PRESS RELEASE

 Release Date:             July 27, 2004

 Contact:                      Sue Morris
                                    B4BC Chairman
                                    231.536.7066

 BIKE4BREASTCANCER COMES TO MICHIGAN

 Bike4BreastCancer has come to Michigan, and the women of this Northern Michigan community will benefit greatly from its efforts.  Founded in 1996 by President Kathy Betz of Bel Air, Maryland, the organization strives to raise awareness of the devastation of breast cancer, and to provide the latest information relating to all aspects of breast cancer detection and treatment.  Rather than raising funds for all important research and treatment programs, Bike4BreastCancer prefers to involve itself at the grass roots level, by sponsoring individual Pink Ribbon Rides in small towns and cities throughout the country, and utilizing the proceeds within the community.  The organization currently sponsors pink ribbon rides in Havre De Grace, MD; Greenbelt, MD, and Boyne City, MI, and has to date raised over $50,000 for local programs.

 In 2002, when word of this effort reached Boyne City resident Kathy McDonald, herself a breast cancer patient and avid cyclist, she knew it would be perfect for her community, and set about organizing the annual event.  Kathy herself did not survive to participate in the inaugural ride in 2003, but the support of friends, family, and countless volunteers see that her dream of helping others stays alive.

 At its second annual Pink Ribbon Ride in memory of Kathy McDonald, the Charlevoix/Emmet County Chapter (Boyne City) of Bike4BreastCancer raised over $16,000 bringing its total contribution over two years to $26,383.  Proceeds from the events are donated to Northern Michigan Hospital Foundation and Charlevoix Area Hospital Foundation, to assist them in their efforts to provide education, support programs, and mammogram screenings for those in need throughout the Northern Michigan service area.

 This year’s ride, held on June 19 at Veterans Park in Boyne City included 98 participants from across the state.  Riders chose one of three routes based on their skill levels.  Local businesses and residents donated supplies, food, drink, and prizes, and even the Ironton Ferry was kept busy as it transported pink ribbon clad riders during the final leg of their 42-mile journey around Lake Charlevoix.  Other routes took riders through town on a 17-mile ride to the Ferry, or on a simple spin around the park.  As a result, Bike4BreastCancer is once again helping the women of Northern Michigan understand that a diagnosis of breast cancer need not be a death sentence.

 Plans for the Third Annual Pink Ribbon Ride are already underway, as the organization prepares for another spectacular event on June 18, 2005.

 Kathy Betz, Founder and President of Bike4BreastCancer begins the 42-mile route around Lake Charlevoix on her favorite pink bike.

 Some of the 98 participants leave Veterans Park on their 42-mile route around Lake Charlevoix