Pat Mac’s Pack Bikes Friday to Fight Against Pediatric Brain Tumors

More than 200 people last June biked triumphantly to the finish line in “The Million Dollar Ride” for Pat Mac’s Pack, a local charity that supports the fight against pediatric brain tumors.

The Pat Mac Ride honors the winning spirit and life of Patrick McNamara who died at the age of 13 from a pediatric brain tumor. He was the child of Tom and Dee McNamara, the organizers of Pat Mac’s Pack. The ride this year takes place on June 23rd and starts at St. Barnabas School (10121 S. Longwood Drive, Chicago) and ends at Notre Dame Parish in Michigan City, Indiana.

The 9th annual fundraising ride plans to usher in the largest group of riders in the event’s history—with ever stronger participation from women— as the nonprofit peddles forward toward another million dollars to support new technology and the highest priority neuro-oncology clinical research at Lurie Children’s Hospital, where a world-class team moves closer to translating discoveries in pediatric brain tumor research into clinical practice.

“As an oncology nurse I have seen the financial and emotional impact cancer diagnoses have had on families,” said Beverly’s Erin Flood. “Participating in this ride is a great way to raise money and awareness for those affected and alleviates some of that burden. In addition, Patrick was a very good family friend and I enjoy keeping his memory alive.

“I am most excited to ride alongside my dad, who has participated since the ride started back in 2014,” said Erin of her father Sean, an avid cyclist who leads a daily ride at dawn with other cycling enthusiasts from Beverly and Morgan Park.

Erin represents a surge in ridership that reflects a larger enthusiasm among women taking to road biking for recreation, fitness and, in this case, fundraising for a promising medical solution.

Nearly 56% of female cyclists riding today either started cycling during the pandemic or returned to it after a layoff, according to the National Bicycle Dealers Association's Bicycling Buying 2021 Consumer Research Study.

In Beverly, women like Ellen Antonsen are ahead of the curve.

In 2021, Antonsen, a grandparent, was approached by a then 69-year-old Willie Winters, a grandfather, who has taken Pat Mac Pack’s fundraising to a new level - a 4,000-mile bike ride cross country to raise more research funds for the group.

“Willie approached me and said, ‘Ellen I think you should ride,’” said Antonson, 63. “And Willie road with me for a little bit that first year, but really, I eat his dust.”

Ever the ambassador, Winters’ efforts have raised the bar in donations, participation and the presence of women.

“I was always intrigued by the ride,” said Antonsen, who only needed to be asked. “It’s really just a beautiful bike ride that just happens to be a lot longer but the camaraderie and all the people along the way at the (hydration) stops keep me going.

“If you like to ride all you have to do is keep peddling,” said Antonsen.

Antonsen is proud to have been one of the 13 women in the 2021 starting line photo. “I like to ask my kids’ friends, ‘What’s your grandma doing tomorrow?’,” said Antonsen. “I’m glad we have more women joining us.”

According to organizers, this year’s rally cry is: “Get In The Picture” which began as a snap shot in 2014 but has grown exponentially over the year with men and women of all ages.

Those interested in learning more, signing up to ride, or donating to the cause can visit https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/PatMacRide or https://patmacspack.org/

About Pat Mac’s Pack

Pat Mac’s Pack is a 501c3 charitable organization established in 2014 in memory of Patrick Thomas McNamara, who died at the age of 13 after an eleven-year battle with recurrent brain tumors. Pat Mac’s Pack raises funds for pediatric brain tumor research, including drug research and development, and the advancement of novel surgical procedures used to treat pediatric brain tumors. Pat Mac’s Pack also provides direct assistance to young cancer patients and their families. Visit patmacspack.org for more information.