Courage Ride

05/27/2026

Our latest e-newsletter arrived in inboxes this morning! 📧

Haven't signed up yet? We'd love to add you to the list.☺️

🔗Use this link: www.courageride.org/newsletter

05/26/2026

Big impact 🎗️starts with local support. 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼

Did you know that for as little as $100, businesses, organizations, or individuals can become a Courage Ride sponsor?

With five different levels, there are several opportunities to support the event—and sarcoma cancer research—right here in eastern Iowa.

Check out our 2026 Sponsorship Booklet and feel free to message us here on Facebook with any questions:
🔗 heyzine.com/flip-book/ebbff9f791.html

05/20/2026

Did you know May is Clinical Trials Awareness Month and today is Clinical Trials Day, commemorating the first randomized clinical trial conducted on May 20, 1747.

This national observance highlights the important role clinical trials play in advancing medicine and improving patient care. It also honors the patients, families, and researchers who make that progress possible.

At UI Health Care, clinical trials and research studies are helping advance care for sarcoma patients. Because sarcoma is a rare cancer that receives only 1–2% of overall cancer research funding, philanthropic support is essential to advancing research.

That’s why Courage Ride’s support matters. To date, proceeds from the ride have helped seed numerous sarcoma-related research grants right here in eastern Iowa.

Many of those grants have grown into larger-scale studies, helping support the tumor bank and create new partnerships focused on improving outcomes for patients and families affected by sarcoma.

Learn more about cancer clinical trials at University of Iowa Health Care: uihc.org/cancer/cancer-clinical-trials

05/18/2026

Each year, Courage Ride is proud to honor a sarcoma cancer survivor and share their story.

Meet Caidence Macke, our 2026 Courage Ride Patient Honoree!

2026 Courage Ride Patient Honoree Caidence Macke shares her journey through rhabdomyosarcoma treatment, recovery, and returning to the sports she loves.

05/08/2026

A big thank you to KCII Radio for sharing the story of Courage Ride and our mission to fund sarcoma cancer research at the University of Iowa. 🙌🏻

Courage Ride Director Leora Houghton talks about this year’s ride and the impact the event has made in its 20+ year history.

🔊Take a listen to Part 1 below, and find Part 2 in the comments.

Then, click over to courageride.org to register for this year's ride on Saturday, August 8. You'll save with early-bird pricing and enjoy a fun, meaningful day supporting important sarcoma research right here in Iowa.

On today’s program, we’re speaking with Courage Ride Director Leora Houghton about the upcoming Courage Ride, August 8th in Iowa City, raising funds for sarcoma research. This is the first part of a two-part interview. https://media.blubrry.com/kciiradio/ins.blubrry.com/kciiradio/Leora_Houghton_...

05/07/2026

May is National Cancer Research Month, and for the Courage Ride community, it’s a reminder of why this ride exists in the first place. 🎗️

Sarcoma is a rare cancer, which means it often receives far less research funding and attention than more common cancers. That’s why events like Courage Ride matter.

Since 2005, Courage Ride has raised more than $1 million for sarcoma cancer research at the University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, supporting researchers seeking better treatments and outcomes for patients and families facing this disease.

Thank you to every rider, donor, volunteer, sponsor, and supporter who continues to make Courage Ride possible. 💙💛

04/28/2026

Haley Gallagher never expected a routine eye exam to uncover something life-changing.

That visit led to a diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma and a long, challenging road through treatment and recovery.

Today, Haley is cancer-free and sharing her story out of deep gratitude for the care and support that carried her through.

By supporting the Courage Ride, you’re helping fund sarcoma cancer research that makes more stories like Haley’s possible. 🎗️

Haley Gallagher’s Ewing sarcoma was discovered during a routine eye exam. Follow her journey through treatment, recovery, and becoming cancer-free.

04/23/2026

Courage Ride’s board brings together people from many different backgrounds, each connected by a shared commitment to advancing sarcoma research. One of those individuals is Payton Pekarek.

Payton is an osteosarcoma survivor and a powerful reminder of why Courage Ride matters.

What began as a persistent ache in her knee during her freshman year of college turned into a life-changing diagnosis after months of uncertainty, testing, and two surgeries.

In 2022, Payton began an intensive chemotherapy journey at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, all while making the incredibly difficult decision to continue her college coursework.

Through it all, Payton leaned on positivity, determination, and the support of her care team. She completed treatment in November 2022, returned to school, and graduated from the University of Northern Iowa.

Now, she’s continuing her journey as a graduate student in Child Life at the University of Iowa—inspired by her own experience to help others facing similar challenges—and is a Child Life Intern at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital in New Haven, Connecticut.

Payton continues to share her passion for Courage Ride, first as our 2024 Patient Honoree, and now as a board member.

Stories like Payton’s are at the heart of Courage Ride. Every dollar raised helps fund critical sarcoma research right here at UIHC, where patients and families are navigating their own journeys.

Thank you, Payton!

04/20/2026

📣 It’s National Volunteer Week! 📣
These are just a few of the many who step up to help raise funds for sarcoma cancer research. Without our volunteers, Courage Ride would not be possible. We are so grateful! 🙌🏻

04/20/2026

📣 It’s National Volunteer Week! 📣

These are just a few of the many who step up and dedicate their time to helping raise funds for sarcoma cancer research. Without our amazing volunteers, Courage Ride would not be possible. We are so grateful! 🙌🏻