Fighting cancer is not only about research to find a cure. It’s also about supporting patients who often need financial assistance, guidance through the healthcare system and emotional relief. Helping local nonprofits address these needs the focus of 24 Indianapolis.
A local affiliate of the national organization 24 Foundation, 24 Indianapolis is a noncompetitive biking and walking event and will start 7 p.m. June 28 to 7 p.m. June 29 on Butler University’s campus. This year marks the eighth year of 24 Indianapolis, which started as a biking only event and eventually added a walking component.
Participants raise money from friends and family beforehand then have access to a walking or biking path. The event is a fun way to support patient navigation and survivorship programs for cancer patients.
“We really just love the fact that we are supporting cancer survivors and helping them navigate with their families and just really touching the lives of individuals that are affected by cancer,” Nanci Bonfield, 24 Foundation’s Regional Director of Indiana, said.
In addition to cycling and walking, affectionately known as ride or stride, Bonfield said the 24 hours contain fun events such as a pizza party at midnight, yoga at sunrise and bands playing throughout the event. There are also themed hours for walkers and riders to wear funny costumes such as tutu hour.
“People really enjoy the tutu hour, especially,” Bonfield said. “Some of our gentlemen put their tutus on and it’s super fun.”
There will also be stations where participants can interact with various organizations they raise money for such as Franciscan Health’s Moving Beyond program and Casting for Recovery. Moving Beyond is a 12-week program for people in remission that offers health, nutrition, financial and intimacy counseling as well as other classes.
Casting for Recovery takes breast cancer patients on a free fly fishing trip. The goal of the trip is to not only be a fun distraction but also a way for breast cancer patients to meet and connect with others going through the same difficulties.
“For some women who live in the more rural parts in Indiana, our retreats are the very first time they’ve ever spoken to another breast cancer survivor,” Cindy Day, a volunteer for Casting for Recovery, said. “There’s a lot of discussion that goes on at those retreats outside of fly fishing. … Those classmates stay in touch with each other.”
Day believes current discussions on cancer too frequently neglect patients’ emotional needs, noting that there were no accessible navigation or emotional programs when she was diagnosed with cancer in 2002. That is why Day attended 24 Indianapolis two years in a row and plans to again this year. Day, who registers alongside her children and grandchildren, said their goal is to raise as much money as possible — they raised $5,000 in 2018. Day’s family enjoys camping at 24 Indianapolis, so they participate in as much of the 24 hours as possible. Day believes this is the best way to get the most out of participating.
“Try to spend as much time there as you can,” Day said. “Just take it all in, go to the tables and find out how the money is being used. … Take advantage of being outdoors. Bring your friends. Bring your family. There’s something for everybody.”
Contact staff writer Ben Lashar at 317-762-7848. Follow him on Twitter @BenjaminLashar.
24 Indianapolis
Ride or stride to change the course of cancer. Join a team or create your own to raise money for cancer survivors.
When: 7 p.m. June 28 to 7 p.m. June 29 (Staying the full 24 hours isn’t mandatory.)
Where: Butler University, 4600 Sunset Ave.
More Information: 704-365-4417, 24foundation.org/indianapolis/ or contactus@24foundation.org
Registration and fundraising requirements for 24 Indianapolis:
Adult Riders (ages 18 and older)
Registration fee: $50
Fundraising minimum: $200
Youth Riders (ages 12-17)
Registration fee: $45
Fundraising minimum: $100
Child Riders (ages 8-11)
Registration fee: $30
Fundraising minimum: $50
Adult Walkers (ages 18 and older)
Registration fee: $50
Fundraising minimum: $200
Youth Walkers (ages 12-17)
Registration fee: $45
Fundraising minimum: $100
Child Walkers (ages 8-11)
Registration fee: $30
Fundraising minimum: $50
24 Biker
