Cycle Oregon family fundraises for childhood cancer

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Ten years ago Jim Stumpf hopped on a bike to ride hundreds of miles in the name of children fighting cancer — and he hasn’t looked back since.

“My thought was if these children can go through what they battle every single day and still come out with a smile on their face, that this old guy could go out and fundraise for a great non profit, Candlelighters,” Stumpf told KOIN 6 News.

Candlelighters helps children with cancer and their families, supporting them both financially and emotionally.

The non-profit is so near and dear to him that even a bike crash his second year hasn’t stopped him from participating in the annual Cycle Oregon event.

“I finished the ride about 150 yards short,” said Jim, who owns Overhead Door. “I had an accident just before the finish line and had a very serious head injury.”

Last year his son Ryan joined as part of his “Ride for a Child” team for Candlelighters. He’s back for another year with his dad. They’re riding in honor of Elias, a 13-year-old bone cancer survivor whose family has been supported by Candlelighters.

“My dad inspired me,” Ryan said. “Seeing what he was doing with his health journey, being on a bike and getting to know a lot of the folks in the organization and be inspired by what they wanted to do to help these kids out and their families.”

The 2024 Cycle Oregon event runs September 8-13 and spans about 300 miles across Oregon.

The Stumpf family has gone all in. Jim’s wife, Sandy, recently made sure the food pantry at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital was stocked. And his daughter, Jaime, helped out at a Candlelighters holiday event with her son.

“I guess sometimes you have to jump in with both feet if you want to be supportive,” Jim said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.