Cancer affects us all, either through direct experiences or through its unfair attacks on family or friends. Our team namesake, Brielle, is a loving nine year old, who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2003 and underwent a successful bone marrow transplant in 2006. We ride for Brielle and other loved ones who currently battle cancer, have lost the battle, and who do not yet know the fight they will involuntarily be asked to wage in the future.
About Brielle
Brielle is a daughter, sister, niece, friend and an inspiration to all of us. Brielle is a loving 9 year old girl, quick with a smile and an infectious giggle. She loves butterflies, dancing, swimming, reading books and the challenge of a puzzle. She’s very artistic and adores the color purple. (Brielle is the designer of the team logo.)
In 2003, Brielle was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In November 2005, as she was finishing up what should have been the last of her chemotherapy treatments, doctors discovered that the cancer had returned. In March 2006, she underwent a bone marrow transplant. Jaclyn, Brielle’s then four year old sister, had been identified as a perfect marrow donor for Brielle, dramatically increasing her chances of success.
Having passed the one year anniversary of her transplant, we are happy to report that Brielle returned to school in the fall of 2006. She is often seen riding around her neighborhood on her spiffy new bike — in training for a future PMC!
Our Many Inspirations
Brielle is the courageous little girl that originally united this team together. However, each of our members carries in their hearts and minds thoughts of many others whose lives have been impacted by cancer. The team unites together in honor or memory of these many family and friends. In 2008, we ride to honor the courage of each of the following:
Joanne, Brielle & Family, Ernie, Margaret, Marnie, Neil, Vinny, Carla, David, James, Al, Arnie, Libby, Dale, Sue, Dierdra, Bobby, Peter, Sarah, Bill, Eileen, Grandma O’Brien, Kate, Betty, Jack, Rochelle, Mary, Angela, Laura, Erica, Agnes, Carolyn, Kelsey, Chris, Elizabeth, George, Mike, Bob, Lisa, Keith, Paul, Joseph, Jonathan, Arden, Donna, Judy, Andrew
