With a history of service spanning nearly three decades and including participation during World War II and Vietnam, the USS YORKTOWN, affectionately known as ‘The Fighting Lady,’ is no stranger to fighting for what’s right.
On Friday, June 8, the YORKTOWN will again take up the fight – this time against cancer – by hosting a kick-off event for a coast-to-coast motorcycle journey that will raise cancer awareness and funds to support research.
Spearheading this journey is Joe Wise, a United States Army veteran who was diagnosed with Stage 4 clear cell renal cell carcinoma (a serious type of kidney cancer) in October 2008. In December of that same year, he underwent surgery to remove his kidney and some affected lymph nodes. By April of 2009, he learned that the cancer had metastasized to his lungs and other lymph nodes; but he didn’t give up.
More than three years after his initial diagnosis, Wise is still waging his courageous battle against cancer. He is embarking on a journey from coast-to-coast to raise money for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. Accompanied by his wife, Dana, and friends, Gary and Peggy Waldron, he formed Team Ride Across America with the goal of raising funds and awareness for cancer research.
“I ride because I believe there has to be a better way. I ride for those who have lost this fight, and I ride for those who have succumbed to treatments,” said Wise. “Our intent is to uphold the high standards of the American Cancer Society and to be good ambassadors to the world of motorcyclists.”
The team will depart from Patriots Point on Friday, June 8, with kickstands up at 1 p.m. Well-wishers are invited to attend the send-off program and Wise has invited individual motorcyclists and motorcycle groups to join in any portion or the entire cross-country ride. The team is expected to arrive in San Diego, California on Friday, June 15.
Overnight stops are planned for: Mills River, North Carolina; Jackson, Tennessee; Fort Smith, Arkansas; Amarillo, Texas; Gallup, New Mexico; Flagstaff; Yuma, Arizona, and San Diego, California. Additional information about the team’s progress can be found at www.relayacrossamerica.com. Donations can also be made through the web site.
