By Jenni Walker

I have had the honor and pleasure of coordinating public relations and media outreach for 24 Foundation over the past nine years and riding in the event the past seven years. One of the things that makes each year so special and memorable is the participant stories – whether it’s an individual rider, a team, a cancer survivor, volunteer, supporter or spectator.

One particular story and moment of connectivity from this year’s Charlotte ride really resonated with me. It all started with a conversation I had with Dr. Chasse Bailey-Dorton – a cancer survivor, 24 Foundation board member, and medical director for cancer survivorship & integrative oncology at Carolinas HealthCare System’s Levine Cancer Institute – the evening before the ride. In chatting about the event, she mentioned how she wanted to find a tandem bike for one of her patients (Daras) to be able to ride on during the Survivors Lap since Daras wouldn’t be able to ride the lap on her own. Knowing that Super Girl (aka Stratford Kiger) with the Caped Crusaders 4 Cures Team had a tandem bike, I immediately texted her to see if Daras could ride with her for the first lap. Within minutes she replied with “count me in!”

Super Girl came to the rescue. We we’re thrilled to say the least!

Seeing Super Girl, Dr. Bailey-Dorton and Daras together less than 24 hours later at the event was priceless. Our simple conversation the evening prior turned into a powerful moment for everyone. That’s the spirit and camaraderie of 24 Foundation. It’s why I ride. It’s why I love this event and its community of riders, survivors and supporters.

Take a moment to watch this video (courtesy of Dr. Bailey-Dorton) of Super Girl and Daras flying together in tandem along the Booty Loop.

The Caped Crusaders 4 Cures’ motto is that they Ride for SMILES not MILES. A huge thanks to the Caped Crusaders for bringing us lots of smiles and a very special moment for a lovely cancer hero to ride the Booty Loop and celebrate her survivorship.