Summary: Wooster Community Hospital and the Pat Kracker Breast Cancer Fund combined forces for the third year in a row. The WooMan cycling tour took place on Sunday, Sept. 16, and offered five different routes for cyclists. The funds went toward breast cancer education and awareness.
The community struck back against breast cancer on Sunday, Sept. 16. Taking shots at cancers greatest weaknessesawareness, early detection and educationthe Wooster Community Hospital and the Pat Kracker Breast Cancer Fund made leaps and bounds of progress with the WooMan cycling tour.
Over 200 cyclists partook in the third annual tour, which had five route options for riders. Cyclists could begin at Mansfield Panera Bread or Wooster Panera Bread. The name WooMan comes from the combination of Wooster and Mansfield. Riders could complete as few as 20 miles and as many as 100 miles. The half-way point was the Winfield Bed & Breakfast in Ashland.
Panera Bread was the main sponsor for the event, along with 20 other sponsors who donated miscellaneous items. The donations assured that 100 percent of the registration fees could go toward breast cancer education and awareness.
I think the appeal is its a safe, well-marked route by a beloved professional, named Bill Buckwalter of Ride On. And its a great cause that stays local, explained Tricia James, development specialist for Wooster Community Hospital.
Buckwalter serves on the committee for the event and also designs the shirts. He said the combination of exercise, cycling, breast cancer awareness and early detection inspired his participation.
Were just happy to be apart of this event. Its to support a good causebreast cancer awareness, early screening. And its been a lot of fun to work with Wooster Community Hospital, Pat Kracker Breast Cancer Fund and I encourage people to ride for a great cause, Buckwalter said.
A portion of the proceeds will benefit a health fair at Wooster Community Hospital on Oct. 18 from 5-9 p.m. and Oct. 19 from 7 a.m. to noon. Dinner will be served the first night and breakfast on the second day. The event builds awareness and educates about mammograms and self breast exams. Registration is not mandatory, but encouraged so an accurate amount of food can be prepared. For more information, or to register, contact Candy Mori, nurse education specialist, at 330-202-5153.
The sooner you detect the cancer, the lump, the smaller it is, the quicker that you can get treatment started before the cancer gets advanced. Thats why mammograms are important, Mori explained.
The Pat Kracker Breast Cancer Fund operates out of Mansfield, and has a similar purpose for the funds. The money will go toward education, referrals and financial assistance with the cost of breast cancer related expenses.
Further, Teresa Lambert was a new cyclist who came out for the 20 mile route. Lambert cycled to support a close friend, who she considers a mother. Her mother is a two-time cancer survivor. Lambert is from Ashland and just learned how to ride last year.
Lambert was not the only one with inspiration driving her forward. Scott Myers lost his mother and aunt to breast cancer, and also has friends who are affected by the illness. Other riders cited the excellent cause and the opportunity for exercise. At the very least, it was a beautiful day for a ride.
Apart from the registration fee, cyclists also pledged money for the cause. While it wasnt mandatory, James explained that many riders still raise money above the registration fee.
