July 28, 2023
Make-A-Wish Bicycle Tour in Michigan raises money for state’s sickest kids this weekend
By Amy Lange and David Komer Published July 26, 2023 9:36PM FOX 2 (WJBK) - It's time to ride - once again the Make-A-Wish Bicycle Tour is taking to the street
FOX 2 (WJBK) – It’s time to ride – once again the Make-A-Wish Bicycle Tour is taking to the streets Friday through Sunday.
It will span 300 miles in just three days – all to raise funds to grant wishes for some of Michigan’s sickest children. Jamie Handelsman has been riding for a few years.
“It just makes a world of difference for these kids,” she said. “I got hooked. It’s a lot of love – a lot of fun – you’re giving back and it’s a beautiful thing.”
And when she met her now-husband Tedd Handelsman on Match in 2019 – she got him hooked on cycling as well. This will be his second Make-A-Wish ride – at the age of 66.
“A few years ago at 64, I started riding, really,” Ted said. “It was just a great adventure – I loved it – and since then we’ve just been riding ever since.
“It’s really tough – it’s really hard – but like Jamie said – it’s really rewarding.”
They’re both riding for Team Alex in honor of Alex Graham who lost her battle with cancer in 1999 at the age of 17. She made a public service announcement for her wish shortly before she died.
Alex Graham
“We’ve had enough hurt in our lives already – the next time you see a kid with cancer or even someone who looks a little different – try a smile – we could use it,” she said in the PSA.
Over the years Team Alex has helped grant more than 550 wishes for Make-A-Wish children – this 300-mile fundraiser from Canton to Mackinaw is an important part of that.
“You see the children – you see their parents and you get to talk to them and connect with them and really get to understand what they’ve gone through, and how much having a wish means to them,” Jamie said.
But don’t forget to take care of yourself along the way. Tedd Handelsman owns Better Health Markets throughout Michigan where they’re celebrating their 25-year anniversary this weekend. He stocks plenty of supplies for cyclists.
“They actually help keep you hydrated and keep you going so you don’t collapse in the 90-degree heat which is not good for anyone,” he said.
The heat – the distance – the hills – but if these wish kids can keep fighting – these cyclists say, they can certainly do the same.
“Very inspirational,” Jamie said. “If they can do it we can do it.”
You can donate to make a wish through Tedd’s QR Code or visit wish.org/michigan.
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