Wild western welcome for Tour of Hope in El Paso

Tour of Hope riders Becky Lamph (left) and Mona Patel with some of the cowboys who turned out to welcome the Team to the El Paso Cancer Center Hope Rally.

El Paso, TX – Cowboys and cowgirls greeted the Tour of Hope Team on October 1 at the El Paso Cancer Center for a Hope Rally, as one squad of riders completed a challenging stage of the ride and sent the next squad off on its way.

A mariachi band, the Desert Air Dance Team and guys in ten-gallon hats made for a festive and truly Texas evening. The cowboys treated the riders heading off on the next stage to a 21-gun salute.

About 300 people gathered to hear the Team members tell their stories. Rider Carolina Casares spoke to the crowd in Spanish. Two local cancer survivors also came to the podium, and all encouraged those present to learn about cancer clinical trials and to sign the Promise.

Jim Geiger speaks to the crowd at the Tour of Hope El Paso Hope Rally, as his teammates listen. From left: Joan King, Jeff Tredup, Becky Lamph, Mona Patel, Carolina Casares and Duke Browning.

Meg Berte told the story of how her participation in a clinical trial made the difference for her in being treated for cancer. She encouraged everyone to talk to their family and friends about cancer research and to consider all the options if faced with a cancer diagnosis, including a clinical trial.

Margie MacMillan and Jim Geiger, both pediatric cancer specialists, were struck at how wonderful it was to see so many children coming out to greet the team at events throughout the week, and how gratifying it was to spread the message about cancer research to youngsters.

El Paso cowboys shoot off a few rounds to honor the Tour of Hope Team riders as they leave El Paso and head out on another stage of the cross-country journey.

Peloton Project member Dennis Mabry presented a check for $57,414 to Chris Brewer of the Lance Armstrong Foundation.