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Canfield community comes together for Cycle for a Cure
CANFIELD
Cyclists of all ages can show off their bicycling skills for a cause at the Canfield Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.
They will be able to participate in a five-hour spin-a-thon for the third annual Cycle for a Cure, an event dedicated to raising money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Buckeye Chapter.
Multiple sclerosis is a neurological disease that causes nerve damage, deteriorating communication between the body and brain.
Last year, Cycle for a Cure raised more than $10,000. Shelly Colucci, Cycle for a Cure co-founder and Pure Cycle owner, hopes to double that amount.
Cyclers can spin for $20 per hour. The rest of the event is free. Local businesses donated food, services, a bounce house, gift baskets and more.
Colucci credits her grandmother, who was diagnosed with MS five days after Colucci – who was the first grandchild of the family – was born, for her fundraising drive.
“She fought because of me,” she said.
So, Colucci fights because of her.
Another inspiration she found was through David Burrow, co-founder of Cycle for a Cure, and his wife, Koreen, who has lived with MS since she was 26. She has been cycling ever since her diagnosis.
“For me, keeping active is absolutely one of the most-important things in staying strong,” she said.
The Burrows travel to different biking events to raise money for MS, and are on a mission to ride in an event in every state. They took on this mission when Koreen’s disease took a turn for the worst.
“It was then that we decided we needed to up our game both with the fundraising and the awareness,” she said.
David said despite their countrywide travels, they will always come back for Pure Cycle’s Cycle for a Cure.
“They’ve been nothing but a wonderful support for us and the MS society,” he said. “You live in a place for six months and realize you’ve found a new family.”
Not only are adults welcome to come spin at Cycle for a Cure, but children can attend a bike-safety course from Canfield police officers.
Officer Steve Garstka said he will be teaching children about hand signals and bike maintenance.
“Hopefully, these kids will learn bicycles are basically vehicles on the road, and they have to abide by a lot of the same rules that cars do,” said officer Dustin Cover.
In addition to cycling, fundraising and bike education, Cycle for a Cure will also be providing free children’s IDs.