LET'S BEAT BRAIN CANCER!
We invite you to 'COME ALONG FOR THE RIDE' to beat brain cancer! You can support our mission by making a donation and also by participating in our annual bike ride event (May 17, 2025). Whether you choose to ride a trail route or meet-up with riders at the post-ride celebration, there will be great food at The Handlebar Restaurant, live music by Paul Little, games for the whole family and shopping opportunities with numerous vendors!
THANK YOU TO ALL OUR 2025 CAMPAIGN SUPPORTERS!
GARY'S RIDE is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charity organization founded by president Kristin Wiedenfeld and created in loving memory of Gary Wiedenfeld; husband to Kristin, step-father and avid cyclist, who bravely battled glioblastoma. GARY is referred to by many as 'our hero' because of his courage, faithfulness, strength, perseverance, kindness and commitment to helping others. Gary faced many battles in his life, including multiple surgeries and a near life-ending accident, but none as great as his fight against brain cancer (glioblastoma multiforme grade IV) from April 2020 until May 17, 2021. Forever in our hearts, our love for Gary propels us forward....to make a difference....to help others...and to BEAT this disease!
Watch Kristin's Latest TV Interview: | April '25
OUR MISSION is to raise FUNDS and HOPE for those impacted by brain cancer - especially glioblastoma (GBM), the most common type of malignant brain tumor in adults. So far, you've made it possible for 245 primary brain cancer patients and 40 Glioblastoma patients to receive integrative medicine services! Our 2025 campaign goal was to raise $45,000 to help even more local patients and we're so gratefull that we exceeded our goal with your help!
Funds raised help support the MercyOne Richard Deming Cancer Center to...
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Support local clinical trials for future treatment
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Enable a terminal brain cancer patient to enjoy their dreamed of adventure
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Provide support services like massage therapy/acupuncture/music and art therapy
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Facilitate brain cancer rehab services like speech, occupational and physical therapy
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Fund transportation costs to help patients get to / from appointments
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Fill gaps where insurance falls short (compassion fund) for patients and families
Thanks to Our Generous Sponsors
Super Heroes
Julie & Mark Balk
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Goodwin Family
(in memory of Curtis Van Veldhuizen)
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​Heartland Co-Op
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Hy-Vee
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Jeff & Nancy Kafer
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Dr. Neil & Kathryn Mandsager (in memory of Gary Wiedenfeld)
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MercyOne Des Moines Foundation
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Mike and Sara Walkenhorst
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Wild Rose Casinos & Resorts
(in memory of Curtis Van Veldhuizen)
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Worldwide Logistics
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'Our Hero Gary'
Heroes
Beisser Lumber
Nicole Bown / T&M Services (in memory of Mark Sarcone)
Scheels
Mark & Ann Wiedenfeld (in memory of Gary Wiedenfeld)
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Champions
Anna Baldwin (in memory of Curtis Van Veldhuizen)
Laura Beckwith (in memory of Bruce Orman)
George Cataldo (in memory of Curtis Van Veldhuizen)
Diane Devick
Gilcrest Jewett
IH Missouri Valley Credit Union
Karl Chevrolet
Iowa Trust Bank
Craig Jensen (in memory of Tammy Jensen)
Steven Mall
MidAmerican Energy Company
David Primeau
Stine Seed
Synergy Financial
Karen & Brian Thompson (in memory of our hero)
Vibrant Insurance
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Supporters
Jason Adams
Stu Adams (in memory of Bob Adams)
Alternative Interventions
Stephen J Balderson
Wayne Beck
Andy Behrens
Nick Callison
Kris Chamblee (in memory of Ken Chamblee)
Kim Ceilley (in memory of Curtis Van Veldhuizen)
Jeanine Cloyd-Voelker
MaryAnn Cooper (in memory of Gary Wiedenfeld)
Steve Crittenden
Zach Elsbecker
Ross Eoriatti
Lisa Fellman
Kim Gempeler (in memory of Gary)
Gayle & Ken Gilbaugh
Sarah Gilbaugh
Lori & Fred Grau
Mark & Sue Gray
Kurt Hansen (in memory of Tammy Pullin)
Jeff Harris
Susan Harshman (in memory of Gary)
Katy Hildman
Sandra Hirschauer
Joan Hitzel
Glen & Barb Jeffrey
Joe Jolesch
Linda Jones
Joe & Jody Kayser
Kathy Koenig (In memory of Marc Sarcone)
Mary M (In memory of Marc Sarcone - brother)
Christine Martin (in memory of My Hero)
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Jodie McDonough
Natalie McGee
Patty Mettler
Al Moander
Jane Moeller
Beth Montpas Family (in honor of Krisanne Colby riding for this cause)
Sharon Nyquist (in memory of Tammy Pullin)
Rose Politte (in memory of Curtis Van Veldhuizen)
Deborah Pullin-Van Auken (in memory of Tammy Pullin)
Doug Pullin (in memory of Tammy Pullin)
Ron Pullin (in memory of Tammy Pullin)
Queen Bee Face Painting, LLC (in memory of Bill Carlson)
Mike Richards (in memory of Curtis Van Veldhuizen)
Marc Sampson
Christine Sarcone
Ken & Leslie Schrimper
Linda Semon
Patti Shomion
J.R. Smith (in memory of Gary)
Cathleen & Randy Sparrow (in honor of Kristin...simply amazing!)
Cameron Sutton
Brock Toll
Roger & Sheila Townsend (in memory of Gary Wiedenfeld)
Turtles Finish Too
Charles Van Ryswyk (in memory of Whit Crail 2012)
Will Weber
Teresa Wichtendahl (in memory of Tammy Pullin)
Kristin Wiedenfeld (in memory of Gary Wiedenfeld - My Hero)
Valerie Williams (in memory of Curtis Van Veldhuizen)
Jennifer Winterhof
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