Gary’s Ride is a non-profit charity organization founded by Kristin Wiedenfeld and created in loving memory of Gary Wiedenfeld; husband to Kristin, step-father, and avid cyclist who bravely battled glioblastoma. Gary was active in the Waukee community, volunteering his time with the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce, Waukee Leadership Institute and the Waukee Police Department’s Citizens Academy.
Every year, they host Gary’s Annual Brain Cancer Bike Ride. It is held rain or shine, the 3rd Saturday in May. The ride is both a fundraising and ‘fun-raising’ community event for the whole family; both riders and non-riders.
We talked with Kristin to learn a little more about Gary’s Ride and Gary’s Annual Brain Cancer Bike Ride!
Who is Gary?
Gary is my wonderful, incredible, handsome, adventurous, loving, husband who passed May 17, 2021 from Glioblastoma – terminal brain cancer.
Referred to by many as “our hero” because of his courage, his faithfulness, his strength, his perseverance, his kindness, his commitment to helping family and friends. Gary grew up in Fort Dodge, Iowa, graduating from St. Edmonds High School 1979. He went on to graduate from the University of Iowa in 1983. Gary worked the majority of his business career in the printing, packaging and shipping industry. In his life, Gary faced many battles – open heart surgery, shoulder and knee surgeries and an almost life ending bicycle accident. He used all of his God given gifts mentioned above when he was diagnosed with terminal Brain Cancer (Glioblastoma Multiforme Grade IV) in April 2020. Gary fought gallantly for 13+ months and finally the devastating cancer took away his sword of courage and bravery, May 17, 2021. Gary will be forever missed and forever loved because of who this incredible human being was to so many of us!
How did Gary’s Ride Start?
When Gary passed, I knew I needed to do something for patients that will be diagnosed with Glioblastoma. The length of life once someone is diagnosed is only 8 months as there is little for treatment options and no cure. I wanted to make the challenging journey better for those patients and their families.
Where do donations from Gary’s Ride go?
Your donation matters and will help support multiple different types of direct aid.
Donations will support MercyOne Richard Deming Cancer Center in these ways:
- Help secure clinical trials for future treatments
- Gary’s Adventures Sponsorship which provides a terminal brain cancer patient their dreamed of adventure
- Supportive services such as massage therapy/acupuncture/music and art therapy
- Brain cancer rehab services such as speech therapy/OT/PT
- Compassion Fund for other financial needs of patients and their families not covered by insurance.
How long is Gary’s Annual Brain Cancer Bike Ride?
There are three routes you can choose from for the ride, a 6 mile ride, 18 mile ride, or 32 mile ride. Each route starts at the Waukee Raccoon River Valley Trailhead and ends in Dallas Center at the Handlebar Restaurant. If you don’t want to ride, we’ve got you covered! Sign up as a non-rider and join in on all the wonderful food and entertainment.
What does the registration fee cover?
The registration fee just covers the event fees (food/beverage/t-shirts and other costs from the ride). You can also make a donation.
Our goal is to raise $20,000 by May 20, 2023.
What are different ways to get involved?
If you are looking for different ways to get involved or volunteer, please check out our website: garysrideiowa.org or call 515-512-3835.
