Seventh annual A Reason To Ride slated for Sept. 7

DANVERS ? The seventh annual A Reason To Ride presented by Fuddruckers will be held on Sunday, Sept. 7 at 8 a.m. at Liberty Tree Mall in Danvers.A Reason to Ride, an annual bike-a-thon through the North Shore, raises critical funds for cancer care and research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.Last year more than 250 cyclists rode 10, 25 or 50 miles through the North Shore towns of Danvers, Wenham, Ipswich, Essex, Gloucester and Topsfield, raising more than $80,000.Each year, the ride draws an increasing number of riders, participants and supporters and has surpassed its ambitious fundraising goals.?This year’s ride is even more special, because my cancer has returned and I am currently undergoing treatment,” said Tom DesFosses, a survivor of brain cancer and the founder of A Reason to Ride. “Times are difficult, but with the support of my wife, Judy, close friend Bob Barry, Dr. Eric Wong, and numerous friends, family and medical staff, we persevere. We live each day to its fullest. All the money raised goes directly to research at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, but it also helps provide care to people and families each year who cope with one of the most horrendous illnesses in the world. I am proud of this race, and as they say, ?the race must go on.'”Diagnosed with primary CNS lymphoma, a cancerous brain tumor, DesFosses credits Wong and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center with saving his life. This year’s ride is dedicated to Wong and his continued work in cancer care and research.In 2007, DesFosses, with the support of his family and friends, rode his bike over 750 miles across New England to raise funds for Wong’s Brain Tumor Fund. The following year, he felt he could make his ride into something bigger and started A Reason to Ride, now in its seventh year. The charity helps support other cancer areas within Beth Israel.Since 2008, A Reason to Ride has raised more than $500,000, with 100 percent of the funds going directly to cancer care and research.Registration is $25 per child, $75 per adult and $150 per family to benefit cancer care and research at Beth Israel. The family-friendly event also features a trike-a-thon for kids, a Fuddruckers cookout, raffles, music and more.Support for the ride also comes from NOVACURE, EBSCO, The Print House, Jungle Prints, Liberty Tree Mall, Herb Chambers Auto Dealerships, Peoples Bank of Danvers, Starbucks, Beverly Cycles, Dick’s Sporting Goods, O’Neill’s Authentic Irish Pub & Restaurant, Woody’s Cyclery, Garden City Pub, EBSCO Information Services and Dunkin’ Donuts. To become a sponsor or make contributions, call or email Tom DesFosses at [email protected] http://www.firstgiving.com/areasontoride/2014 to register for this year’s ride.