Brian Bortz Honors Mother and Cancer Survivor Through 4-Day Bike Ride

For the fourth year now, North Canton resident will embark on a four-day, 330-mile bike ride from Cleveland to Cincinnati.

During the ride, which raises money for the American Cancer Society, Bortz carries with him a "motivation list" — a list of cancer survivors and people whose lives have been touched by cancer. They're all friends and loved ones of those who've donated to Bortz's cause.

The name most dear to Bortz, though, is his mother's — Susan Bortz of Monroesville, PA.

"My biggest motivation is my mom because she’s an eight-year survivor now of breast cancer. So that’s the biggest reason that I do this," Bortz said.

A passion for cycling also keeps Bortz involved in the American Cancer Society Pan Ohio Hope Ride year after year.

Bortz, 41, said the fundraising portion of the ride has become easier — it has this year, at least. He set his goal at $2,500 and easily exceeded it.

"And then I raised it to $3,000, then I passed that and raised it to $3,500, and right now I’m a little bit over $3,600," he said.

The Canton Country Day School teacher said he doesn't plan to raise that goal any higher, but people still are welcome to donate through the end of August. Those wishing to donate can do so through Bortz's Pan Ohio Hope Ride page. 

Community members have donated toward Bortz's cause through a Facebook silent auction and online parties for Pampered Chef, Tastefully Simple and Scentsy.

Plus, Bortz got pretty creative with one fundraising idea. Friends and family were eager to see Bortz without his beard, which he's had since college, so he turned that into a way to raise money.

"I thought, 'Hmm, I can use this for fundraising," he said. "So I said if I got to $2,000 by end of April I would shave off my beard."

And it eventually earned him another $250.

He said the ride has gone "surprisingly well" in previous years, and he chalks that up to the level of support it receives and how well it's organized. Cyclists ride about 80 miles each day and break about every 20 miles to hydrate and eat.

"It's such an amazing experience for people to get involved with," he said. "You don’t have to be a cyclist; they have hundreds of volunteers along the route who make the ride, too."