Cyclist accepts the Team Cure Challenge
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Mary Jane Klopp bicycling in Niagara Falls in 2001.

An avid bicyclist, Mary Jane Klopp is turning her hobby into a mission.

The Amherst resident has joined Roswell Park Cancer Institute's Team Cure Challenge, pledging to ride 36 miles at Lake Tahoe.

Before she gets there, she must reach her fundraising goal of $3,600. Having raised funds in the past for Ride for Roswell, Buffalo's bicycling event, Klopp knows the importance of helping Roswell.

"I thought it was a really good cause. I have always loved bike riding, and I thought this is something I could do for Roswell," she said.

Going door to door, Klopp has been reaching out to her neighbors and businesses in the community.

"Almost all of us know someone who has cancer and this is why I'm raising funds for the Team Cure Challenge program," she wrote in her request letter.

And Klopp is no exception. She is riding for her cousin and her cousin's spouse. Both are in their 40s and both are battling the disease - one has colon cancer and the other has lung and bone cancer. The couple have five children.

She also has a friend at The Chapel at CrossPoint who is suffering from bone cancer, which is at a critical stage and very painful.

Klopp also knows the thrill of remission and the agony of loss; she has a sister who is a cancer survivor, but she lost her father to the disease.

Klopp has ridden in the Ride for Roswell the past five years, raising several thousand dollars. Last year she raised $3,500 for the cause.

This year has been a bit harder, as many community donors are dealing with various financial issues.

Klopp said now that the weather is getting warmer she will do more walking to help Roswell, hopefully nearing her fundraising goal.

She started riding 10 years ago and said she just had her bicycle inspected and is ready to start her official Lake Tahoe training. The event is Sept. 24-28.

Klopp said she is probably one of the oldest participants in Team Cure, but she chose not to divulge her age.

Anyone who wishes to sponsor Klopp can call 636-9806 or write to 1210 Youngs Road, Williamsville, NY 14221.

"Together we can make a true difference in the lives of others," Klopp writes in the closing of her letter.