Brad Shelly, sixth from left, begins his 3rd ride across Pennsylvania to raise funds and awareness for kidney cancer.

Riding for More Than His Own Health

After surviving kidney cancer in 1990, Brad Shelly, MMA Counselor, started biking again. While grateful he survived, he struggled with knowing that others didn’t. “I wanted to find a way to repay God for his blessings by helping others,” says Brad.

Riding for Funds and Awareness
Brad decided to ride West to East across Pennsylvania to raise funds and awareness for kidney cancer. Brad’s first ride, XPA1 (Cross PA 1), took place in 1995, in honor of his fifth anniversary of surviving cancer. “I sent letters to family, friends, and clients asking for donations to the Kidney Cancer Association (KCA),” says Brad. He raised $6,000 and was featured in local papers and a biking magazine.

Five years later he rode again, this time with two other riders. For XPA2, they followed the same 380-mile route across Route 6, and raised $6,000 and more awareness.

XPA3 — 11 Cyclists
For his third ride, 10 cyclists joined Brad, riding from September 1 to September 5, 2005, and raising $7,500. Coordinating the logistics of lodging and food for 11 cyclists was the greatest challenge for XPA3. “Marylou, my wife, followed us in a van. She drove ahead to find where we could stop to eat and rest, and was there waiting for us with meals and snacks,” says Brad.

Brad and his wife, Marylou, take time to enjoy the scenery.

Matching Funds
One unique aspect of the fundraising is that both Mennonite Mutual Aid ( MMA) and FIFS offered to match Brad’s personal contribution. “I gave $250, which both organizations matched,” says Brad.

Brad plans to ride again in 2010. “It’s been such a worthwhile experience. Each ride is different, but very rewarding,” says Brad.

FIFS Connection, Fall 2005, Vol.2, No. 4