The Pearl of the Pee Dee Pedal Pushers sponsored a Bike-A-Thon for Huntington Disease (HD) on Saturday, April 30 as part of the kick-off for the Celebrate Main Street festivities.
Kathy Rowell was the spearhead for the event and was assisted by Jamie Arnette, whose wife’s family is impacted by the disease.
It was a gorgeous day for the bicycle ride and 31 riders took the challenge to ride in support of the HD Bike-A-Thon.  Though a shorter 5-mile bicycle route was available for riders, everyone chose the longer 15-mile ride.  The ride began at 8:00 am and departed from the clock located at the train depot on Main Street.  Cyclists pedaled west on Main Street and turned left onto Bunker Hill Rd., and then pedaled to Harlees Bridge Road.  Once on Harlees Bridge Road, the riders rode toward Hwy. 34 and continued past Dothan Church, turning right onto Red Bethea Road aimed what is known as “White Hat.”  The energetic cyclists then turned right onto Hwy. 34 and traveled east, turning left onto Harlees Bridge Road and retracing the course back to the train depot.
The bicyclists who participated in the event encompassed a wide range of participants, from young to “older,” and male and female.  Everyone who took the 15-mile challenge completed the course within 90 minutes, though some completed the course in just under an hour.  Participants included the Boys Scout Troup 761 led by Dr. Tim Fitzgibbon and Kevin Church, Kenn Hucks from Indian Trail, NC, the Pearl of the Pee Dee Pedal Pushers and other local riders.
Other supporters, event sponsors, and family members of cyclists and of those affected by HD came out to support the HD Bike-A-Thon and to encourage riders as they returned from the arduous journey.  Joe Lapaglia of Columbia, SC and Kim Austin of Sumter, SC, who represent the South Carolina Huntington’s Disease Society of America, attended the event.  Lapaglia’s and Austin’s families have also faced the devastating impact of Huntington’s Disease.  All supporters, event sponsors and cyclists were treated to a meal provided by a Florence restaurant in conjunction with Casey and Joni Deyton of Newnan, GA.  The overall event was a great success, and we look forward to next year’s event, which may include a 3-mile walk for those who cannot ride and the 15-mile ride.
The funds raised from the HD Bike-A-Thon go to support families who face the incurable genetic disease.  All proceeds from this event will go to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (visit www.HDSA.org for more information).  Because so few people are impacted by HD, getting funding for research, advocating for assistance, and finding support is an uphill battle.  Huntington’s Disease Society of America offers support and information for families and friends in their battle with HD, contends with the FDA to fast-track research for HD patients, encourages lawmakers to pass legislation to enable HD families to get necessary support, and pushes for treatments and cures.  Though research is underway to find a cure, there is currently no treatment or cure for the disease.  Even though HD is a rare disease, it can be devastating to families who are confronted with it.  Because it is a genetic disease that is passed from a parent to a child, it can affect multiple family members at the same time, creating a significant emotional, physical, and financial challenge for families.  Families facing the disease remain hopeful that a cure is within sight and are grateful to all those in their families, churches and communities who aid them in this battle.

PHOTOS BY JOHNNIE DANIELS/THE DILLON HERALD