When you ask Charlie Fashana who he participates in the Ride for, his list is, unfortunately, a very long one. He rattles off the names of friends, family and loved ones in his life who have been personally affected by cancer.

His mother, who is a survivor of uterine cancer.

His best friend’s father, who passed away from lung cancer the day before Charlie’s wedding.

A friend from Leadership Buffalo, who was five years younger than him and battling colon cancer.

A tenant in his rental property, who was diagnosed with breast cancer.

His cousin, his wife’s aunt, relatives of coworkers….the list goes on and on.

“It’s a long list and every year, I try to keep that list accurate and say who I am riding in memory of, in honor of or in support of.”

Charlie first participated in the Ride in 2012, more for a personal challenge than anything else. But, after attending that very first year and being a part of that impact, his reasons changed.

“I wanted to prove to myself and to others that I could ride 65 miles and raise $1,000. It started off that way, but then every year since the script has gotten flipped.

“Now, it has nothing to do with me. It’s all about being a part of something so much bigger and something so impactful. You can’t help but be overwhelmed with emotions [when you’re there].”