Calling all Bike Riders for Friends of Karen Charity Bike Tour in September

Take a “Journey of the Heart” and Join Charity’s Fall Bike Tour!

Friends of Karen, headquartered in North Salem, NY, will hold its 13th annual Journey of the Heart Bike Tour the weekend of September 23-24 over the picturesque roads of northern Connecticut with SAG (support and gear) staff provided by The Bicycle Tour Company of Kent, CT. There are spots available for those who want to make a difference for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and support critically-ill children and their families.

As riders mount their bikes and pedal off for two days and 100 miles of early fall beauty, they’re not just sightseeing. Their inspiration is a very sick child. Each rider is assigned a Friends of Karen child who is battling cancer or another life-threatening illness and whose family is being helped by the organization that provides financial, emotional and advocacy support to families in the New York Tri-State area.

Fittingly, September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, so the timing is particularly meaningful. “But cancer has no calendar,” says Friends of Karen Executive Director, Judith Factor. “We help relieve our families’ everyday needs and concerns throughout their frightening ordeal. No family should have to face their child’s cancer alone.”

This year riders include members of the Somers Lions Club, Friends of Karen volunteers and staff, and even Friends of Karen families. One Friends of Karen mom, Theresa, rides for her own daughter, Sophia, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor at 3 years old and who just celebrated 5 years of being cancer free. Theresa stated that if her daughter could go through having cancer, she could certainly push herself through the challenge of doing this ride for her and other children like her and their families.

Longtime rider, Alan Dubow, explains it this way, “Why do I ride in the ‘Journey of the Heart?’ The answer is simple: The smiling faces of the children and their families which show their appreciation for the assistance they receive from Friends of Karen during life’s most harrowing experience. With every ounce of energy expended and every dollar raised, I know our efforts are truly appreciated…I love this event, the spirit of our group and most of all, the families we are helping.”

Each Journey of the Heart rider commits to raising $2,500 in donations, and rides in honor of a specific Friends of Karen child. The child’s battle with their illness can be very motivating for the rider and help keep them going. Another longtime rider, and Somers Lions Club member, Vinny Liscio says it so well. “I was tired, I was hurting, but as I went up that hill, I spoke through my heart to the Friends of Karen child I was riding for, and said, ‘This is for you, Hanna, and for all the kids.’ Then I felt as though I had rockets on my feet.”

You can make a real difference in the life of a Friends of Karen child and their family. Please join us for a meaningful and heartfelt ride! To sign up or for more information, contact Gwen Salmo at (914) 617-4051 or GwenSalmo@FriendsofKaren.org OR visit www.FriendsofKaren.org.

Friends of Karen is the only organization in the New York Tri-State area that provides comprehensive support, at no cost, to families caring for a child battling cancer or another life-threatening illness. Its team of social workers, child life specialists and creative arts therapists ensures that each family – and each family member – receives an individualized program of emotional, financial and practical day-to-day assistance throughout their child’s illness. Friends of Karen helps relieve the family’s everyday needs and concerns to improve their ability to cope with their child’s illness from diagnosis through treatment, which can last many months or even years.

“Friends of Karen started with one child, Karen, in 1978 and since then has given life-changing help to over 15,000 children,” says Judith Factor, Friends of Karen’s Executive Director. “Our riders exemplify the compassion and hope that the Friends of Karen lifeline provides to families so they can maintain a sense of balance and stability during the most difficult time of their lives.”

For more information, visit www.friendsofkaren.org or call (914) 277-4547.