LET'S BEAT BRAIN CANCER!
We invite you to 'COME ALONG FOR THE RIDE' to beat brain cancer! You can support our mission by making a donation and also by participating in our annual bike ride event (May 17, 2025). Whether you choose to ride a trail route or meet-up with riders at the post-ride celebration, there will be great food and entertainment for the whole family!
REGISTRATION OPENS JANUARY 1st for GARY'S RIDE 2025!
GARY'S RIDE is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charity organization founded by president Kristin Wiedenfeld and created in loving memory of Gary Wiedenfeld; husband to Kristin, step-father and avid cyclist, who bravely battled glioblastoma. GARY is referred to by many as 'our hero' because of his courage, faithfulness, strength, perseverance, kindness and commitment to helping others. Gary faced many battles in his life, including multiple surgeries and a near life-ending accident, but none as great as his fight against brain cancer (glioblastoma multiforme grade IV) from April 2020 until May 17, 2021. Forever in our hearts, our love for Gary propels us forward....to make a difference....to help others...and to BEAT this disease!
Watch Kristin's Latest TV Interview: | May'24
OUR MISSION is to raise FUNDS and HOPE for those impacted by brain cancer - especially glioblastoma (GBM), the most common type of malignant brain tumor in adults. Our 2024 campaign raised more than $34,000! You made it possible for Richard Deming Cancer Center to help 63 patients with brain cancer (primary diagnosis) including 21 Glioblastoma patients.
Funds raised help support the MercyOne Richard Deming Cancer Center to...
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Support local clinical trials for future treatment
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Enable a terminal brain cancer patient to enjoy their dreamed of adventure
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Provide support services like massage therapy/acupuncture/music and art therapy
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Facilitate brain cancer rehab services like speech, occupational and physical therapy
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Fund transportation costs to help patients get to / from appointments
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Fill gaps where insurance falls short (compassion fund) for patients and families
Super Heroes
Julie & Mark Balk
Heartland Co-Op
Hy-Vee
Mercy One Des Moines Foundation
Mike and Sara Walkenhorst
Worldwide Logistics
'Our Hero Gary'
Heroes
Beisser Lumber
Tammy Jensen Family & Friends (in memorial)
Jeff & Nancy Kafer
Scheels
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Champions
Gilcrest Jewett
IH Missouri Valley Credit Union
Iowa Trust Bank
Steven Mall (in memory of Jackson Fisher)
Kathy & Dr. Neil Mandsager (in memory of Gary Wiedenfeld)
Christine & Mark Sarcone
Stivers Ford & Lincoln Waukee
Synergy Financial
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Supporters
Abbott NW Hospital 8th floor nursing staff (in memory of Tammy Jensen)
Glen Adams
Aimee Rooney + MidAmerican Acct. Friends (in memory of Tammy Jensen)
Alternative Interventions (in memory of Gary Wiedenfeld)
Amy Manners Family Premiere Truck Group (In memory of Tammy Jensen)
Kenneth Anderson
The Arpey Family (in memory of Tammy Jensen)
Jeffrey Austin (in memory of Tammy Jensen)
Sarah Baker
Cathryn Balderson
Joe Baum, Deidre Robinson & Family (in memory of Mark Sarcone)
James Brown
Mark Cahill
Nick Callison
Caregiver Connection, LLC (in memory of Mark Sarcone)
Cavalier Entertainment
Kris Chamblee
Jerry & Renee Chiaramonte (in memory of Gary Wiedenfeld)
Steve Crittenden
Dr. Richard Deming
Diane Devick
Thomas Diemer
Ross Eoriati
Shauna Gehring
Sarah Gilbaugh
Lorie Grau
Jeff Harris
Susan Harshman
Joan Hitzel
Jay & Julie Jacobi (in memory of Tammy Jensen)
William Knapp II
Tiffany Knudson
Jeffrey Konkel
Mary Mahnke (in memory of Mark Sarcone)
Steven Mall
Tina Marks (in memory of Mark Sarcone)
Jodie McDonough
Lawrence McLellan
Robert Metcalf
Patty Mettler
Christine Sarcone (in memory of Mark Sarcone)
Gabrielle Sarcone (in memory of Mark Sarcone)
Ken & Leslie Schrimper
Patricia Shomion
Allen Sievers (in memory of Tammy Jensen)
Cathleen and Randy Sparrow
Nicclette Steelman
David Stevens
Susan Stringer
Karen & Brian Thompson (in memory of 'our hero')
Roger & Sheila Townsend (in memory of Gary Wiedenfeld)
Charlie Van Ryswyk (in memory of Gary Wiedenfeld)
Will Weber
David Wetsch
Kristin Wiedenfeld (in memory Gary Wiedenfeld - my hero))
Philip Worth