“Bike for Cancer Care” Pays Tribute to Barnes

KINGSTON – The Benedictine Health Foundation’s Bike for Cancer Care is recognized for its fundraising efforts in support of local cancer patients through the Foundation’s Rosemary D. Gruner Memorial Cancer Fund.

Now in its 12th year, the Bike for Cancer Care attracts over 450 riders and 125 volunteers.  The event to be held on Sunday, September 20, at Dietz Stadium in Kingston is a great family day featuring a Bike Rodeo for youth, a Family Fun ride, and a 12-, 25-, and 50-mile ride.

The 50-mile ride will now be named the Dan Barnes Memorial Ride. Dan was a Kingston High graduate who was an outstanding student, athlete, and friend to all who knew him.  Dan lost his courageous 2 year battle with Melanoma in March 2015 at the age of 30.  “Dan said he wanted his story used to help prevent cancer and cure it.  He would be very pleased to have his name connected with the Bike for Cancer Care to support the Rosemary D. Gruner Memorial Cancer Fund, and to help cancer patients and their families in our community,” said Dan’s mother, Marie Barnes.

A.J. Gruner, who knew Dan personally worked with the Barnes family on naming the 50-mile ride in his memory.  “Dan took great pride in physical fitness and endurance. The ride will start and finish at Dietz Stadium where Dan excelled as a football and lacrosse player, and it is an honor to remember him with this ride,” stated A.J.

Since its inception the event has raised $908,000 due to its grass roots recognition and tremendous support from local individuals and businesses.  This year, the event will break the $1,000,000 mark!
The Rosemary D. Gruner Memorial Cancer Fund was established in 2004 by Rosemary’s family in partnership with the Benedictine Health Foundation, Inc., a local not for profit organization in Kingston.  The Fund has distributed $641,700 to over 1450 cancer patients and their families in the form of gift cards to Hannaford Supermarkets and fuel cards to Stewart’s Shops.  Each eligible patient receives $500 annually, a life changing means of support to people in our local community.

To ride or donate in Dan Barnes’s memory, support the Bike for Cancer and find out more about the Fund, go online to www.bikeforcancer.org or call Barbara Klassen, Executive Director, Benedictine Health Foundation at (845) 334-3816.