JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Minnesota man riding his bike across the United States to raise money for breast cancer research made a stop in Jacksonville this weekend.
Al Reszel rides in honor of his wife, Terry. Al left Key West last week in her seventh breast cancer race. He is pedaling to Minneapolis – a journey of 4,100 kilometers!
The mission is important to Al and Terry because it is personal.
Terry is a breast cancer survivor.
“He can’t do research, so he rides his bike. He was there for me and now I’m here for him to go through this. She’s one in eight American women and they’re getting younger and younger,” Terry said.
For Al, watching his wife go through treatment gave him new purpose.
“Me and the boys, it’s been a tough few years. Surgery, medicine and treatment. Once it’s been about four or five years, we decided we want to do something to help find a cure,” said Al. “That’s when we connected with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.”
And with that, Pink Pedals 4 A Cure was born. Every dollar donated goes straight to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
On average about 90 kilometers per day, and the plan is to reach Minnesota by Mother’s Day.
Even if the weather isn’t exactly perfect the whole way, Al doesn’t mind.
“I love Florida,” he said. “This is our second year going out here, but that first day out of Key West it rained almost all day. A couple of days ago, I had about 3 hours of rain.
Although Terry is not physically pedaling, she is still there with Al. She follows him in the couple’s Jeep. And you can’t miss it!
The couple said it’s been a great experience over the years to put in the miles and meet new people along the way. But the couple’s message to everyone at home is to take action.
“Get mammograms. If they catch it early, they can treat it. If you let it go, not so much,” Terry said.
Al repeats his message.
“The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, they’re on the front lines of everything. From diagnosis and treatment. Ultimately survival, but you have to catch it first,” said Al.
If you are interested in donating to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation through “Pink Pedals 4 A Cure”, click here.
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