Published: June 25, 2025
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Join the movement, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025.
Every September, hundreds of people gather at Norton Cancer Institute – Brownsboro, not just to ride bikes or walk a mile, but to fight back against cancer. Bike to Beat Cancer, benefiting Norton Cancer Institute, is an annual fundraising event that brings together survivors, supporters, families and health care heroes in one shared mission: to end cancer in our community. Whether you’re cycling 65 miles or cheering from the sidelines, your presence fuels lifesaving work happening every day at Norton Cancer Institute.
Erica Lee Willaims is one of those people. And to her, this event is anything but ordinary.
“This place saved my life,” Erica said.
Diagnosed in her early 40’s, the mom, wife and Jeferson County district judge, faced months of intense chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant through her battle with myeloid leukemia. Erica credits Norton Cancer Institute’s care team for not only treating her cancer, but for helping her face the emotional and mental toll of the journey.
Last year, Erica joined Bike to Beat Cancer for the first time, in the 1-mile fun walk. Each step was full of purpose for her. For Erica, the event isn’t about how far you go, it’s about why you’re going. She is excited to join again this year.
“It was an easy yes,” she said. “There was pride. There was gratitude, and there was a real sense of being part of something bigger than yourself.”
She is not just a participant, she’s passionate about the mission. Erica has worked with the Norton Healthcare Foundation to design merchandise that raises money and awareness, and she encourages others to fundraise by doing what she does: sharing her story.
“I’ve built a strong network of people over the years,” she said. “When I tell them why this event matters, why Norton Cancer Institute matters, they give. Because it’s real.”
Today, Erica is focused on what comes after the active treatment. She calls this new era of her life Erica 2.0.
“You are never the same after you hear those three words ‘You have cancer’. The journey doesn’t end after ringing the bell. It is crucial to have a village of support as you acclimate to your new normal.”
The funds raised during Bike to Beat Cancer directly support cancer prevention, early detection, advanced treatments, survivorship programs and clinical research. That matters to Erica.
Today, Erica is focused on what comes after the treatment, the “rebuild,” as she calls it.
“People are there during the fire,” she said. “But when the fire goes out, that is when the help is needed most. When we’re rebuilding the house. That’s when the village is supposed to show up.”
For Erica, showing up and being part of the community around Bike to Beat Cancer is central to her message.
Help the participants in Bike to Beat Cancer 2025 reach their goal of raising $500,000. With 10 ways to participate, there is an opportunity for everyone.
Bike to Beat Cancer is more than a fundraiser, it’s a movement. Every September, hundreds of people across the community come together to ride, walk, and rally behind one shared mission: to end cancer. From a scenic mile-long stroll to an intense, 65-mile ride, every step and every pedal powers critical fundraising for Norton Cancer Institute — fueling research, supporting patients, and bringing hope where it is needed most.