By KRISTI MAYFIELD

kmayfield@oakdaleleader.com

Most people have been touched by cancer in some way, through a loved one or friend battling the disease or perhaps even through their own personal journey. Team 209, the local cycling Team In Training comprised of community members and friends that have been inspired to fight for those fighting cancer, has already started training for the big ride around Lake Tahoe coming up later on this year.

Mel Bradley, founder, motivator and team coach of Team 209 who lost his wife to cancer, believes in the power of people coming together and sharing a common goal. For Bradley, this is very personal and though he misses his wife Nancy every day, he has been riding for more than 20 years, dedicating himself to training teams to complete the ride to raise funds to help fund treatments and hopefully find a cure someday. Since they started riding officially in 2012, Team 209 has raised more than three million dollars for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, more than any other team in the nation, in the fight against blood cancer.

That accomplishment did not go unnoticed; as Leukemia & Lymphoma Society President and CEO, Dr. E. Anders Kolb, recently made a visit to the local team and shared his appreciation for Team 209.

“There is no team like this one and I have traveled all over the nation,” said Kolb as he addressed the team members, adding that he wanted to meet Team 209 himself so he made sure that he made it Oakdale to share his thoughts and also to share a ride with the team.

Bradley said it’s important to know that riders from all levels are welcome and encouraged to join the team as they prepare for the Lake Tahoe event, scheduled for June 1.

For Dave and Sherry Hedrick, joining the team felt right as Dave was diagnosed with Stage IV Lymphoma in 2023 and is now recovering and wants to honor not only his journey but all of those that have been affected by blood cancer. The Hedricks ride Pedal Assist E-Bikes so they still put the pedal to the metal, so to speak, but if they need a little assistance, the pedal assist will kick in. For Jeff Schafer and his wife Lysa De Thomas, the inclusiveness for folks from all fitness levels and various types of bikes was a big draw to Team 209. DeThomas had knee replacement surgery last year but wanted to remain active and join the team. She wasn’t sure if a traditional bike would work for her and her new knee, so she researched and purchased a recumbent tricycle which allows her to pedal and position herself in a way that allows her to maximize efficiency while not adversely impacting comfort or agility. DeThomas is one of the fastest riders on the team now and plans to keep on riding for as long as she can.

Team 209 has attracted attention for its incredible fundraising and team spirit and at each meeting, they like to honor and celebrate those that have been and are still going through their own journeys with leukemia and lymphoma. Maurice Hatchett and his wife Lisa Regalla were on hand to share their experience as Lisa is riding this year and Maurice will be cheering her and the team on as they complete their ride around Lake Tahoe. Hatchett was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 2010 and has undergone multiple treatments throughout the past 15 years with Lisa by his side for the last few.

“I just want to thank you because what you do matters,” said Hatchett when addressing Team 209. He continued on, noting that even when he has felt his absolute worst and didn’t know if he could gather the strength to get out of bed, when he was able to, he clipped in to his bike, even if it was just for a few minutes, because he knew that clipping in saves lives.