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Bikers Put Their Pedals to the Medal for Breast Cancer

The 4th Annual Bikers Against Breast Cancer (BABC) ride drove home an abundance of support on Saturday, May 12 for The Rose, a nonprofit breast cancer organization.

Saturday's rainy conditions didn't damper the event drawing in over 200 riders, several hundred supporters and volunteers, and recruited more than 40 sponsors.

Participants lined up early at the San Jacinto Harley-Davidson in Pasadena to sign in and register, bid on several really high ticketed auction items, and buy murchandise branded with the event.

Riders and the Loco Survivor Bus, carrying breast cancer survivors, took off about 11am and after the 45-mile trek, they were welcomed back with cheers and high-fives. Hooters restaurant joined in on the event with catered lunch and Walgreens had a team offereing free blood pressure testing.  

Since its launch in 2009, chaired by D’Etta Casto-DeLeon, the ride has raised a total of nearly $100,000 to benefit The Rose.

“I continue because I see true results and know what we, the BABC Committee, accomplish. I know where the money is going, and I know that it stays local … that makes it worth it. Of course, the hidden joy is when I have people come up to me and thank me for what I do, then tell me their story of how The Rose has helped them.” - D’Etta Casto-DeLeon

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The BABC ride has grown from 125 bikes and raising $10,000 in 2009 to last year’s more than 500 participants bringing in over $50,000 in gross revenues for The Rose. 

The Rose was created by women who shared a passion for life and women’s issues. Dr. Dixie Melillo’s main concern was saving lives. She had seen too many advanced breast cancers and had watched too many women lose the battle. Dorothy Weston-Gibbons’s passion was the value of women. If a woman could be convinced that she was worth the cost of a mammogram, then she’d believe she was worth anything.

They met Rose Kushner, journalist and breast cancer advocate, who challenged them to “get off their duffs and do something!” So, they did!

Since the beginning, The Rose has depended upon community support. Civic groups, foundations, corporations and individuals along with the unwavering commitment of employees, physicians and volunteers all helped to create an organization that has changed the lives of countless women and families.

Yet, then, as now, the women who select The Rose for their mammograms are the heart of our life’s work and the basis for our success. Women with insurance and women who have the ability to pay for services help offset the costs of those who cannot pay. It is a mission. It works.