But then she was informed that there was a fund available to help her. That fund is provided by the Angel Ride to Save The Ta-Ta’s.

“The cancer center said we have funds to help with that and it was our funds,” said Dawn Wesley, president of the Angel Ride.

“Hearing that was very humbling,” Wesley added as she fought back tears. “I am here to help put together a fundraiser to continue their fight.”

That particular situation arose about four years ago, Wesley said. And it’s situations like those that make the funding efforts of the Angel Ride worthwhile.

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson
Deb Schuh, left, and Meg Beshey, both of Fort Dodge, pose next to a display case at the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance on Wednesday. The case is filled with Angel Ride to Save The Ta-Ta’s memorabilia. The annual ride raises funds for breast cancer. It starts at Amigos on Saturday.

“That’s what keeps the fire under me going,” said Wesley, who has been involved with the fundraiser for 11 years. “Cancer is just so unfortunate and so prevalent around the world. It’s very rewarding to help out.”

Over the course of 13 years, the Angel Ride has contributed $320,736.58 to the Trinity Foundation, which directly serves breast cancer patients.

The ride contributed $15,048.50 in 2019.

The next Angel Ride is Saturday. Sign-up starts at 9 a.m. at Amigos. Cost is $15 per person or $20 to ride the party bus.

The ride begins at 11 a.m., but Wesley said once people register they are free to begin the route.

“It’s a fun run,” Wesley said. “It’s motorcycles, cars, we have had people ride bicycles, you can bring car, truck, it doesn’t matter.”

She said the goal is to have everyone on the road by 11 a.m.

“Especially with COVID, we are telling people that if they don’t feel comfortable going to all the stops we have picked, they don’t have to get their card stamped this year,” Wesley said. “If they are registered and don’t want to stop certain places, we are OK with that. Everyone that registers will be put into a drawing for a grill from a person who is fighting breast cancer. We surely want everyone to stay safe. We don’t want anyone in harm’s way.”

The route includes stops at 209 Main in Paton, Just One More in Jamaica, the Flat Tire Lounge in Madrid and then Copperhead Saloon and Grill in Stratford.

After those stops, the party will continue at Amigos for games, a super hero contest and food.

Angel Ride began 14 years ago with an idea from Shirley Hottman.

“She had been part of Fighting Angels Abreast Dragon Boat Team and had a vision of helping breast cancer patients with uninsured services and she went off from that and said, ‘Let’s do a ride,'” Wesley said. “Over the years it’s just continually kept growing.”

Wesley has been involved ever since she helped set up for the auction at Amigos.

“And that’s where I’ve always been over the years,” she said.

Welsey said knowing that the money is going directly to the cancer patients is key.

The community consistently steps up for the cause, she said.

“The community’s support is phenomenal,” Wesley said. “It’s amazing how the community comes together and helps. Everybody has seen a side of what our event actually does. It truly goes to the patients because that’s what it’s to go to is help the patients continue their fight.”

Angel Ride to Save the Ta-Ta’s

What: 14th annual Angel Ride to Save the Ta-Ta’s

When: Saturday

Where: Sign-up at Amigos, 280 N. First St. at 9 a.m.

Ride starts at 11 a.m. Return to Amigos by 5 p.m. after for games

Cost: $15 per person or $20 to ride party bus

• Proceeds go to UnityPoint Health — Trinity Cancer Center to help breast cancer patients

• Bring bikes, cars, trucks or vans.