Ride for a Child 2025

"I am writing mostly to thank each of you for choosing to ride for Candlelighters and to raise money for this life saving organization.  When we first came in contact with Candlelighters 6 years ago we were hurt and broken.  Our world had been shattered by the diagnosis of brain cancer in our 5 year old child. Candlelighters gave us what we needed in that time of despair - a community of other families who have walked this path and who know what we are going through. They do this in such an artful way as well by creating fun events to gather families together where the kids are playing and having a good time and the parents can let down their guard  and connect.  Through this community now each of us (kids included) have a solid support group to walk with us on this journey and make it just a bit more tolerable."

Posted Summer 2025

Cyclists Glenn Pransky and Terry Snyder travel all the way across the country from the East Coast to participate in Ride for a Child! We are excited to share what inspires Glenn to ride, and what RFAC means to him.

Q: How long have you been a cyclist?
I started riding in college and have been riding lost distances since 1973 - my first 200+miles was in 1974... on an ancient Raleigh, wearing cutoff jeans. No surprise that I couldn't sit down for a week afterwards!   

Q: Has cancer impacted your life?
One of my favorite cousins succumbed to cancer in 1994, and I joined a ride to support cancer research in her honor - and have participated in that ride ever since.   We've lost many friends and family members to cancer, but have also seen how our fund-raising efforts supporting cancer research have led to new treatments that have changed deadly illnesses to very treatable chronic diseases.   

Q: When and how did you first hear about Ride for a Child?   
In 2022 we met Dick Hartung on Cycle Oregon, and he told us the story behind his jersey and his wonderful bike.  The mission of the Candlelighters is so important  - we wanted to participate, so signed up for RFAC the next year.

Q: How long have you participated? This will be my third year.

Q:What motivated you to ride with RFAC, and why do you travel so far to participate?
Cycle Oregon is one of the best state rides in the country - well organized, great mission to bring people from diverse backgrounds together, and of course an opportunity to visit spectacular places.  Well worth the trip across the country to participate.   And being able to join the RFAC crew and contribute to a worthwhile cause is a great bonus.

Q: What motivated you to fundraise? Has that changed since you first started riding?
We are part of a major fund-raising campaign every year to support cancer research here in Massachusetts, so it's hard to tap our donors twice - so we're happy to make a personal contribution to support RFAC.

Q: What is your favorite memory so far from RFAC?
Terry's first year was last year, and she enjoyed how friendly and welcoming everyone was.  And she loved her first experience riding in a paceline last year - 13 miles uphill at a fast pace!

Q: What is something you do not look forward to?
Sleeping on the ground... seems to get harder the older I get.

Q: Did you get a chance to meet your honored child in the past, and if yes, what was that like for you?
Yes, met my honored child and their family in 2023  - that was a great opportunity to hear first-hand about how our contributions make a difference.

Q: What are your hopes or goals for this year's RFAC?
Reconnecting with our RFAC friends, revisiting spectacular scenery, enjoying great rides, good food, and a few laughs.