Marisela is considering riding one of this year’s four marked routes in the Louisville area. Routes in Southern Indiana, Cherokee/Seneca Park, Middletown and East Louisville will allow riders to keep to their distance.

Story by: Norton Healthcare on September 8, 2020

When Marisela Cervantes first rode in Bike to Beat Cancer four years ago, she started with the family ride.  She rode in honor of Annette Conrad, a friend of a friend who was receiving help from the Norton Healthcare Foundation as she went through cancer treatments. That year Marisela rode for Annette and also Marisela’s sister who was diagnosed with leukemia years prior.

Marisela’s sister recently celebrated a cancer-free milestone. She was fortunate to find a perfect match for a bone marrow transplant from a family member.

This year, Marisela’s wife, Patti Simone, is fighting leukemia.  “I’m riding for her this year,” Marisela said. But also for her sister, her friend and for others that have lost their battle to this horrible disease.  She’s getting good exercise these days — putting in 35 miles on the weekends.

Marisela is considering riding one of this year’s four marked routes in the Louisville area. Routes in Southern Indiana, Cherokee/Seneca Park, Middletown and East Louisville will allow riders to keep to their distance. The routes will be marked from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and each route will include a fuel stop with snacks, hydration and the opportunity to win giveaways from 8 a.m. to noon.

“I specifically love the ‘silent mile,’” Marisela said. “Everybody is really quiet when you’re riding through there, and you reflect and remember people that we’ve lost along the way.”

Patti, Marisela’s wife, has leukemia and for now she’s undergoing oral chemotherapy treatments which are working well.

“She’s doing pretty good and the chemo pills help her, but it also hurts other parts of her body,” Marisela said. “So, she has good days and bad days.” Marisela rides for more of those good days.