Wings Cancer Foundation began its third annual ride from Memphis, Tennessee to Rosemary Beach today. Nineteen riders kicked-off the five-day, 500-mile charity cycling event on Saturday, October 5 at 8:30 am.

Riders are promoting cancer awareness, encouraging a healthy lifestyle and raising funds for Wings Cancer Foundation’s Wellness Program.

The group of cyclists are expected to arrive in Rosemary Beach the afternoon of Wednesday, October 9th to a warm reception of cancer patients, family and supporters.

The Andalusia Bike Club is also joining them on the last leg of the trek, and they hope others will come out to support them on this milestone ride for a great cause!

Their route — which began in Memphis — will continue through Tupelo, Tuscaloosa, Selma, and Andalusia, and end in Rosemary Beach. Additional riders along the route are encouraged to join the Wings Ride as the team passes through their area to show support and help raise cancer awareness in their respective areas.

Coordinated by the Wolf River Racing Team, the Wings Ride team includes: Brad Adkins, Chuck Bolton, Brian Eason, Jon R. Ewing, Mason Ezzell, III, Miles Fortas, Bryon Jones, David C. Jones, John Kakales, Jim Lenschau, Keith Merriman, Tim Nicholls, Mark Parker, Ben Pope, Frank Smith, Owen Tabor, Dr. Todd Tillmanns, Jim Wilder, and Pat Williams.

“I am riding for all my past, current and future patients,” said Team leader, Dr. Todd Tillmanns. “Through my work I intimately experience the scourge of cancer. I have recognized daily through my patients how cancer will never win, as they choose life. Cancer has a unique way of revealing the glories of life, God, friends and family. I am fortunate to fight alongside my patients as they teach me the most important lessons of life through their fight against cancer.”

Wings Ride will fund Wings Wellness, a program that teaches cancer survivors to incorporate daily exercise, healthy diet, and emotional health to reshape their lives following cancer treatment. Research shows that these activities help survivors recover from their treatment faster as well as prevent cancer recurrence.

For more info, visit the Wings Cancer Foundation website.