Hester Belisario – Cycling for a Cure

May 31, 2019

Written by Andrea Romero-Fisher

Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease among children. Over 38 children lose their lives to cancer every week. To help fight back against cancer and restore hope in a young child’s future, Butler Secretary Hester Belisario is participating in the Great Cycle Challenge USA event.

On June 1, 2019, Hester will unite with cyclists from across the country in a month-long challenge to ride and raise donations for a cure. Riders from all 50 states set a personal target on the number of miles they will ride and the amount of money they will raise during the month of June.

Hester’s donation page has a picture of her sitting on an indoor bike with two thumbs raised high in the air and the words “I am Riding for Bella” underneath. Her enthusiasm for cycling is just as strong as her desire to invite others to join her in making a difference in a child’s life.

“I always liked cycling and what better way to raise awareness on childhood cancer,” says Hester.

She has made it her goal to ride 300 miles and raise $1000 in donations this year. Currently, Hester has collected over $730 towards her goal for research development for children like Bella, a 6—year-old girl who has battled a rare, stage 4 liver cancer for two years.

Hester first learned of the Great Cycle Challenge back in 2017. Touched by their cause, she joined in the movement and rode 230 miles while raising a total of $665 in her first year. This year she continues that journey of cycling to help those children still fighting for their lives.

To date, Hester has raised a total of $1300 and ranks in 41st place in the nation and 68th place in the state of Florida based on her funding dollars.

“It means a lot to me knowing that I may be making a difference in helping to find a cure for childhood cancer and save little lives,” says Hester.

If you’d like to share with others and make a donation, you can visit Hester’s page: https://greatcyclechallenge.com/Riders/HesterBelisario

The Great Cycle Challenge is a national Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF) fundraising initiative held throughout June. GCC event started in 2015 and has since raised $16,070,740 in support of research to develop better treatments and find a cure for childhood cancer.