On Oct. 21, four Bainbridge State College faculty and staff members set out to complete the Second Annual Epic Century bike ride of 100 miles for cancer awareness and Relay for Life.
Dr. Rodney Carr, Vice President for Student Affairs; Dr. Steven Hougland, Asst. Professor of Criminal Justice; Wes Chapman, financial aid counselor; and Ridge Harper, Director of Student Success and Student Retention, began their journey at 9 a.m. Tuesday. Carr and Chapman took their bikes to the road, while Hougland and Harper rode their stationary bikes in the Student Wellness Center lobby and invited others to join them throughout the day.
Donations and pledges were made by the faculty, staff and students, to support the riders throughout their journey to 100 miles. It took the riders a total of seven hours to complete the ride with a total of $550 in donations. All proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society.
For Hougland, the 100 mile ride and supporting cancer awareness and research is personal.
Over the years, he has lost several family members to breast cancer and a rare genetic cancer called Von Hipple Lindau (VHL). It was two years ago that cancer struck again in his family.
“About two years ago, my wife was diagnosed with VHL and pancreatic cancer,” said Hougland. “Thankfully, she’s recovered well. While I don’t have cancer, that experience made me want to do something, and from that the desire to participate in the Epic 100 was born last year.”
The professor wanted to let patients and survivors know they are not alone in the fight against cancer.
He said, “When people ask why I would ride 100 miles, it gives me a chance to tell them about breast cancer and VHL and to share my story.”
In the future, Hougland claimed he wants to see even more people join in the 100 mile epic bike ride.
“It excited me to see support for this event grow,” said Hougland. “One day I hope to fill the gym with bikes and have students, faculty, staff and community members join the ride.”
Donations are continuing to be accepted. To make a donation, contact Jenny Harper at jharper@bainbridge.edu or Ridge Harper at ridge.harper@bainbridge.edu.
Be the first to comment