WHY I RIDE

On February 14, 2012 my father, 2016 Pedal The Cause Featured Fighter David Hopper, was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Originally given a diagnosis of only 5 years to live, he fought for over 7 years to battle his cancer and play his role in the search for a cure! Sadly, he passed away - peacefully - on March 15th, 2019 surrounded by family and loved ones. I am forever thankful for every extra day I got to spend with my dad! Your donations help make it possible for people like my father and families like mine.

My dad loved the work he did with Pedal the Cause and words cannot describe how special this event was to him! In his seven years as a rider, he helped raise $127,782.81 for cancer research through his Pedal Fundraising! Since his passing, his virtual rider page has continued to raise money each year in his memory, and his all time fundraising total is now over $175,000! His story, perseverance, spirit, dedication, faith, drive, determination, passion, and love for his life, family, friends, and well-wishers, serves as an inspiration to anyone who hears his story.

I thank God and the amazing people at Siteman Cancer Center for helping treat my dad's cancer to the best of their abilities. While prostate cancer currently has no known cure, these wonderful people have helped give my family, and warriors like my dad, hope that someday we will find one! These are the reasons for Why I Ride. I am once again joining in the fight against cancer by participating in the 14th annual Pedal the Cause bike challenge on the weekend of September 23rd-24th. This year will be my 12th year as a Pedal the Cause participant, and my 1st (2nd? If you count the COVID year) as a virtual rider. I am saddened by the fact that I will not be able to attend this year's ride in person - but excited that the reason is to celebrate both my own personal and a close family friend's wedding!

Pedal the Cause has the mission to provide funding for cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center and St. Louis Children's Hospital through their annual cycling challenge in hopes that the research funded by their event will ultimately lead to a cure for cancer. Please help us in this journey to find a cure by donating to my ride.

In honor of my dads birthday, I have committed to raise $1227 by the end of October, 2023 but my goal is to raise even more! It would be an absolute honor to become a $2,500+ Yellow Jersey Fundraiser. Every penny and dime counts and goes towards research to find a cure for cancer, which accounts for over 25% of American deaths every year! All funds donated are for cancer research and 100% will go directly towards finding a cure. You can also make your donations in honor of my father at his Pedal the Cause Memorial Page.

The Hopper Family will have another army of riders fundraising for Team Stifel in Pedal the cause this year in memory of my Dad and in honor of all those who have passed, have battled, or are currently battling their fights with cancer. My mother, Patty, and my siblings, Danny & Jessie, will be joining me for our 12th year. My Aunt Sheila, cousin Tonya, and my Grandpa Hopper, will each be joining for their 9th year. This will also be the 6th Pedal the Cause for my Aunt Bonnie and my fiancée Sarah. I would also like to give a shoutout to my Uncle Doug who is our personal Paparazzi - or as we call him: the Hopperazzi!

A special thank you to all the friends and family members who volunteer their time, help, donations, support, and enthusiasm each year to cheer on all the riders and help make this event possible each year. I would also like to thank Stifel for everything they have done to support this cause and my family.

God Bless!

You can watch my dad's 2016 Pedal The Cause Featured Fighters Video here: