Ride for a Cure in its 18th year of helping cancer patients

By Sharon Estep

As the 18th year for Ride for a Cure raises money for four people fighting cancer; Organizers Steve and Missy Sadler reminisce about the inspiration for the event. Ride for a Cure began in 2007, when a co-worker of Steve's, Wendy Nasby, was diagnosed with cancer. As Steve and Missy discussed how to help Wendy and her son and talked to others, including Steve's motorcycle brothers; Ride for a Cure was born. The event is where people come together to bring awareness to cancer by riding their motorcycles (or anything they desire). The first year, and in just three months, there were 72 bikes with $4,000 raised.

In the second year, Wendy was admitted into the hospital but wanted to be at the ride. Her doctor agreed to discharge her, and she was able to sit outside at her home, as supporters rode their motorcycles by her house. That year the Ride raised $2,500.

By the third year, people began calling about their loved ones with cancer and the event grew bigger. More events began being added. More people began to volunteer, and the donations grew. Eventually, Steve and Missy began adding more cancer patients to the yearly ride.

As the 18th Ride is quickly approaching, many events have been planned leading up to it, in which the public has the opportunity to volunteer or donate to the cause. August 16-18 there will be a softball/cornhole tournament at Beechwood Park. A roadblock is planned at the Highway 31/Highway 56 intersection on Saturday, August 17. If you would like to volunteer arrive between 8 a.m. and Noon.

On August 24, 2024, Chicago Pizza in Scottsburg is hosting an event with all proceeds going to Ride for a Cure. The event will be held from 4-8 p.m.

Saturday, September 14 beside Eagle Stop in Austin, everyone is invited to bring their wheels for the annual car show. Missy said, “if it rolls, bring it.” Registration is from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. with trophies awarded at 3 p.m.

Saturday, September 21 is the day the Ride will occur beginning and ending at Mid-America Science Park in Scottsburg. Anyone that would like to ride can just show up to participate. Registration is from 9 a.m. to Noon, with kickstands up at Noon. At the end of the ride there will be an auction. Currently new, slightly used, or home-made items are being sought as donations.

In the interim, there are other ways in which the public, past and present Ride beneficiaries and/or their families, businesses, and others may help. Beyond attending and participating in the events, sponsors are needed for the trophies at the car show for $15 each.

You can be a sponsor and have your business included on color-coded shirts (if interested you must do so quickly), buy a $25 ticket for a chance to win a 2009 Softtail Deluxe Harley Davidson donated by Kevin and Sandy Vernon in memory of their grandson, Waylen. (See future feature story about Wheels for Waylen).

You can also become a part of the 52 Club where you donate $1 a week for 52 weeks. The 52 Club was started by Patrick Ostrander when he was just 10 years old because he wanted to, “pay it forward” to the Ride. The 52 Club began in 2020 and has raised $37,352. (Read more about Patrick and the 52 Club in a future edition).

To volunteer, donate, or questions contact Steve Sadler at (812) 707-1665, or Missy Sadler at (812) 707-1202. Ride for a Cure and Wheels for Waylen also have Facebook pages.