If you have never heard about the
Cancer Community Center that may be a good thing. Maybe that means you've never had to deal with a loved one fighting cancer. However, chances are you do know someone, probably enough someones to count on one hand or, sadly, both hands. Even just one someone is too many in my opinion. For this reason, I say it's unfortunate if you have never heard about the
Cancer Community Center, because they offer support and programming to people living with cancer, their families, and their friends -- all for free.
I had never heard of the CCC and was moved by their mission. I learned of the organization through fellow Peaks Islanders Barbara and Chris Hoppin who were taking part in the second annual
Cycle4Care fundraising ride for the CCC. Barbara helped make this fundraiser a reality after learning about the
huge indoor riding event her treatment facility holds -- the
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center -- that raises millions of dollars for research of rare cancers.
It was very last minute, only a couple days before the ride, but I decided to help raise as much money as possible for the CCC and joined their team, appropriately named Hoppin' on a Bike! The experience was amazing, the energy was infectious, and the attitudes were uplifting. The ride was held at
Zone 3 Fitness in Scarborough and was the perfect facility for Cycle4Care. The space is bright and invigorating, the spin bikes are great, the coaches are encouraging.
I was overwhelmed with the support and donations I received for my cause when I put the last-minute word out that I was going to ride for an hour. I know I've already said it, but thank you for contributing to a community organization that deserves it. I felt super after an hour ride, which has made me think I can do the three hour challenge next year! Bring it on. A little sweat and achy muscles is nothing compared to what people with cancer go through physically and emotionally. Riding for three hours is the least I can do.
Thanks to everyone who makes this event possible, particularly the venerable Jennifer Nelson, Development Director for the CCC. And thanks again to all the people who donate. This event could not be a success without you.
Please visit my
Cycle4Care page here if you like to donate. Even though we already rode for the event, I learned this page will stay active for a while longer. Really, the need is always there, not just for this event. Any donation is greatly appreciated. Thank you again!
Donate and learn about the
Cancer Community Center
The spin bike -- our friend for the Cycle4Care event. Monica Swan, Director of Fitness Programming at Zone 3 Fitness, preps the tunes for the ride.
Monica helps fit a rider to a spin bike. The rider is the daughter-in-law of Barbara and Chris Hoppin who introduced me to the CCC and whose fundraising team I joined.
Monica adjusts the resistance on the bike for an uphill climb. Butts off the seats and pedal!
A great group of riders. The room was filled with some infectious, excited energy.
Jennifer Nelson (center), Development Director at the Cancer Community Center, speaks with Nicole Avery, Owner/Manager of Zone 3 Fitness as she walks on the treadmill. I learned at the event that there were other options for participating in Cycle4Care aside from the biking. The treadmill and arc machine, which is like an elliptical, rounded out Jennifer's three hour challenge, so she wasn't bored doing just one activity the entire time. Something to keep in mind, folks, if you're interested in participating next year!
Monica turns up the climbing dial again.
Monica leads the group in an arm stretch.
That feels oh-so-good on the triceps!
All smiles riding!
Impressive skills -- texting and riding.
I think the rider in the pink is telling her friend she can text faster than she can.
Pedal faster, pedal harder!
Stretch those arms and abs!
Nicole was the coach for my ride and was great, super encouraging.
Ms. Nelson hard at work. She never stops.
Kelly LaBrecque (left), Meteorologist for
Portland's WCSH-6 News Center came out to support the Cancer Community Center.
Amazingly generous sponsors helped make the Cycle4Care event a success. Thank you!
Much needed water and sweat towels were provided.
More smiles. I'm telling you, this is such a fun event. Do it next year with me.....
..... You can go as hard or easy as you want. It is not a race. It is just a great way to raise money for a worthy, much needed cause and community organization.
Jennifer Nelson (left) on the arc machine for her second leg of her three hour challenge. Her first hour was on the treadmill and her last hour was on the bike. She's an animal.
The Cancer Community Center is located on Main Street in South Portland, Maine, just past Governor's Restaurant on Route 1.
My fellow Peaks Islanders Barbara and Chris Hoppin, who introduced me to the CCC.
Their son Jim (right photo) was visiting from New York. He works for a company that produces films for PBS and captured some moving pictures of the fundraiser. I'd say he and his dad have a similar smile!
Barbara's feet are a blur they're walking so fast.
Breathing deep and feeling the ride.
A room full of folks riding for a good cause.
Another smiling meteorologist joined the ride -- Charlie Lopresti, Chief Meteorologist of
Portland's WGME News 13. I think he had to go to work that night after his ride. Maybe next year as part of promotion for the Cycle4Care event, Charlie Lopresti and Kelly LaBrecque should give a weather report while riding a spin bike. Yeah, do it!
Lots of legs working hard.
This animated woman, whose name I unfortunately do not have, was selling jewelry at a little table at the Cycle4Care event and the sales were going to the Cancer Community Center.
Monica after her coaching ride, trying not to notice me snapping a photo of her. Even sweaty and camera-aware, she still manages a great smile.
No rest for the weary. Like the other rider who can text while cycling, I am maybe more impressed by Jennifer's simultaneous skill of talking and arc-ing. I have had my moments on the elliptical without a phone, so I know this takes coordination. She was calling her mother, who was on her way to the event.
Cooling down from a hard ride.
Just as I was leaving for the night, a gaggle of girls crowded in to start their ride. I believe they were from a local college. Of course, Jennifer was right there on top of everything.
Barbara and Chris Hoppin's daughter-in-law (right) speaks to their niece (center) who was up from Boston to ride for Cycle4Care. She is training for the Boston Marathon, too.
Thanks to the generous sponsors of Cycle4Care. There was plenty of delicious food to keep the participants fueled. I felt slightly odd chowing down after a healthy, sweaty ride, but my Subway sandwich was much needed and hit the spot.
Until next year..... !
