Cyclists raise money for cancer patients’ treatments

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A group of cyclists are riding to raise money to help patients who are getting treatment at the Coliseum Cancer Institute in Macon.

“We ride as a group knowing that we’re riding for cancer patients and that we’re going to help those cancer patients fight,” says Sarah Smedley, Director of Cycliad.

Cyclists from across the Southeast are embarking on a 15 day tour, riding more than 1,000 miles to help cancer patients pay for their treatments.

“We’re raising money for people to be able to have the resources that they need to successfully battle their cancer, to successfully complete their cancer journey,” Smedley adds.

Health professionals say the treatment for cancer is expensive.

Oncologist Nurse Navigator, Beverly Stanley says, “If you have insurance, the out of pocket is a lot and the different types of resources that are needed: Transportation, drug support, navigation and just a lot of different things we can help people with.”

The cyclists ask their friends and families for donations.  Then, the funds are given to the navigator’s program at local hospitals.

Cyclist Warren Smedley says, “It helps the patients to overcome obstacles and barriers to their care, everybody gets high quality treatment.”

Being able to help those in need is what cyclist Erica Mejai is focused on as she rides.

“They have a challenge everyday, so my challenge of riding 1000 miles is hard, but it’s certainly not as hard as having cancer,” Mejia continues.

“This is an epic journey, epic cycling journey that we take to raise money for our cancer patient,” cyclist Warren Smedley adds.

This is the second year for the Cycliad Tour. Last year, they raised $409,000.