Press Release 02.03.2006

There’s a New Team in Town

by Shelly Ware

          Take a Mt. bike team whose shop is closing, a family looking for a team, and a shop owner with a unique idea for raising money for breast cancer research; “and what you get is the FTC Cancer Awareness Team!”

          Due to the unfortunate closing of Outdoor Extremes in Charleston, Doug Wayne and the team were in search of a new identity. The team had been one of the largest and most active of the WVMBA point series. The members of the team are friends as well as team-mates, who enjoy training and riding together.

          The Ware family was looking for a way they could all be together on the same team. They also enjoy training together and the friendship the family has with Doug made it a natural fit.

          So Doug and Steve Ware began the search for a sponsor.

          Mean while: Gene Wells, owner of Fat Tire Cycle in Buckhannon and Elkins, was working on an idea to raise money for breast cancer research. His wife Sarah Wells had developed breast cancer 19 years after beating it the first time. For raising money, Gene came up with the idea of a camouflaged jersey to sell, with the profit going to cancer research. When Steve stopped by the shop one day, Gene explained his idea. Well it seemed like it was meant to be!

          Gene, Steve, and Doug presented the idea to the rest of the team. Some fellow riders were also invited in. The old team Sponsors were more than willing to help out. New sponsors were found and thanks to all of them; “the team has 22 members and several great sponsors!”  The team goals are simply; to raise awareness of Breast Cancer, to get the word out that early detection is the key to surviving breast cancer, to raise money for cancer research/support and to have fun riding and racing with the team. 

            At the time of this press release Sarah feels very fortunate to be half way through her Chemotherapy treatments.  Although she has had some rough days, most of the time she feels almost normal.  From the very beginning of the treatments she wanted her life to remain as normal as possible.  Still holding down a 40 hour work week, she rest whenever possible and takes one day at a time.  "I'm thankful for all the prayer support and words of encouragement that come from the team" Sarah says.   She looks forward to the race season and cheering on all the members.

          So be watching for the big team with the big purpose at the WVMBA races this year, FTC Cancer Awareness Team!

www.ABCF.org (American Breast Cancer Foundation)

 

TEAM SPONSORS:
DG’s Construction 304-332-5259
Wells Home Furnishings Charleston WV
Fat Tire Cycle Buckhannon and Elkins
Michael J. Miller DDS Buckhannon
Eighty Eight Restaurant & Lounge Buckhannon
SECURITY AMERICA, INC. Charleston, WV
Pioneer Pipe, Inc Marietta, Ohio
Family Fitness Center ,LLC Parkersburg, WV
RA MUELLER, Inc Cincinnati, Ohio
Arcadian Furnishings.com Elkins,WV
Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP Marietta, Ohio

TREK Bicycle
Kenda Tires

Headsweats
The SockGuy
Alacer
Honeystinger
Rudy Project
Carb-boom