Saturday, July 14, the Bravehearts Friends of Dylan Connelly community will host its annual memorial ride and family day event, run by a network of volunteers, on the upper field at Fruitlands Museum. Participants in the ride may fundraise and/or enter to bike in either the 25- or 50-mile ride around Harvard and surrounding towns. But riding isn’t the only way to participate. While the bikers are out on the road, there are plenty of family-day festivities: live musical performances, games and crafts for children of all ages, a kids bike ride, a thoughtful labyrinth walk, and yard games, as well as food, soft drinks, and beer for purchase.
The BraveheartsFODC organization was founded in 2013 when a phenomenal young man from Harvard, Dylan Connelly, lost his battle to brain cancer. Dylan was a member of a strong family and community of people who turned their grief to positive action and continue to carry on Dylan’s legacy and the legacy of countless others who have either lost their lives or had significant setbacks.
Defined by a passion for helping people to thrive, the Bravehearts community helps fund research in innovative cancer medicines and memorable experiences for those with life-threatening diagnoses. This year, the beneficiary is Camp Sunshine, a retreat in Casco, Maine, that provides support to sick children and their families.
Bravehearts welcomes everyone to Fruitlands July 14. Whether you ride or just hang out, it’s a great day to spend outdoors with family and friends and to celebrate community. To learn more about Bravehearts, visit www.braveheartsfodc.com.
Kaitlyn Phillips
Bravehearts ride team member
