacker, himself a brain tumor survivor, was forced to sit this years' event
out. Gary was struck by a seizure a few days earlier and hospitalized. Dozens of friends wore a picture of Gary on
their jersey to show their love and support for this incredibly strong,
resilient and inspiring pillar of the community. We wish him (another) speedy recovery.
The
organizers have reason to feel optimistic. The trend is upward and to the
right. Ridership is up. The volunteer army is swelling. The organization gets
crisper every year. The food and beverages are always top notch, as are the
musicians who provide the upbeat entertainment. Several titans from the medical
and pharmaceutical worlds have taken notice of this up and coming fundraiser in
Central Oregon. Next year, we hope we
can report not only more riders, but also more sponsorship money. None of it would be possible without the
leadership of Gary and his devoted crew of directors and volunteers.
Thanks
to everybody who helped make the 8th Annual Tour Des Chutes the best one ever.
Cheers!
RGW
7/15/2012
