LET'S BEAT BRAIN CANCER!
ABOUT
Gary’s Ride is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity founded by President Kristin Wiedenfeld, in loving memory of her husband, Gary Wiedenfeld—a devoted stepfather, passionate cyclist, and courageous warrior who bravely battled glioblastoma. Known to many as 'Our Hero', Gary was admired for his unwavering courage, faith, strength, perseverance, kindness, and lifelong commitment to helping others. Throughout his life, he overcame numerous challenges, including multiple surgeries and a near-fatal accident—but none as formidable as his fight against glioblastoma multiforme grade IV, which he faced from April 2020 until his passing on May 17, 2021. Gary lives on in our hearts, and our love for him propels us forward—to make a difference, to help others, and to BEAT this disease!​ Click here for more information about our board members.
65,000 GOAL
RAISED TO DATE!
MISSION
Gary’s Ride exists to raise both funds and hope for local patients and families affected by brain cancer—especially glioblastoma (GBM), the most common and aggressive malignant brain tumor in adults. We provide financial support for organizations serving local brain cancer patients, including MercyOne Richard Deming Cancer Center, MercyOne Des Moines Foundation, and Iowa Oncology Research Association. We also offer financial assistance directly to local brain cancer patients, to ease the burdens of brain cancer. Visit donate for more details.​​
INVITATION
We invite you to come along for the ride! You can get involved by making a donation, becoming a sponsor and by participating in our annual brain cancer bike ride, held the 3rd Saturday in May. Whether you ride the trail or join us at the post-ride celebration, you’ll enjoy great food, fun, and community. Our next ride takes place Saturday May 16, 2026 on the Raccoon River Trail starting at the Waukee trailhead. Online registration is open, with early-bird pricing through April 30.​ NEW this year, Ice Cream!
SUPPORT
You don't have to travel the brain cancer path alone. We work with local partners to maintain a resource guide (now version 5) to help you learn about options for care and support during the brain cancer journey. You can review, download and print.
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LEARN | GLIO FACTS
Unfortunately, glioblastoma (GBM) is a disease that should concern all Americans
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In 2025, approximately 15,000 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with (GBM), the most aggressive and common form of malignant brain tumor in adults. GBM accounts for nearly half of all primary malignant brain tumors in the United States.
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GBM can affect men, women, and children of any age, background, or walk of life. GBM does not discriminate—it crosses all boundaries of gender, age, socioeconomic status, religion, and political affiliation.
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Despite being classified as a rare cancer, glioblastoma’s impact is profound due to its rapid progression, high recurrence rate, and limited treatment options. The median survival time following diagnosis is approximately 8 months, underscoring the urgent need for increased research funding and patient support.
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More information can be found at the National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS)
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Prominent Americans who've battled glioblastoma
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John McCain – U.S. Senator from Arizona
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Edward “Ted” Kennedy – U.S. Senator from Massachusetts
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Beau Biden – Son of President Joe Biden and former Delaware Attorney General
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Tug McGraw – Professional baseball player and father of country singer Tim McGraw
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Michael Bolton – Grammy-winning singer and songwriter
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Local friends and family members having passed from brain cancer are honored via the Tributes page, so please contact us if you'd like to recognize a loved one.
YOUR DONATION MATTERS!
SUPPORT THE BIGGEST FIGHT OF THEIR LIVES
While significant strides have been made in the fight against cancer, glioblastoma remains one of the most aggressive and devastating diseases, with limited treatment options and poor outcomes. Brain cancer patients and their families face immense emotional, physical, and financial challenges. Together, we have the power to make a meaningful difference in what is likely the most difficult journey of their lives! Donations $100+ are recognized below.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR LOCAL PATIENTS AND CAREGIVERS
Funds raised provide essential support for the following services, through Richard Deming Cancer Center or Iowa Oncology Research Associates:
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Integrative medicine services such as massage therapy, art therapy, and counseling
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Brain cancer rehabilitation services, including speech, occupational, and physical therapy
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Support for national and international research studies available to local brain cancer patients
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Financial hardship assistance to help alleviate the high costs of treatment and care
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Funded experiences to help patients fulfill their dreamed-of adventures​
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Donate securely online or mail a check to Gary's Ride @ 789 S. 100th St, West Des Moines, IA 50266​
Gary and Faith
GARY'S RIDE SPONSORS
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Click a business name below to visit the sponsor's website
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Fortunately, you don't need wings or a cape to be a super hero to local patients dealing with the fight of their lives! Click here to learn more about the benefits of becoming a Gary's Ride Sponsor, while you help BEAT BRAIN CANCER and make a meaningful difference in our community!​
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Donations $500+ are considered sponsorships
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Thanks to your support, we’ve raised over $124,000 to help over 360 primary brain cancer diagnosed patients including 64 with glioblastoma
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