SYLACAUGA, Ala. – The first Annual Witches Ride is being hosted this Thursday, Oct. 26, in support of breast cancer screening awareness. This year’s proceeds will be given to Tina Cleveland Dennis, who is currently battling breast cancer.
Robin Merkel, decided to organize Sylacauga’s first Annual Witches Ride for awareness of screening for breast cancer. She told SylacaugaNews.com she hopes this will raise awareness for early detection of breast cancer because it is much better to detect breast cancer early as it can make treatment less radical. Many women who do not have insurance do not know how to conduct breast exams. Sometimes they do not get them at all.
Robin said she got the idea from the Witches Ride in Fairhope. That event is hosting its third annual ride this Thursday.
“We really wanted to get the community involved in something so important, and start doing it every year. We wanted it to benefit someone local, and Tina is someone local and in need of our help, so that’s how we chose her for receiving this year’s proceeds,” Robin explained.
Every registration packet will contain information about how to do monthly self breast exams, and how to get routine screenings if you do not have insurance. Local supporters of the ride will be displayed on some of the bicycles. The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) works with the American Cancer Society, Joy to Life Foundation, and Susan G. Koman to help support these women who do not have insurance.
Registration for the ride is $40 for adults, and $20 for children under 12. The ride will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Sylacauga High School parking lot. Robin encourages everyone participating to come dressed in their witch best and decorate their bicycles accordingly. Every registered bike rider will receive a t-shirt. There will be a waiver to sign on the day of the ride. If you would like to donate, click here.
Jennifer Keith for SylacaugaNews.com | © 2017, SylacaugaNews.com/Marble City Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
