Riding for a Cause: Lisa Etkins and the Ride Hard Challenge
April 15, 2025
Riding for a Cause: Lisa Etkins and the Ride Hard Challenge In September 2019, Lisa Etkins, with tears in her eyes, accepted the very first
From May 20 to July 6, Jack Owens will ride his bicycle from San Francisco, CA to Ocean City, NJ with a goal of raising $100,000 for Ride Hard Breathe Easy. The ride will take him through the University of Notre Dame, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, St. Joseph’s Preparatory School, Jefferson Health, and more over the course of 47 days.
Jack’s will cycle over 3,600 miles and 130,000 feet of elevation, and will be documented across RHBE’s social media pages. On June 22, all are invited to support Jack by riding virtually as he arrives at Notre Dame!
How can you get involved?
With the help of family and friends, I will bike across the United States to raise awareness and funds for lung cancer patients and their families.
I have been connected to this cause for most of my life. In December 2011, my Grandmom, Kathleen Matthews, passed away after a 9-month fight with lung cancer. A proud mother of six and grandmother of nineteen, Grandmom had a special way of making each of us feel like her favorite. From the moment of her diagnosis, my family dove into learning about lung cancer to help her fight. Although we lost her, our work in this cause has continued ever since.
Since her passing, I’ve watched family and friends advocate for lung cancer awareness, inspired especially by my Grandpop’s relentless efforts–he taught me that one person’s devotion can move many. Though he passed away in 2016, his spirit and inspiration live on.
In 2017, my uncle, John “Jack” Matthews, cycled across the country, raising money for the GO2 Foundation. Two years later, he founded Ride Hard Breathe Easy to support lung cancer patients and caregivers. Watching his work up close has deepened my passion and commitment to this cause.
Throughout my life, I’ve been lucky to belong to strong, supportive communities. I want to build the same kind of support for lung cancer patients and families who may not have it. With the encouragement of those around me, I ride to make a real difference for everyone impacted by lung cancer.
Jack’s 47-day journey across the United States begins on May 20th in San Francisco. He’s taking on this ride to raise awareness and funds for those affected by lung cancer.
Just like we did in 2017, Jack will dedicate each day of his cross-country ride to someone impacted by this disease. Whether it’s in honor of or in memory of a loved one, you’re invited to share their name and story using the form below.
On the left, you’ll see that Day 1 is dedicated to Jack’s grandmother, who lost her life to lung cancer in 2011. He’ll ride more than 80 miles that day in her memory.
Who can we ride for in your life?
Our mission is to alleviate the suffering of lung cancer patients and their caregivers by raising awareness, supporting early detection, assisting patients, and working to end the stigma associated with the disease.
Our mission is to alleviate the suffering of lung cancer patients and their caregivers by raising awareness, supporting early detection, assisting patients, and working to end the stigma associated with the disease.
We have in-person and virtual events throughout the year. We hope you join us!
Make a difference by supporting our mission and helping lung cancer patients.
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