Watch CBS News

Friends Band Together To Raise Money In Ride To Conquer Cancer

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Strength in numbers. That's the motto behind a two-day cycling event called "The Ride to Conquer Cancer."

Mary Bubala has more on two friends who banded together to train and raise money for a singular mission: ending cancer in their lifetime.

For Jennifer Jones and Pat Eller, the ride to conquer cancer begins side by side---on the streets of Crofton---training together for a cause that deeply touches both their lives. Jones lost her father to leukemia last year.

"I lost him a year ago this month, July 22," Jones said.

Eller lost her two brothers-in-law and a cousin to cancer.

"She was 43 years old," Eller said. "Five children, and she battled it tremendously for three years, so for her. I'm doing it for her."

The second weekend in September, Jones and Eller will bike in the Ride to Conquer Cancer benefiting Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, Sibley Memorial and suburban hospitals. All the money raised for the 150 mile, two day bike ride goes directly to cancer research---which is why these friends tell me they're taking on this athletic feat.

"People have been so generous and so willing to give because I think cancer has touched everyone," Eller said.

And doing this together is about support and friendship. Jones will have Eller by her side and the memory of her dad in her heart.

"I will be thinking of him every minute. I plan to have a picture of him on my bike, thinking about how much he inspired me and how much he believed in me," Jones said. "The one thing that he never gave up the whole time was hope that they would find a cure or there would be some kind of treatment that would give him more time."

"It means everything in the world to me to be able to do this with Jen," Eller said.

Every rider is responsible for raising a $2,500 donation.

For all the information you need to sign up or donate, click here.

Other Local News:

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.