Chappaqua cyclists raise over $7000 for Lung Cancer Alliance

July 9, 2010
by Judy Ward

July Fourth may have come close to breaking a temperature record, but that did not deter over 60 Chappaqua bicyclists from enjoying either a 15 or 30-mile ride among the rolling hills of Dutchess County in the fourth annual bike-a-thon for Lung Cancer Alliance.  Upon completion of the ride, cyclists were greeted with a tray of cool sliced watermelon.  This refreshing palate-pleaser was followed by a buffet lunch in the big barn at beautiful Meadowland Farm.  As in past years, it proved to be a day filled with camaraderie, fun and great exercise.  Participants in the bike-a-thon raised over $7000, all of which went directly to Lung Cancer Alliance.

The Organizing Committee – Debbie Turner, Michele Kraushaar, Judy Ward, Lynn Leventhal and Carson Woods – originally conceived the bike-a-thon in 2007 in the wake of the loss of their dear friend (and Carson’s wife) Ann Woods to lung cancer.  The first event was a huge success, drawing over 80 participants.  The Chappaqua community poured their support into the effort as a way to commemorate the life of their friend and fellow Chappaqua resident.  In each of the subsequent years over 50 people have participated.

Many familiar faces return every year, and each time some new participants have joined the festivities.  The organizers strive to build the event in future years to include more participants and to increase the amount of money raised for this important, yet underfunded cause.  Debbie Potash-Turner, who lost her mother to lung cancer, identified Lung Cancer Alliance as the recipient of the funds because of their tireless work in lung cancer support and advocacy.

Lung Cancer Alliance is the only national non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to patient support and advocacy for people living with lung cancer or those at risk for the disease.  Lung Cancer Alliance is committed to leading the movement to reverse decades of stigma and neglect by empowering those with or at risk for the disease, elevating awareness and changing health policy.  To make a donation, log on to lungcanceralliance.org.

Video Link: http://www.ncctv.org/index.php?option=com_expose&Itemid=64&album=29