For Immediate Use
DIST. July 15, 2009

Download this release (PDF)

New Orleans—Organizers announced today that registration is officially open for the fourth annual Tour de Lis. The 2010 “Ride for a Cause”  will take place on Mother’s Day weekend—Saturday, May 8^th— to honor Mothers battling  or lost to Cancer themselves, and those fighting the disease in a child or family member. Registration and event details can be found at www.tourdelis.com.

The dream of a small group of local biking enthusiasts, this extraordinary event has raised over $400,000 for cancer survivor organizations since 2007.  Proceeds from Tour de Lis benefit the CAGNO, protecting and defending the New Orleans community against cancer through education, outreach, and assistance for cancer patients in need; the Lance Armstrong Foundation, committed to making cancer a local and national priority; and Planet Cancer, which provides peer-support and advocacy to young adults with cancer.

As indicated by its slogan, “Healin’ through Wheelin’, “ Tour de Lis  benefits this worthy cause while providing a terrific family-oriented recreational and fitness opportunity.  The ride is a 7-mile loop including scenic Lakeshore Drive and the beautiful lakefront area. Interested participants and contributors will find more information at www.tourdelis.com.

Tour de Lis President Carol Asher credits businesses and individuals throughout the region for their generous sponsorship and volunteer support. The Tour de Lis Task Force is comprised of volunteers in the New Orleans community all personally impacted by cancer, a leading cause of death in the United States.  “We all understand that whether you are a patient, caregiver, family member or friend, everyone must help in the challenges fighting this deadly disease,” said Asher.

“Tour de Lis is a labor of love for all involved,” explains Asher. “It’s about love for our family members and friends whose lives are challenged by Cancer.  It is so much more than a bike ride—everyone who rides, volunteers, or contributes is showing support for Cancer survivors and those who have lost the battle.”

Tour de Lis was founded in 2007 by Asher and her husband Harold, community activists in New Orleans whose 35 year-old cousin Josh had been married for less than a month when he was diagnosed with malignant brain cancer. Josh is a survivor, facing the disease with tremendous optimism and courage. In his honor, the Ashers and friends Doug Thornton, Mickey Allweiss and Bill Schwartz, all of whom had families touched by cancer, established and rode in the first Tour de Lis.

The event, larger and more successful each year, increases awareness of cancer needs in New Orleans and increases financial support for cancer organizations nationwide. Tour de Lis hopes to raise  over $200,000 this year through rider fundraising, sponsorships, donations, and sale of its popular t-shirts and jerseys. Complete information is available at www.tourdelis.com.

###

For More Information: Carol Asher, 504.957.2574 or info@tourdelis.com

Read the post →

See the photo at nola.com →

I rode in the Tour de Lis for the second time, this past Saturday, with Scott. This year, he was great enough to take the ride with me, in support of my goal to do something good!

Read the post →