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Staff Writer WESTFIELDThe Cancer House of Hope had its fifth annual fundraiser on Sunday, Heidi's Chain of Hope, involving cycling with all proceeds to benefit the two houses located in Springfield and Westfield. The Ride was dedicated to the memory of Heidi Hannon, who recently passed, and was an original rider for the annual fundraiser. Cyclists had their choice of participating in the 10, 25 or 62 mile options for cycling. The routes were scenically mapped weaving through parts of Westfield, Granville and circling back into Westfield. "We were sent pamphlets to get sponsors," said David Butova, a participant in the charity event, "My son raised sponsors at school and I at work," he said. "A large part of our sponsorship came from the American Hockey League," said Butova. In response to how the cyclists were doing half way through the 25 mile ride... "Awesome!" said Heather Wyman, first year participating in the event. Wyman made the comment during a break. "It's rolly, a little bit of ups and a little bit of downs," she said. Not all participants were cycling for the event. Others were volunteering as mechanics. "I'm riding," said Cinda Parnagian, owner of Tangles Hair salon in Westfield, "He is a mechanic," she said referring to her boyfriend Scott Factor. Parnagian spoke of how she had recently battled with cancer over the winter. Her family joined her at the event with her daughter, Aline, also volunteering at a rest stop located in front of Camp Shepard for the cyclists during their routes. "It is a very well planned and well marked route," said Jim Barrett,who was a second year rider. "It is a very good organization," he said. Barrett has spent two years riding in the event and three other years participating as a mechanic. The mechanics area is run by Highland Bike Shop of Holyoke. This year it is being operated by Rob Gagney. "I fix the tires if they are low. I pump them up. I make adjustments as needed," he said. The Committee who organized the event expected to raise over $18,000 from the event. The money is going towards programs and services that the Cancer Houses of Hope offer. Ride organizers are Beth Thurber, Melanie Martin, Margaret Toomy, Gaetana Aliotta, Sue Green, and Pat Johnson, The Cancer House of Hope is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization funded by gifts from individuals, foundations and corporations. The mission of the organization, "Enhancing the lives of people with cancer and those who care about them by providing programs and services that address the spectrum of needs throughout the cancer experience," stated on informational literature. For more information about the organization call (413) 562-0110 or e-mail info@cancerhouseofhope.org | ||||||
