Breast Cancer Motorcycle Fun Run

This Saturday, October 28, the Yuma Harley Owners Group (HOG) will host its 14^th annual “Save the Boobies” Breast Cancer Motorcycle Fun Run. It also marks the 13^th year the HOGs organization will donate all proceeds to the YRMC Cancer Resource Center –  a commitment rooted in friendship, survivorship, hope and support.

November 1990, Louise Jacobsen heard the devastating words, “You have cancer.” But Louise, a go-getter and positive light for many, turned her own fight into an opportunity to help others. In 2004, after becoming a breast cancer survivor, Louise moved to Yuma with her husband Rex. After contacting the American Cancer Society, she learned there were no non-profit organizations in Yuma with a mission of providing support for cancer patients. A few months later, Louise had trained a few volunteers and started Road to Recovery, which provided patients free transportation to and from cancer treatments. After several years of recruiting volunteers and partnering with other non-profits, the group became the Cancer Resource Center and found a permanent home on the second floor of YRMC Cancer Center.

While the Cancer Resource Center is now known for their incredible support of cancer patients – providing gas cards for patients that are in treatment, wigs, makeup training, nutrition and emotional support – the non-profit struggled at times for funding and publicity. But in 2010, a relationship with the Yuma HOG motorcycle group provided a positive boost the non-profit needed.

In October 2010, Reynold Jerome and HOGs approached the Cancer Resource Center and offered to host the “Save the Boobies” fun run. Several non-profits had turned down their assistance, but the Cancer Resource Center was excited to have their support. From that day forward, the HOGs committed to the Cancer Resource Center, choosing to donated all funds from the event to their community partner since. And they contribute a significant amount, raising between $10,000-$15,000 a year from the “Save the Boobies” event alone.

After taking a pause from volunteering to support her husband Rex and his battle with cancer, then moving from Yuma for several years, Louise Jacobsen is back again and volunteering with the Cancer Resource Center at YRMC, the organization she’s committed her heart and soul to. And Reynold Jerome continues to organize and run the “Save the Boobies” ride. Their friendship and commitment to cancer care and our community has helped thousands during their most difficult of times.

The Save the Boobies fun run is this Saturday, October 28, beginning at 9:00 am. Riders pay $15 a person, which includes lunch and a ride pin for the first 200 sign-ups. Registration is at Bobby’s Territorial Harley-Davidson (2550 E Gila Ridge Rd).