Homewood Witches Ride raises money for cancer research

HOMEWOOD, Ala. ( WIAT ) — The 12 ^th annual Homewood witches ride had hundreds dressing up and hitting the streets for a good cause.

The Witches Ride started as a neighborhood event as a way for Janie Mayer to remember her mother who died of a rare form of cancer.

In the past 12 years, the ride has grown to hundreds of participants raising thousands for the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center.

“It brings me joy. I love it growing,” said Mayer.

Mayer spends upwards of 6 months every year planning the Homewood Witches Ride.

“The witches that come are who have made it what it is; they have transformed it,” Mayer said.

Groups pick themes to dress up as for the event. These themes can range from their best Olympic athlete impression to the Olympians of Greek mythology.

“It’s just a really fun time to get together support a good cause being fellowship with our friends you know that one of our friends wanted to do for many years and we finally were all able to get together and commit to doing it so just really glad to be here supporting a good cause and making memories together,” said one woman who was participating in her first witches ride.

The O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center’s director, Dr. Barry Sleckman, says the ride can be life saving for cancer patients,

“We have a program at the cancer center for investigators trials, and we offer them $100,000 to support trial. So, two years’ worth of fundraising allows us to open a new trial,” said Sleckman.

The ride also provides publicity for the center.

“You know you get the name of one person at a time one event at a time. That’s really the best way to get it out and really tell people what the advantages of being seen at an NCI designated center, which really is the opportunity, potentially, to be involved in a clinical trial,” added Sleckman.

The Witches Ride is always looking for volunteers and donations to support their mission. you can get involved and donate by visiting here.

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