Danbury Woman Will Cycle 2,100 Miles in 30 Days for Ann's Place and Best Friend with Cancer

A Danbury woman will be criss-crossing New England this October to raise money and awareness for her best friend who is battling breast cancer.

Jennifer Lynch, 37, of Danbury, is using her passion for cycling to help her best friend Ericka Onorato, 38, as she fights for her health. She has been chronicling their story on her blog.

“My intention is to tell our story, tell the personal side, and see if there is anything I can do to help this region,” Lynch said.

She explained that, according to Susan G. Komen’s research, New England is in the highest two brackets for breast cancer in the country and is why she chose to plan her ride for this area.

Onorato was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer, Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, in March of 2015 and has undergone 16 weeks of chemotherapy and a double mastectomy. When she is fully healed from surgery, she will endure 6 weeks of radiation to rid her body of any cancer cells.

The duo have been best friends since second grade at Shelter Rock Elementary School so when Lynch heard about her friend’s diagnosis, she knew she had to act. She launched a fundraising page, Cycle My Heart Out, with the intention of bicycling 2,100 miles to raise money for Onorato’s medical bills. Half of the ride’s proceeds will benefit Ann’s Place, a cancer support center that provides free services for people affected by cancer.

CLICK HERE to donate.

“I wanted the money to go to Ann’s Place because I heard a lot about it and realized how important it is that cancer patients have lots of support-- emotional and financial,” Onorato said.

A single mom of four, Onorato works full-time and has continued to work throughout her treatment. She is on state medical but has not been able to get long-term disability. Due to the many treatments she has had already, Onorato has used up all her paid days off and needs to raise funds to support her children, ages 6, 7, 10 and 12, while she continues to undergo treatment.

Keeping a positive attitude throughout her journey has been key to her success in healing. “My mom was diagnosed when she was 60 and is fine. I’m still young and have a lot of living left to do,” Onorato shared.

Beginning on Oct. 1, 2015, Jennifer Lynch will complete 21 century rides, 100 miles each, criss-crossing New England to complete 2,100 miles in 30 days. Since launching the fundraising page they have raised 12 percent of their goal of $21,000.

Lynch said she has written to over 50 bike shops for support, and to have other riders join her on the epic adventure, but has not heard back. If you or someone you know is interested in riding or donating, share the link by clicking here.

Photo: Wendy Mitchell