DOWNTOWN - The annual Ride Cincinnati cycling fundraiser for breast cancer reached an important milestone Sunday morning: It collected its 1 millionth dollar in the event's five-year history.
Dr. Harvey Harris of Amberley Village, family and friends started the event. Harris' late wife, Marlene, died of breast cancer. Proceeds benefit the Barrett Cancer Center at UC Cancer Institute.
"It's above and beyond any expectations," Harris said of the event's success. "It's just mind-boggling to me."
The $225,000 goal for Sunday's event was met. Organizers expected close to 2,000 people riding, a number that has grown. Riders gathered on the Purple People Bridge for the start. Cyclists could ride various distances; the longest was 62.8 miles. The courses follow the Ohio River going eastward across Northern Kentucky.
The event attracted participants who have a personal connection to cancer.
U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Terrace Park, and his wife, Jane, served as the event's honorary chairs. This was the first time the Portmans participated. Jane Portman's mother and grandmother died of breast cancer.
"So this is an important cause and we've come a long way in the last 25 years in terms of education and diagnosis and treatment," she said.
Rick Radabaugh's wife has survived cancer four times (breast cancer twice, ovarian cancer and melanoma once each). Their daughter was a Barrett patient in 1993. She died at age 39.
Radabaugh was participating in the event for the third time.
"It raises money that's used locally for breast cancer research," said Radabaugh, 65 of Crittenden. "It doesn't go to Timbuktu with some organization that you're not familiar with."
"Joan Wells, 62, of Sycamore Township, said no one in her immediate family has had breast cancer, but there have been other cancers.
She was making her second ride at the event. She last participated two years ago, doing the 18-mile course. She enjoys the views the ride offers.
"It was lovely," she said. "It was just a very nice experience. ... This is a very pleasant ride and people are very friendly," she said.
Harris said it was his wife's wish to raise money for breast cancer research.
Regarding the $1 million milestone, Harris said his wife is "looking down with a big smile on her face."
Dr. Harvey Harris of Amberley Village, family and friends started the event. Harris' late wife, Marlene, died of breast cancer. Proceeds benefit the Barrett Cancer Center at UC Cancer Institute.
"It's above and beyond any expectations," Harris said of the event's success. "It's just mind-boggling to me."
The $225,000 goal for Sunday's event was met. Organizers expected close to 2,000 people riding, a number that has grown. Riders gathered on the Purple People Bridge for the start. Cyclists could ride various distances; the longest was 62.8 miles. The courses follow the Ohio River going eastward across Northern Kentucky.
The event attracted participants who have a personal connection to cancer.
U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Terrace Park, and his wife, Jane, served as the event's honorary chairs. This was the first time the Portmans participated. Jane Portman's mother and grandmother died of breast cancer.
"So this is an important cause and we've come a long way in the last 25 years in terms of education and diagnosis and treatment," she said.
Rick Radabaugh's wife has survived cancer four times (breast cancer twice, ovarian cancer and melanoma once each). Their daughter was a Barrett patient in 1993. She died at age 39.
Radabaugh was participating in the event for the third time.
"It raises money that's used locally for breast cancer research," said Radabaugh, 65 of Crittenden. "It doesn't go to Timbuktu with some organization that you're not familiar with."
"Joan Wells, 62, of Sycamore Township, said no one in her immediate family has had breast cancer, but there have been other cancers.
She was making her second ride at the event. She last participated two years ago, doing the 18-mile course. She enjoys the views the ride offers.
"It was lovely," she said. "It was just a very nice experience. ... This is a very pleasant ride and people are very friendly," she said.
Harris said it was his wife's wish to raise money for breast cancer research.
Regarding the $1 million milestone, Harris said his wife is "looking down with a big smile on her face."
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