First, we can make ourselves informed. Next week we will take a look at breast cancer, the most common cancer in women in the United States, and early detection strategies.

Secondly, we can get involved – like in a fundraising ride for the Lance Armstrong Livestrong  Foundation and Charleston charities involved in the fight against cancer.

The inaugural Jerry Zucker Ride for Hope bike ride will be held Oct. 26 at Blackbaud Stadium on Daniel Island. The family of the late philanthropist, Jerry Zucker, who passed away in April from cancer, has signed on as the naming sponsor.

The race includes a 100K (62 miles), 30-mile and family-oriented five-mile bike ride.

Founder and Ride Director, Dawson Cherry has personally been affected by cancer. His father passed away from liver cancer this past February. He has also lost a grandfather and grandmother; his mother has survived it.

As Cherry has competed in triathlons for a long time, he saw the need for a ride with a purpose. He applied for a grassroots sponsorship with Lance Armstrong (LiveStrong) back in August 2007 and was well-received by the organization and established a 501c3.

He saw a need for a Ride for Hope in Charleston and got together a ride committee and group of friends to make it happen.

Cherry, who rides five to six times a week, said that it is time to ride for someone else.

He got affiliated with the Zucker family through his bike riding buddy, Joe Calandra, who is friends with the Zucker family

“We need to remember the people who passed- Jerry [Zucker] this year and whoever it might be next year,” he said.

“Cancer is a very personal thing and when you know someone, you start to understand it,” Cherry said.

He commented that the great thing is that they can distribute money raised locally to charities in the area.

One local charity getting involved is Share our Suzy (SOS), a nonprofit formed in honor of Suzy McGrane who lost her battle with cancer in 2005. The organization is dedicated to providing support for South Carolina cancer patients.

SOS board member John Buxton said he wanted to get involved when he found out that the money raised from the bike ride would stay in the community. Cancer has personally hit Buxton’s loved ones: both his mother-in-law, Linda Brewton and his aunt, Olivia Smith are breast cancer survivors.

His grandfather, Julian Buxton and his uncle Dr. Julian Buxton, Jr. both passed away from prostate cancer.

Buxton said that the great thing is that people can participate in memory of someone.

“I am riding in memory of my grandfather and uncle and my friend Suzy McGrane, who died of breast cancer. And so hopefully my daughter Lilly, and the children of her generation, never have to worry about finding a cure for cancer,” he said.  

The training plan is on the Web site and it’s not too late to get involved.

(Helen Ravenel can be reached at helen@moultrienews.com. Read more stories online at www.moultrienews.com.)

The Manifesto of the Lance Armstrong Foundation

We believe in life.

Your life.

We believe in living every minute of it with every ounce of your being.

And that you must not let cancer take control of it.

We believe in energy: channeled and fierce.

We believe in focus: getting smart and living strong.

Unity is strength. Knowledge is power. Attitude is everything.

This is the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

We kick in the moment you’re diagnosed.

We help you accept the tears. Acknowledge the rage.

We believe in your right to live without pain.

We believe in information. Not pity.

And in straight, open talk about cancer.

With husbands, wives and partners. With kids, friends and neighbors. And the people you live with, work with, cry and laugh with.

This is no time to pull punches.

You’re in the fight of your life.

We’re about the hard stuff.

Like finding the nerve to ask for a second opinion.

And a third, or a fourth, if that’s what it takes.

We’re about getting smart about clinical trials.

And if it comes to it, being in control of how your life ends.

It’s your life. You will have it your way.

We’re about the practical stuff.

Planning for surviving. Banking your sperm. Preserving your fertility. Organizing your finances. Dealing with hospitals, specialists, insurance companies and employers.

It’s knowing your rights.

It’s your life.

Take no prisoners.

We’re about the fight.

We’re your champion on Capitol Hill. Your advocate with the healthcare system. Your sponsor in the research labs.

And we know the fight never ends.

Cancer may leave your body, but it never leaves your life.

This is the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

Founded and inspired by one of the toughest cancer survivors on the planet.

Jerry Zucker Ride for Hope

What:  A fundraising ride for the Livestrong foundation and area Charleston charities involved in the fight against cancer.

Course: Flat lollipop course with a turnaround at 15 miles for those that are doing the 30 mile ride and a scenic Lowcountry tour of 100k+ flat and nice country roads.

When: Sunday, Oct. 26

Where: Blackbaud Stadium, Daniel Island

Race day schedule:

•6:30-7:45 a.m. Packet Pick Up

(No day of race registration, no exceptions, registration closes Friday Oct. 24 at 5 p.m.           No helmets, no ride.)

•8 a.m.:  100k+ Ride start, the race will start promptly.

•9 a.m.: 30 mile Ride Start

•9:30 a.m.:  Kids/Family Ride

•11 a.m -1 p.m.:  Lunch provided by Sticky Fingers

•1 p.m.: Fundraising Awards, sponsor recognition, and drawings.  Must be present to win.

Check out  www.charlestonrideforhope.com for more information.