Orinda cyclist Rick Perez makes a quick stop on a bridge over the Hudson River as part of last year’s ride from Quebec City to Key West.
For the fourth year in a row, Rick Perez, 72, will set off on Laura’s Ride, pedaling from Vancouver, Canada, to Tijuana, Mexico, to raise funds in support of patients fighting breast cancer and to help advance breast cancer research through the Lazarex Cancer Foundation.
Inspired by his friend Laura Barton, who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2015, Perez completed his first ride in 2016, cycling from Santa Monica to Ft. Augustine, Fla., followed by rides from Quebec City, Canada, to Key West, Fla., in 2017 and from Astoria, Ore., to Portsmouth, N.H. in 2018.
Having traveled across the southern states, the northern states, as well as the East Coast, Perez is looking to complete his journey through the United States with this 1,800-mile ride down the West Coast.
More importantly, the cyclist says he wants to continue in his mission to support the Lazarex Cancer Foundation, which offers financial assistance directly to advanced-stage cancer patients, enabling them to access potentially life-saving treatments available through FDA clinical trials. He says he also hopes to spread awareness about the importance of breast cancer screenings and early detection, as well as clinical trials as a treatment option.
Last year, Perez raised more than $8,500 for the foundation and this year his goal is $10,000.
Perez will begin his ride July 14 and plans to arrive in Tijuana on Aug. 20. To donate in support of Laura’s Ride or to follow Perez on his trip, go to http://laurasride.org/.
