Butts for a Cause — Riding 1000 Miles for Breast Cancer

[Orlando, FL] — Labor Day is rapidly approaching, and it’s a good time to put your money where their butts are.  The butts I’m referring to belong to the Ribbon Riders, a group of female motorcycle enthusiasts on a mission to help those fighting breast cancer.

This holiday weekend, a group of Ribbon Riders will ride their motorcycles 1,000 miles in less than 24 hours, in what is known as an “Iron Butt” endurance ride. The money they raise through pledges and donations goes to help breast cancer patients in Central Florida with everyday living expenses and Home Care Assistance — things that aren’t covered by medical insurance, like food, transportation, and utilities. By paying everyday expenses, they allow patients to focus on recovery, not worry about finances. One hundred percent of the money raised goes directly to the women who need it.

The women’s ride is sanctioned by the Iron Butt Association of long-distance bikers. The Ribbon Riders were the first group of female motorcyclists to participate in an Iron Butt-sanctioned ride when they rode in 2009. They did the same thing in 2010; 2011 marks the third year of their feat.

I’m proud to call the Ribbon Riders my friends (read more about the group here: Butts of Iron, Hearts of Gold). They love to ride motorcycles, and they’ve all been touched in some way by breast cancer, either personally or through family members or friends. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second most deadly cancer for women, and can affect men as well, who have about a 1 in 1,000 chance of developing the disease in their lifetime (a woman’s chance of developing invasive breast cancer in their lifetime is about 1 in 8).

The Ribbon Riders is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and has been recognized by Susan G. Komen Central Florida. Last year, the group received a Komen $50,000 grant for their Breast Cancer Assistance Fund, as well as a $10,000 educational grant from the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation.

Take my word for it, they do good work, and it’s for a good cause. Suffering through breast cancer is unimaginable for many of us, but the Ribbon Riders help to make the battle just a little easier for those undergoing treatment.

Times are tough for everyone, but all they’re asking for is a dollar or two; maybe a little more if you can afford it. You can make a secure donation through the PayPal  link on their website:

http://ribbonriders.org/component/content/article/1/75-3rd-annual-1000-miles-for-breast-cancer-ride

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Ribbon Riders website: http://ribbonriders.org/

Ribbon Riders Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ribbonriders

Ribbon Riders MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/ribbonriders

Ribbon Riders Twitter: http://twitter.com/ribbonriders