3rd Annual Elysestrong Motorcycle Ride slated for July 22

For the third consecutive year, Kim and Nick Driscoll will host the Elysestrong Motorcycle Ride, named after their daughter who lost her life to Castleman’s Disease three years ago.

The event honors Elyse, who was diagnosed at the age of 13 with Castleman’s Disease, one that is considered an “orphan disease” as it is not well understood. The rare hyper inflammatory disorder can occur in people of all ages, causing lymph node enlargement, multi organ dysfunction and organ failure.

Their lives changed forever, the Driscolls vowed to help raise awareness and funds for the little-known disease that is as deadly as cancer and in 2015 hosted the inaugural Elysestrong ride.

The 3rd Annual Elysestrong Motorcycle Ride will be held on Saturday, July 22nd, beginning at The Moose Lodge 1129, 67 Fitchburg Road in Marlborough. Registration for the full day event begins at 9:00 a.m. with “kickstands up” at 11:00 a.m. sharp. A $25 donation includes a t-shirt and lunch. Raffles, an auction and prizes will also highlight the day.

The route, which goes around the Wachusett Reservoir, begins and ends at the Moose Lodge; the 45- mile loop is expected to take about an hour and fifteen minutes and goes through communities including Hudson, Berlin, Clinton, Lancaster, Sterling, and Stow. Last year, 66 bikes and more than 250 people participated, raising $8,500 to help find a cure for Castleman’s Disease; proceeds this year will again benefit the Castleman Disease Collaborative Network (CDCN).

“Elysestrong is a legacy left to us by our much-loved daughter,” said Kim Driscoll, who sits on the Board of Directors of the CDCN. “She is our reason to fight and wage a war against a disease that took the life of someone who was meant to change lives – we fight to change lives in Elyse’s honor.”

In addition to seeking riders and participants, the event offers sponsorship opportunities, with sponsors’ names being mentioned throughout the event. For additional information, please visit www.elysestrong.com or cdcn.org/elysestrong.

Also, please visit Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Elysestrong-748934541801251/?fref=ts.