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From the Boston Globe, NorthWest People, Boston.com

 

Riding for a cure

 

By Cindy Cantrell

 

March 15, 2009

Trisha Perez Kennealy had just found out she was pregnant with her third child when her 4-year-old daughter's friend of the same age was diagnosed with cancer in 2005. Before her baby was even born, she decided that she would commit herself to road biking so she could participate in fund-raisers to fight the disease. Six months after the arrival of Rory, now 3, Kennealy rode 192 miles in the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge.

Kennealy has continued to participate in bike-a-thons, walk-a-thons, and most recently a spin class fund-raiser hosted by Boston Sports Club of Lexington to benefit the Family Reach Foundation. Led by USA Cycling Elite Level coach Kenji Freedman of Winchester, more than 80 participants raised $9,000 through sponsorships, donations, and raffles in the three-day event for the nonprofit organization, which provides financial relief to families fighting pediatric cancer and other diseases.

 

Whenever she feels fatigued, Kennealy said, she finds inspiration from friends' experiences. Last month, her friend's son - another 4-year-old - was diagnosed with cancer. And she will never forget that the first call congratulating her on Rory's birth came from her best friend's mother, who succumbed to blood cancer just days later.

 

"Any cancer diagnosis is devastating," said Kennealy, who lives in Lexington. Cycling "is my weapon. It's what I do to feel empowered to help these kids grow into healthy adults who can then ride their bikes to help other people."

 

 

(from left to right) Kenji Freedman, Trisha Perez Kennealy

and Valerie Peters at the Family Reach spin event at

Boston Sports Club in Lexington, MA.