Passion Drives Rochester Woman to Organize Motorcycle Dice Run for Breast Imaging Center
August 10, 2011
Colleen Herlehy, Organizer of Event
Colleen Herlehy of Rochester is fueling one passion with another.
"I have had a love for motorcycles since I was 5 years old," said Herlehy, who received her motorcycle driver’s license in 1997. "My husband and I have traveled the country from Alaska to Florida and everywhere in between on motorcycles."
Herlehy, 43, is inviting area motorcyclists to take a ride to benefit the other passion in her life – breast cancer awareness. She and two friends, Donna Eggleston and Missy Porter, have organized an 85-mile Motorcycle Dice Run for Sunday, Sept. 18. Motorcyclists will stop at pre-determined locations where they will roll the die. At the end of the ride, prizes will be awarded for highest and lowest rolls. All the proceeds will benefit the Highland Breast Imaging Center.
"I’ve lost some friends to breast cancer, so breast screening awareness is dear to my heart," Herlehy said. "Also, I don’t think women should have to sacrifice their health because they can’t afford a mammogram, and the Center provides a community outreach program that helps some women get an exam without having to pay."
"Thousands of uninsured and underinsured women have received breast cancer screenings from the Breast Imaging Center," said Avice O’Connell, M.D., the director. "These screenings save lives and give women peace of mind. ”
Registration for the Motorcycle Dice Run will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. the day of the event at the first stop of the ride, Harv’s Harley Davidson, 3120 Kittering Road, Macedon. There will also be stops in Webster, Sodus and Palmyra. The ride ends around 3 p.m. with a party at The Log Cabin, 2245 West Walworth Road, Macedon. Cost per bike is $15 or $25 with a passenger. For non-riders, the party will cost $10 and includes food and music.
The ride comes just two weeks before the start of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Throughout October, Highland will advocate for breast cancer awareness and early detection with several events. The Breast Imaging Center will offer free mammograms to uninsured and underinsured women Saturday, Oct. 8. Appointments can be made by calling (585) 487-3304.