Bowen Yoder, of Williamsburg, shares his cancer journey and how it relates to the importance of the upcoming Courage Ride.
On Saturday, August 13 the 18th Annual Courage Ride will be held at Big …
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Bowen Yoder, of Williamsburg, shares his cancer journey and how it relates to the importance of the upcoming Courage Ride.
On Saturday, August 13 the 18th Annual Courage Ride will be held at Big Grove Brewery, 1225 S Gilbert St, Iowa City, to support sarcoma cancer research. The Courage Ride is dedicated to the memory of Seth Bailey, who was diagnosed with soft-tissue synovial sarcoma cancer. After a long-fought, courageous battle, Seth passed away in 2003.
In a similar story to Seth, is Bowen Yoder. In 2015, Bowen was diagnosed with Exoskeletal Ewing’s Sarcoma cancer, which is a rare type of cancer that affected Bowen’s lower intestine. Bowen went through 14 total rounds of chemotherapy, seven weeks of radiation, and one major seven-hour surgery that removed 3-5 feet of Bowen’s small intestine.
“When I was first diagnosed with cancer, I was only given four years to live… How can you even start to think about how you’re going to live your life for the next four years?” comments Bowen.
During his journey, Bowen’s uncle, Shawn Powell showed him a song called, “Lord, I Need You Now” by Matt Maher. Since that moment, music has become a great passion and part of Bowen’s life.
Friends and family like Shawn and Bowen’s wife, Katelin Yoder were the biggest motivation through his cancer journey. Bowen is now six years clean of cancer thanks to his supporters and the doctors at the University of Iowa, Mayo Clinic, and from Texas.
“The Courage Ride is a huge part of why I’m still here today- and clean of any type of cancer. Without the Courage Ride, research for a cure for sarcoma cancer wouldn’t be possible at the University of Iowa. The ride is so important to my family and me,” Bowen expresses.
The Courage Ride supplies 85% of the grant money for sarcoma cancer research at the University of Iowa. The annual bike ride will take place to support people like Bowen Yoder, remember Seth Bailey, and those that many have lost to sarcoma cancer.
For more information about the ride, routes and other events, see courageride.org
