Community Corner

Woman Battling Cancer to Tackle Pedal the Cause

Bicyclists will ride up to 100 miles this weekend for three local cancer centers.

Written by Emily Stanford

Bikers for Pedal the Cause will ride from UC San Diego in La Jolla to Julian and back again on a two-day ride topping 100 miles this weekend all to raise money for three cancer centers in San Diego.

One of those riders is 32-year-old Brooke Wilson, a cheerleading coach at Francis Parker School.

In February 2013, Wilson was diagnosed with stage 2c Melanoma. Since her diagnosis, Wilson has undergone two surgeries and has begun aggressive adjuvant therapy.

While undergoing treatment, Wilson saw the flyer for Pedal the Cause and despite never having touched a road bike, she signed up along with her mother, best friend, cousin, and two other friends.  

While also continuing to tackle her cancer, Wilson has been training for Pedal the Cause since June and has competed in Bike the Bay and Tour to Poway in order to prepare for the event.  

“It gives me something to focus on and a goal to work towards. It takes my mind off the cancer and I have gotten to meet fantastic people through my training,” Wilson said.  

Wilson’s team motto is from the television show Heroes: “Save the cheerleader, save the world.”

In addition to coaching for Francis Parker, Wilson cheers for Cheer LA, a group of adult men and women cheerleaders who volunteer their time and skills to raise money for local charities.  

For Pedal the Cause, Wilson has so far raised $5,000, doubling her initial fundraising goal.

On Oct. 26 and 27, Wilson and all other Pedal the Cause riders and supporters will be fighting for one shared goal: A world without cancer.  

To learn more about pedal the cause and Wilson’s story, go to sandiego.pedalthecause.org.


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