Bike It Out on June 25 for the 30th Annual National Cancer Survivors’ Day Picnic
Cyclists from northern Michigan are invited to Bike It Out and join those from the Less Cancer organization on their fund-raising ride to raise awareness and celebrate efforts against the disease on June 25.
Riders from Less Cancer will cycle their final leg of a journey from Detroit into the 30th Annual National Cancer Survivor’s Day picnic to be held this year in the Cowell Family Cancer Center’s parking lot. Area cyclists can join for the last 20 miles or the final mile of the ride.
“We are happy that we can partner with this national organization this year as part of our expanded cancer survivor’s day and cancer prevention picnic,” said Katie Horvath, support services manager for the cancer center. “We’re hoping many area residents will join us for the ride. We are all touched by cancer. This is one way to recognize survivors and support prevention.”
Less Cancer focuses on cancer prevention policy and education. The non-profit charity was founded in 2004 and collaborates with leading universities, experts, and medical institutions on behalf of the public for the goal of reducing the incidence of cancer. Less Cancer founder Bill Couzens, a Michigan native, said the organization is proud to work with the Cowell Family Cancer Center.
“The Cowell Family Cancer Center must be commended for using the tools they provide to communities to help raise the bar on public health and reduce the incidences of cancer,” he said. “We want to recognize Traverse City’s cancer survivors who have been in the fight for their lives and are helping to support our cyclists with their picnic.”
In addition to hosting the Detroit riders, the picnic this year is open to the entire community. It will feature expanded information on preventing and surviving cancer activities and keynote speakers including Munson Medical Center oncologists, cancer center lead donor Casey Cowell, and Couzens. Food will be available from the cancer center’s Sprout Café and the 3 - 6 p.m. event also will feature massages, exercise classes, music, nature walks, a kid’s activity area and more.
Several area health and wellness partners will host information tables. Some of the participants include Center for Plastic Surgery, Edson Farms, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Light of Day Tea, Norte, Oryana, Peace Ranch, Press On Juice, Yoga for Health and many more.
For more information on participating in the bike ride, call the Cowell Family Cancer Center’s Health and Wellness Suite at 231-392-8492.
The Cowell Family Cancer Center is located at 217 S. Madison St. in Traverse City.
To learn more about cancer services at Munson Healthcare, go to munsonhealthcare.org/cancerservices.