Onge Memorial Rickshaw Team enabled cancer warriors to experience the joy and exhilaration of participating in Dempsey Challenge cycling events 2014-2020 with team pedicab drivers. Onge (1959-2014) was an energetic and kind philanthropist, oncology nurse, political activist, entrepreneur, crafter and adept cyclist who lived life to the absolute fullest despite a three-year battle with stage IV bre
ast cancer. Vivian was a dedicated supporter and independent fundraiser for The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing/Dempsey Challenge. Even though she was in active cancer treatment, Vivian courageously completed the 50-mile Dempsey Challenge cycling event in 2011. She was a beloved board member of the Short Folks For Hope Foundation, a cancer support charity founded by Kristen Short. Kristen was the recipient of the AMGEN Breakaway From Cancer Survivor Award at the 2012 Dempsey Challenge and is a six-year breast cancer survivor currently in remission. Due to her increased health challenges, Vivian was not able to ride in the 2013 Dempsey Challenge, but she was there at the finish line enthusiastically cheering all the cancer warriors on. Anyone who knew Vivian knew how much she loved cycling and how her heart longed to be on the road again. She is forever in our hearts and the hearts of those who had the great fortune of knowing her. Before Vivian passed, she spoke to her family, Kristen and other friends about several cancer warrior empowering wishes of hers that she wanted to see to fruition. Short Folks For Hope Foundation is honored to have helped make one of Vivian’s wishes a reality in 2014, The Vivian St. Onge Memorial Rickshaw Project at the Dempsey Challenge Cycling Event. This project enables cancer warriors who are unable to participate in the Dempsey Challenge cycling event the opportunity to ride in a Maine Pedicab as part of “Vivian’s Rickshaw Team”, to take part in the excitement of being with the thousands of other cyclists in the event, to enjoy an exhilarating ride over part of the Dempsey Challenge course, and to be celebrated as they cross the finish line. We are honored that The Vivian St. Onge Memorial Rickshaw Team Project is an annual event at the Dempsey Challenge cycling event since 2014. The Vivian St. Onge Rickshaw Team is operated, funded and managed by the Short Folks For Hope Foundation, a nonprofit organization registered and incorporated in the State of Maine. We are a 501(c)(3) public charity. See the Short Folks For Hope Foundation website at http://www.shortfolks.org and our page at http://www.facebook.com/shortfolksforhope.
