Nurse cycles for good causes
400+ miles in one month
How far would you go to help children with cancer? If you’re Aimee Cline, RN, the answer is 402 miles in the month of June!
A clinical nurse supervisor at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend, in Springfield, Oregon, Aimee raised almost $1,000 as part of the 2018 Great Cycle Challenge. She's gearing up again to ride at least 400 miles in June 2019, with the same goal of raising funds to fight kids' cancer.
The Great Cycle Challenge has raised over $9 million in the last three years to support the Children's Cancer Research Fund and their work to develop lifesaving treatments and find a cure for childhood cancer.
By commuting to work on her bike and taking part in a few long weekend rides, Aimee was able to rack up the miles. Donations came from 21 supporters, including family, friends and fellow caregivers.
What prompted Aimee to start the challenge? “It’s just a great cause. It’s important for a person of any age with cancer, of course, but it’s tough to see the little ones,” she says. “If I can help in any way, I’m in.”
Not only did her hard work during the Great Cycle Challenge raise money for Children's Cancer Research Fund, but two of the longer rides she did in June also benefitted others. The annual Gorge Ride supports the restoration of the Historic Columbia River Gorge between Oregon and Washington while Cycle Oregon’s Joyride celebrates women and the sport of bicycling.
The Eugene/Springfield area, where Aimee lives and commutes to work, is known as a bike-friendly place with bike lanes and paths throughout the cities. The recently launched PeaceHealth Rides, a community bike share program that provides an environmentally friendly transportation option in the Eugene. But Aimee feels there is more to be done for bicyclists.
“I can be pretty passionate about bicycling in town. Most of the women I talk to don’t ride because they don’t feel safe,” she says. She’s eager to explore ways with her community to make cycling safer, including a possible event to raise awareness for sharing the road with bicycles.
Although Aimee admits that it’s a little bit harder to keep on pedaling through the rainy, winter months, she is dedicated to making the effort for herself and for her community. “It’s motivating,” she says. “Not just for me to ride and be healthier, but to do something that benefits others and the environment.”
The Pacific Northwest is a great place for cyclists. Did you know that PeaceHealth sponsors a bicycle sharing program in Eugene, Oregon? If you live in the area and could use a two-wheel lift, check out PeaceHealth Rides. The program just celebrated its one-year anniversary.
