Ride raises awareness, cancer funds
A local businessman and former state representative will pedal from Tampa to Tallahassee to raise funds for and awareness of the fight against cancer.
Gary Aubuchon, the president of the Aubuchon Team of Companies and a former District 74 Florida House representative, will once again take part in the annual Cure on Wheels bike-a-thon. In the event, riders cycle to the Capitol to advocate for increased funding for cancer research and patient services.
This will be Aubuchon’s second time taking part, having participated in the ride years ago.
“I did it to honor both my parents and my wife’s parents, all four of whom died of cancer,” he said of his first go at the event. “I’m doing it this year to honor an employee and a friend, Dana Greene.”
“He was just 55 years old and lost his life to cancer, as well,” Aubuchon said.
On Saturday, he and the other participants will leave from the Moffitt Cancer Center to travel more than 300 miles over four days. They are set to arrive at the steps of the state Capitol on Tuesday.
“For me, it’s a very personal ride,” Aubuchon said. “It’s inspirational in that it’s challenging, yet I feel I’m doing something rather than sitting on the sidelines watching people die from cancer.”
Each rider is challenged to raise money to help those dealing with the disease.
“But it’s primarily not a large fundraiser as much as it is to raise awareness of all the cancer-related issues,” he said.
Aubuchon explained that the Moffitt Cancer Center is Florida’s premier cancer hospital. The facility receives funding from the state Legislature, and the ride aims to encourage funding for more research.
As of Thursday, Aubuchon himself had raised approximately $7,250.
“My goal was originally $5,000,” he said.
After hitting his initial goal, Aubuchon raised his new goal to $6,500.
“I think it’s a reflection of our community,” he said of already meeting his new goal. “I’m blessed to live in an area here in Southwest Florida filled with people that give back.”
“Across the board, friends, family and colleagues have responded,” Aubuchon said. “It’s very heart-warming to have people like this in my life.”
In preparation for the event, Aubuchon has been in training.
“It’s a lot of time cycling,” he said. “It’s spin classes.”
“It’s takes quite a bit of training,” Aubuchon said.
His spin instructor and friend, Fort Myers resident Dave Salko, will ride with him.
“He went last year, as well,” Aubuchon said.
To support Aubuchon and the Cure on Wheels with a donation, visit online at: give.cureonwheels.org/. Click on the “Donate” link and search for his name.
For more information on the bike-a-thon, visit: “cureonwheels.org/.
Cure on Wheels raises money to help individuals and families in the Tampa Bay area cope with a diagnosis of cancer through an annual bike-a-thon that travels the roads just north of Tampa. The hope and aspiration is to provide them with necessary services after a potentially debilitating diagnosis.