SANTA MONICA, CA – On a sun-drenched morning at the iconic Santa Monica Pier, Al Reszel adjusted his helmet, clipped into his pedals, and began a journey that spans far more than the 4,000 miles of asphalt lying between the Pacific Ocean and New York City. This trek marks Reszel’s ninth multi-state cycling expedition, a grueling physical undertaking serves as the latest chapter in a decade-long mission to fund breast cancer research and honor his wife’s survival.
Under the banner of "Pink Pedals 4 A Cure," Al and his wife, Terry, are traversing the American landscape not merely as tourists, but as advocates. Their mission is as clear as it is ambitious: to raise critical funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) and to ensure that a future diagnosis of breast cancer is met with hope rather than despair. As Al navigates the varied terrain of the United States, Terry serves as the operation’s vital backbone, managing logistics, coordinating outreach, and connecting with the myriad of communities they encounter along the way.
Main Facts: A Legacy of Miles and Milestones
Since its inception in 2016, Pink Pedals 4 A Cure has transformed from a personal tribute into a formidable grassroots fundraising engine. The statistics behind the Reszels’ efforts are a testament to their endurance and dedication. Over the last eight years, Al has cycled more than 28,000 miles—a distance greater than the circumference of the Earth—across dozens of states.
To date, the initiative has raised over $70,000 specifically for breast cancer research. While the financial contribution is significant, the Reszels emphasize that the awareness raised in small towns and major cities alike is equally invaluable. By wearing the "pink" and sharing their story on the road, they provide a visible symbol of resilience for the millions of families affected by the disease.
The current 4,000-mile route from California to New York is one of their most ambitious to date. It follows a path similar to their 2018 journey, allowing the couple to revisit communities that supported them years ago. This "reunion tour" aspect of the ride highlights the deep interpersonal connections that have become the hallmark of their activism.
Chronology: From Diagnosis to Advocacy
The genesis of Pink Pedals 4 A Cure was not found on a cycling path, but in a doctor’s office. The year 2010 served as a watershed moment for the Reszel family when Terry was diagnosed with breast cancer. Like millions of others, the family was thrust into a world of oncology appointments, treatment plans, and the profound uncertainty that accompanies a cancer diagnosis.
2010–2015: The Recovery and the Vision
Following Terry’s successful treatment and transition into survivorship, the couple felt a burgeoning need to give back to the medical community that had supported them. Al, an avid cyclist, began to see his hobby as a potential vehicle for change. The physical discipline required for long-distance cycling mirrored the endurance required of cancer patients, creating a natural synergy between the sport and the cause.
2016: The Launch of Pink Pedals 4 A Cure
In 2016, the Reszels officially launched their first major fundraising ride. The goal was to bridge the gap between personal experience and scientific advancement. By partnering with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, they ensured that the funds raised would go toward high-impact research aimed at prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
2018: The Transcontinental Precedent
During their third annual ride in 2018, Al and Terry completed a route that closely mirrors their current 2024 path. This journey solidified their commitment to cross-country expeditions, proving that their message resonated across diverse geographic and socio-economic boundaries.
2019–2023: Sustained Momentum
Despite the challenges of the global pandemic and the inherent physical toll of aging, Al continued his multi-state rides. Each year, the "Pink Pedals" community grew, fueled by social media updates and local news coverage in the towns Al cycled through. By 2023, the cumulative mileage surpassed the 24,000-mile mark, setting the stage for this year’s landmark 4,000-mile odyssey.
Supporting Data: The State of Breast Cancer Research
The Reszels’ mission is underscored by the sobering reality of breast cancer statistics in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women in the U.S., second only to skin cancers. It is estimated that 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of their lifetime.
However, data also suggests that the tide is turning, thanks in large part to the research funded by organizations like the BCRF.
- Declining Mortality: Since 1989, death rates from breast cancer have dropped by approximately 43%, a shift largely attributed to earlier detection through screening and increased awareness, as well as better treatments.
- The Power of Research: The BCRF is the largest private funder of breast cancer research globally. In 2023-2024, the foundation awarded $60.2 million in grants to support the work of more than 250 scientists at leading medical institutions.
- The Funding Gap: While federal funding provides a baseline, grassroots efforts like Pink Pedals 4 A Cure are essential for "seed funding" innovative, high-risk, high-reward research that might otherwise go unfunded.
The $70,000 raised by the Reszels contributes directly to these efforts, supporting breakthroughs in immunotherapy, precision medicine, and the study of metastatic disease.
Official Responses: Voices from the Road
For Al and Terry Reszel, the ride is as much about the people they meet as it is about the miles they cover. Their reflections offer a poignant look at the human side of the "Pink Pedals" mission.
Al Reszel views his physical exertion as a tribute to the strength of patients. "Terry and our family deeply understand the impact breast cancer makes on the individual and the entire family," Al stated. "We hope that through research, when someone receives the call that they have been diagnosed with breast cancer, they will know that there are options and treatments to support them, and possibly a cure."
Terry Reszel, who manages the "behind-the-scenes" complexities of the trip, emphasizes the power of community. "The same as every ride, we look forward to the opportunity to speak with people across the country about the successes and research strides the Breast Cancer Research Foundation is making every day," she said.
She also noted the personal joy of the 2024 route: "On a personal note, we are looking forward to traveling through areas and cities we previously enjoyed and, in some cases, reconnecting with people that we met on our earlier ride that we have kept in contact with."
Medical experts and representatives from the BCRF have frequently lauded the Reszels for their commitment. Advocacy from survivors and their families is often cited by researchers as a primary motivator, providing a "human face" to the clinical data and laboratory work that defines the search for a cure.
Implications: The Road Ahead for Advocacy and Science
The Reszels’ 4,000-mile journey comes at a critical juncture in the fight against breast cancer. As the medical community moves toward more personalized treatment plans, the need for diversified funding has never been greater.
The Role of Grassroots Philanthropy
The success of Pink Pedals 4 A Cure demonstrates the evolving role of individual philanthropy. In an era where large-scale institutional giving often dominates the headlines, the Reszels prove that a single family, armed with a bicycle and a personal story, can generate significant financial and social capital. Their journey serves as a blueprint for how survivors can channel their experiences into productive, long-term advocacy.
Advancing Toward a Cure
The implications of the research funded by the Reszels extend into the realm of "thrivership." The goal is no longer just survival, but maintaining a high quality of life during and after treatment. By funding research into the side effects of chemotherapy and the long-term impacts of radiation, the BCRF—supported by the Reszels—is helping to ensure that survivors can return to their lives with minimal lasting trauma.
A Message of Hope
As Al Reszel pedals eastward, through the deserts of the Southwest, the plains of the Midwest, and eventually into the bustling streets of New York City, he carries a message of profound hope. The journey is a physical manifestation of the progress made since Terry’s diagnosis in 2010. It suggests that while the road to a cure is long and often uphill, it is a path that can be conquered through persistence, community support, and an unwavering commitment to science.
For those interested in supporting the mission, the Reszels continue to accept donations through their BCRF fundraiser page. Their progress can be tracked in real-time via their social media channels, where they document the highs and lows of life on the road—reminding the world that every mile pedaled is a step closer to a world without breast cancer.
To support Pink Pedals 4 A Cure and contribute to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, supporters are encouraged to visit their official fundraising portal or follow their journey on Instagram and Facebook.
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