A note from the 2020 Solar Bears:
If you’re reading this, then you have supported in some way in past years the Solar Bears Ride for Cancer Services. And for that, we have been (and remain) eternally grateful.
Like the rest of the world, we all have the same question as you: Is 2020 done with us yet? In these uncertain times – show of hands, who’s tired of that phrase? – it goes without saying that coronavirus has taken a bite out of everyone and everything. Cancer Services is no exception, either.
In the first six months of 2020, Cancer Services has
- Made over 52,000 contacts to support 4,000 cancer survivors and their families in our community. This is an increase of 14% more contacts/services and 34% more clients over the same period in 2019.
- Additionally, the Patient Advocate Team secured and provided over 62 million dollars in resources provided to our clients. This represents an 89% increase compared to the first six months of 2019.
Recognizing the need, we’d planned on a more inclusive total overhaul of the Solar Bears Ride. Instead of the usual 3-day marathon ride to the coast, we’d decided on an all-day community ride in the Bermuda Run neighborhood in which individuals (and teams) could ride as few or as many laps as they’d like at any speed on any bike they’d choose with a modest pledge. One or 500 laps around a scenic, traffic-safe route, followed by a thank you cook-out, the obligatory t-shirt and live music at the Bermuda Run Town Hall gazebo. Mayor Rick Cross and the Town Council heard back in winter the pitch. They could see that we’re rank amateurs but well-meaning, and endorsed the idea. Then, coronavirus. So here we are.
We’ve decided to go ahead with it, just on a smaller scale. A handful of Solar Bear riders will pitch tents like 10-year-olds on a sleepover and ride laps for 24 hours beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, September 11th. It’ll be different, but fun. We will post continuous updates, with photo and video evidence, on Facebook throughout the ride – Cancer Services page and Ken’s Bike Shop page, as well.
If you would like to support our journey, donate here. Thank you again for your continued support.
The Solar Bears 2020 (and Beyond)
