Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride Raise Money for NGO
Nearly 100 bikers attired in their finest suits and ties took part in the “Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride” to bring Awareness about Men’s Health, specially Prostrate Cancer and Suicide Prevention, and also raised Money for Ave Maria Palliative Care-Vamanjoor, a NGO caring for people who are afflicted with debilitating conditions like cancer, kidney failure, liver failure, respiratory diseases or dementia. A cheque for Rs 20,000 was handed over to the NGO by the bike riders.
Mangaluru: It was bright sunny Sunday afternoon, and quite hot also, but that didn’t stop nearly 100 bike riders attired in their finest suits and colorful ties, who had all gathered in the parking lot of Forum Fiza Mall at 3 pm on 25 September, to take part in the “2016 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride”, an international charity event for classic and vintage styled motorcycles that raises awareness and funds for the men’s health programs, like those afflicted with prostrate cancer, and other mental problems, including suicide.
On Sunday September 25th, more than 50,000 dapper riders in over 500 cities across 90 countries united for the world’s largest motorcycling charity event upon their classic and vintage styled motorcycles- and among these cities, Mangaluru was one among them. One should know that Bike riders are not always about rash and being dangerous. They are also human beings, meaning that they suffer, they feel, they love – and they have lost someone or the other to some unexpected incident!
Similarly, somebody suffering from Cancer does not mean its the end of the world for them. All they need is care, support, love and if treated well in advance, could only make that person stronger for the better! Anybody addicted to Drug abuse finds it a daunting task to get back on track, somebody who undergoes depression, feels that they cannot go on anymore. We all need to change our mindsets and help people whom we know, who are on similar lines and need assistance urgently! So with that motto in mind, the local hard-core bike riders donned their cravats, tweaked their moustaches, pressed their tweed and sat astride their classic and vintage styled motorcycles to raise funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer research and suicide prevention.
Sources reveal that ‘The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride’ was founded in Sydney, Australia by Mark Hawwa. It was inspired by a photo of Mad Men’s Don Draper astride a classic bike and wearing his finest suit. Mark decided a themed ride would be a great way to combat the often-negative stereotype of men on motorcycles, whilst connecting niche motorcycle communities together. That first ride in 2012 brought together over 2,500 riders across 64 cities. The success of the event encouraged the founder to consider how it could be used to support a worthy cause. In 2013, over 11,000 participants in 145 cities around the world raised over $277k (US) for prostate cancer research; In 2014, over 20,000 participants in 257 cities in 58 countries raised over $1.5M (US) for prostate cancer research, and In 2015, over 37,000 participants in 410 cities in 79 countries raised over $2.3M (US) for prostate cancer research.
Prior to the bikers taking down the streets, they all gathered at the lower level of the Mall for couple of talks given by eminent doctors on the topic related to Cancer and Suicide prevention. Dr Eugene Rent Jr, and Dr Shivshanker Bhat-both Oncologists at AJ Hospital and Research Centre gave a elaborate talk on the symptoms and prevention of prostrate cancer, while Dr Srinivas Bhat- a Psychiatric at KS Hegde Hospital- Derlakatte spoke on prevention of suicide, by adults and especially the youth. Dr Laveena Noronha-Director, and Cenita Casteino- Social Worker at Ave Maria Palliative Care, Rtn Walter Menezes- President, Sunrise Rotary Club, Mangaluru graced the occasion. Abhijith Karkera, a biker compered the event.
Following the formal event at the Mall, the bikers roared through the city streets on their way to the NGO in Vamanjoor, where they were given a a tour of the NGO by the Director, following which the bikers handed over a cheque for Rs 20,000 collected from the ‘Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride 2016’. About Ave Maria Palliative Care, it has a mission of providing compassionate, holistic care to patients suffering from life-limiting and terminal conditions and offering psychological, spiritual, and social support necessary to patients and their families. It is the their strong conviction that human beings deserve respect and dignity until their last breath, and they strongly believe that when cure is impossible, the possibilities for care are endless.
Most people hope to die at home, peacefully in their sleep. Unfortunately, this does not become a reality for many who are afflicted with debilitating conditions like cancer, kidney failure, liver failure, respiratory diseases or dementia. The end-stage of the disease is often a painful process not only for the person suffering from the condition but also for the caregivers. When patients and families need to prepare emotionally and spiritually for the possibility of death, Ave Maria Palliative care becomes a need of the hour for many- we need to commend Dr Noronha and her team for their dedication and care towards such patients.
In conclusion, let’s be straight here, these gentlefolk at the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride 2016′ did ride for a purpose, and made a difference in the lives of those people afflicted with Cancer, Dementia/Alzheimer’s, and other diseases who are cared at Ave Maria Palliative Care. Their focus was on gentlemen who have been dealt a tough hand in life. In particular, they raised funds for research into prostate cancer and mental health programs as part of their mission to support men’s health. A job well done, Gentlemen!