mister

Biking from San Francisco to Los Angeles had been on my bucket list for many years. Last year, I had an opportunity to participate in the Firefighter Cancer Awareness ride with my dad and the Firevelo Cycling Club. The club is made up of active and retired firefighters with a handful of family members of the firefighters.

The ride's sole purpose is to raise awareness for cancer among firefighters. Cancer has become the number killer of firefighters. Due to the many chemicals used today, firefighters come in direct contact with carcinogens that dramatically increase their likelihood of contracting bladder cancer, testicular cancer, melanoma, lung cancer, and many other types of cancers.

The funds raised by this event go 100% to organizations who provide research, and treatment for cancers related to firefighting as well as support for those firefighters diagnosed with cancer.

Some programs that have been helped are cancer detecting dog programs where shelter dogs are rescued and trained to sniff out cancer. So far the dogs have a 100% success rate and have saved many lives by detecting cancer extremely early. Other programs include urine self tests that fire fighters can take that can indicate they may have cancer and to check with their doctor.

What started as a bucket list item for me quickly became much more after seeing and hearing stories from survivors and also from families who lost their firefighter to cancer. Please check out my gofundme page, and if you aren't able to donate, please share the page and spread the word.

Fire Velo SF to LA Ride by Matt Roark - GoFundMe

10 Wheels

Have a safe ride.

mister

Thanks!