John James, captain of Team Ruritan, has been involved with the American Cancer Society Pan Ohio Hope Ride for five years now. He found the event while looking for a cycling charity ride, and it changed his life.
“For me personally, this ride was part of my journey to finally healing from the grief of losing my Dad so many years ago. The ride brings Hope to me and to many others.”
“I ride in memory of my Dad who died of cancer when I was 13. I also ride in honor of my Mom who raised us 4 boys after my Dad died. I can’t fathom the sacrifices she made to raise us and get us all through college.”
“This ride is a life changer: Both for the ones we ride for and for the riders. We’re all one word away from hitting our knees on the worst day of our life when the doctor says [that] you have ‘cancer.’ This ride is part of how we let the cancer fighters know they’re not alone in their battle for life. We see them, we hear them, and we love them so much we’ll spend 4 days on a very tiny bicycle seat.”
We asked John what photos he would like to share from the Pan Ohio Hope Ride, and he provided these family photos.
“This was my third Hope (2017) ride and my wife and daughter met me at the finish line,” he said. “I know it sounds strange, but that was the moment that all that cancer had done to my past lost all control over my future. I’m not sure why, but this is the moment the grief from losing my Dad was finally healed…it only took 41 years but the Pan Ohio Hope Ride finally gave me peace over my past.”
Regarding the other photo, John with his canine family member, he said that it “just makes me happy every time I see it.” We couldn’t agree more. John confirmed that his daughter (in the picture) will be riding in the Hope Ride with him for the first time this year, and his wife will be a four-day volunteer.
Thank you, John, for your passion and endurance. We’re so excited to be welcoming even more of YOUR family to the Pan Ohio Family in 2023!
American Cancer Society Pan Ohio Hope Ride 