Independence Day: Lemon Ride to Benefit Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer
I remember, when I was 5 or 6, getting my first real bike. The day the training wheels came off and I could ride as far as my legs would take me. It was the ultimate freedom; I rode off without a care.
My daughter Lily is 6 and she is not quite able to ride a bike–training wheels or not. Lily will learn. But, like everything in Lily’s life, it will take three times as long as other kids. Lily was diagnosed with a brain tumor at 14 months old.
Following surgery to remove the tumor, Lily had to reteach herself to sit up, roll over, crawl, stand and cruise. She had extensive physical therapy to learn how to walk and finally did, at 3 1/2 years old. She ran, last Fall, for the first time, chasing a soccer ball and laughing. That was her first taste of freedom on her own two feet.
Someday, Lily will leave me in the dust; just like she’s left cancer in the dust. Everyday there are 36 children diagnosed with some form of childhood cancer. Everyday, these children loose little bits of their independence, of their freedom. Research dollars for childhood cancer do not exist at the same magnitude as dollars for adult cancer. But Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer is working to change that. To date, the charity was raised over $50 million dollars for childhood cancer research.
Alex’s will host the first annual Lemon Ride Bicycle Tour on Sunday, July 22,2012 at 9 am. The event, which will take place in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, invites cyclists of all calibers to contribute to the battle against childhood cancer by biking a 12, 26 or 50 mile course. The family friendly event will also include children’s activities at the start/finish.
Cycling enthusiasts and all supporters of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation are invited to participate or attend the fun event that will start and finish at Central Bucks – West High School. Along with the course lengths offered for various ability levels, and children’s activities, vendors will be set up with samples of the latest cycling products, giveaways as well as a raffle for a brand new Fuji bike. Registration is $65 per person for those 12 years and older, and $35 per person for under 12 years. Lunch, snacks and a limited edition t-shirt will be provided. Rest stops and SAG support are provided throughout the ride.
The day’s festivities will span from the 9 am start time until 1 pm. The bike tour will not be viewed as a race, but instead a ride through the area to raise funds for all kids with cancer. Prizes will be awarded to the top fundraisers. Participants are encouraged to form teams and fundraise prior to the event.
In addition to the Lemon Ride and Foundation’s annual Lemon Run 5K (slated for Sunday, November 11, 2012), the Foundation has introduced an athletic arm, Team Lemon, for athletes across the country. Team Lemon invites athletes of all calibers to make a difference as they run, bike or swim to reach their personal athletic goals and simultaneously help kids with cancer. Together, we can all leave cancer in the dust.
For more information on The Lemon Ride, to volunteer, register or become a sponsor, visit AlexsLemonade.org/LemonRide.
Trish’s daughter Lily, the sweetest most charming little 6-year-old, is a brain cancer survivor and Lily and the Adkins family do all they can to raise awareness and money for Alex’s Lemonade. This year Lily’s Lemonade Stand raised over $10,000.00. You can donate here
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