Now cancer free, the Fort Dodge woman plans to join hundreds of other bicyclists on Aug. 12 on a ride that will raise money to provide help to people fighting the same battle she did.

The event is the Prairie Rivers Trail Ride.

The ride will start at River Hops Brewing, 1014 Central Ave., and progress for 26 miles around Fort Dodge before ending at Amigo’s, 280 N. First St.

Bruce Breeser, the Fort Dodge man who organizes the ride, said bringing people together for a fun bike ride while at the same time raising money for a worthwhile cause is the objective.

Each year, the Prairie Rivers Trail Ride is held in honor of someone. This year’s ride is being held in honor of Johnson.

“They surprised me with that,” she said.

The money generated by this year’s ride will go toward a physical therapy center at the Norma Schmoker Cancer Center at UnityPoint Health – Trinity Regional Medical Center. Physical therapy is typically seen as something needed by people who have been injured in an accident or perhaps had joint replacement surgery. But Johnson said cancer patients need a lot of physical therapy. She said chemotherapy, radiation and surgery have an impact on a patient’s body. She said patients need therapy to regain strength and mobility.

There have been four previous Prairie Rivers Trail Rides.

The first one, held in honor of Josh Doyle, raised $12,000 for the purchase of automated external defibrillators

The second ride, held in honor of the Rev. Al Henderson, raised $8,000 to be split between the Fort Dodge police and fire departments

The third ride, held in honor of Steve Springer, raised $13,000 for upgrades to the concession stand at Dodger Stadium

Last year’s ride, held in honor of Tim Flaherty, raised $10,000 to be split between the Lotus Project and the Beacon of Hope.

People, even those who don’t want to bicycle for 26 miles, can contribute to this year’s effort by sending a check to the Fort Dodge Community Foundation, 24 N. Ninth St., Fort Dodge IA 50501. Write Prairie Rivers Trail Ride on the check.