into a full

into a full-out fundraiser. "They got together each spring to race, and the winner was awarded a dozen roses, which were usually given to the girlfriend or significant other," Bianca says. But almost overnight, a ride that was once for little more than pizza, beer, and bragging rights had become a very serious event.

The first Race for the Roses in 1997 attracted about 1,000 riders and raised nearly $50,000. ("Race" was later changed to "Ride" to reflect the spirit of the event.) As word spread, It was only a matter of time before others--some cancer survivors, some merely looking for a way to lend support--began gathering in Austin each April to participate. Birmingham native Jerry Kelly, who lost his father to cancer in 1996, learned of the event shortly after he was diagnosed with the disease. "I went to the foundation's Web site to get some information to help tell my family I had cancer. During my search, I read about the weekend. My wife, Angie, and I didn't even own bikes then. But as I started my treatments, I knew we would end up in Austin. However, at the time, I had no idea that before my trip, my mother would join me as a cancer survivor too," Jerry remembers.

Currently, the event gets under way on Friday and culminates with Sunday's ride, which is considered the real heart of the weekend. Last year's schedule included a USA Cycling-sanctioned race through downtown Austin for both amateur and professional riders, a black-tie gala and silent auction, the Run for the Roses 5K, the Health and Sports Expo, and other family-oriented events and activities. "The 2001 Weekend raised more than $1.5 million for the foundation's survivorship programs and service," Bianca says.

The weekend also provides an opportunity for cancer survivors to meet one another and celebrate life. "It's about time cancer survivors came together to share their experiences and support one another," says Cara Dunne-Yates, a Paralympic skiing and cycling champion and a 2001 recipient of one of the foundation's Carpe Diem Awards for her impact on cancer survivorship.

Cara, who lost her eyesight to cancer the age of 6, has been an inspiration to many others for years. When the disease reappeared in 1993 and 2001, however, it was Cara went looking for inspiration, She found it in Austin. "I had been a source of hope to parents who wondered whether or not their children could beyond their teens, could ever become strong athletes, go to college, marry, and have children. But when the cancer returned, I felt like I’d let down everyone. I was no longer a proud survivor," she remembers.

“Participating in Ride for the Roses helped me see that my work with other cancer patients must be a continuing flow of change and growth. The event buoyed me, made me smile, and reinvigorated me with the spirit of survivorship. I keep Lance's words in the back of my mind all the time: 'We will beat this,' " Cara says.

As the event continues to grow, so do Lance's expectations. "I can definitely see this event spreading to other cities, and once my professional career is over, I'll have even more time to spend on the foundation," he says.

When asked if she and husband Jerry will return to Austin next year, Angie Kelly quickly replies, "We're going back every year until there's no more cancer." SCOTT JONES

Reprinted with permission