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Dennis McLaughlin isn’t particularly athletic. Nor is he a fundraising expert or known within local cycling circles as a die-hard rider.

But what Dennis lacks in athletic ability he more than makes up for in determination, in spirit, in having a survivor’s mentality.

During a routine colonoscopy last year, Dennis underwent surgery and chemotherapy. Now, at 61 and in remission, he’s ready to support the research needed to make sure more people like him have options when it comes to cancer care.

Dennis has joined the growing ranks of riders and teams, for the first annual Philadelphia Ride to Conquer Cancer.

“I saw the TV commercial for the ride and thought, ‘First annual? Let me try it out!’” he says. “I registered, went to the information session and started planning out how I’d raise the money and train for the ride.”

A cable technician in Upper Darby, PA, he hadn’t been on a bike since he was a kid. He hooked up with a local bike shop, got a bike and his training gear, and slowly began to train.

“I’m definitely a ‘fair-weather’ rider,’” he says. His wife and children are supporting him, but joke that Dad may not be the fittest rider in the bunch.

“I just decided I was going to go for it,” he proudly quipped. “If riding and fundraising money for cancer research can help one person not go through what I went through, I’m happy with that.”

So far, Dennis has raised $450, and plans to raise $2,100 more before the October ride. He even joined a team, the GIST-Busters, with fellow rider, Susan Ranck.

“I can deal with the soreness from riding if it means we’re closer to a cure for cancer.”

The Ride to Conquer Cancer©

Join Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center (ACC) on October 11 to 12, 2014 in the Ride to Conquer Cancer© (RTCC)—an unforgettable and epic bike ride through Pennsylvania’s picturesque scenery -towards one life-changing destination: to cure cancer. The ride isn't just for cyclists, it's for anyone who wants to see a cure for cancer.

At two-days and 150+ miles the RTCC will be a physical challenge—and an emotional and inspirational weekend—that will give you a chance to join forces with our physicians, patients, and families to leave everything on the bike course and raise serious funds and awareness in the ACC’s fight to cure cancer.

The funds raised through the ride will be put to use immediately, powering the ACC's vision to eradicate cancer as a cause of human disease and suffering through precision medicine, novel research, next-generation therapies, and compassionate care.

JOIN TODAY!

This event will be remarkable and will bring together communities of cancer survivors, cyclists, and their supporters with a common goal to conquer this disease. Join the ride in October by registering today at www.ridetovictory.org or by calling (844) 777-7433.

Before the ride, you will have access to:

• Expert coaching
• Training rides in your area
• Personal webpage for fundraising
• Helpful manual
• 2014 ride commemorative item

During the ride, participants will have access to:

• Event-day ride jersey
• Support along the route
• Catered meals
• Entertainment at camp
• Massage and medical care