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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.Instructors and riders participated in the third annual Turn It Purple Ride at Pure Cycle Spinning Studio to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer and funds for research on Nov. 18.
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.Several riders at the third annual Turn It Purple Ride at Pure Cycle Spinning Studio made signs and dedicated their rides in memory of people they knew who were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.Riders at the third annual Turn It Purple Ride at Pure Cycle Spinning Studio worked up a sweat to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer and funds for research on Nov. 18.
By ABBY SLANKER
In recognition of November being Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, Pure Cycle Spinning Studio had its third annual Turn It Purple Ride to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer and to honor the memory of Ronnette Pierce, Barbara Louise Hutch Cene, Laura Cene, Jeanne Tyson, Patty Remias and loved ones lost to the disease on Nov. 18.
The studio offered three free classes to promote Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, with 25 riders in each class, for a total of 75 riders participating for the cause.
“Many of our riders are repeaters from our previous Turn it Purple Rides, but we also have some new riders who wanted to participate and support the cause, so that’s a good thing,” said Shelly Colucci, Pure Cycle Spinning Studio owner.
Colucci said it was because of a rider, Nicole Billak, and one her instructors, Candace, that Pure Cycle got involved in the Turn it Purple Ride.
“We heard Nicole’s story about her sister’s fight with pancreatic cancer, and Candace asked if we could get involved to help raise awareness and funds. Candace was inspired by a quote on Nicole’s Facebook page and said to me, ‘Let’s do something!,” Colucci said.
The studio also offered purple headbands and T-shirts to commemorate the ride, which were donated, allowing 100 percent of the proceeds from the T-shirts to go to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. A 50/50 Purple Queen of Hearts raffle was also held. The Turn it Purple Ride raised more than $3,000, with all monies raised going to PANCAN.
“Pancreatic cancer is affecting more and more lives. Every year, we seem to add a name here of someone who was diagnosed with it. You hear about it more and more. The five year survival rate is only 8 percent. The survival rate is so low, that events like ours need to be done. There is not much awareness about pancreatic cancer. There is no early detection for pancreatic cancer. Seventy-five percent of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer will die within the first year of diagnosis,” Colucci said.