Riding Down Pancreatic Cancer On Two Wheels

4th Annual Karen Petty Memorial Double Century Bike Ride Against Pancreatic Cancer

September 28th, 2013

Karen Petty - The reason we ride!

I hope this note finds you all well. Many of you who I write to today are dear friends of mine and some of you who support my ride are only bound to me by a common cause. That cause is our desire to end Pancreatic Cancer. I started the Karen Petty Double Century in 2010 in an effort to honor my lifelong friend Karen Petty, and to raise funds to defeat the disease that took her from us. For those of you who know Karen, you understand why I ride in her memory. Karen was loved by all who knew her. Her family adored her. I adore all of Karen’s family as brothers, sisters, and aunts, and uncles even though we share no blood relations. I grew up calling Karen “Auntie” and her husband “Uncle” Joe. As an only child, I didn’t have siblings. Karen’s own kids, Jason and Kerri, and her Nephew Billy were my brothers and sisters, and they are as important to me as if we were related by blood. I grew up with all of them, and always felt a part of their family. It only felt natural to do something “big” upon Karen’s passing, not only to honor Karen’s memory, but to show her family how much they all mean to me. This 200 mile, one day bike ride, which starts at Karen’s house in West Warwick, RI, to her Cabin in Thornton, NH, started as a deed I thought was honorable enough to memorialize Karen. I believe it has proven so over the past three years.

Since Karen’s passing I have become very involved in the Pancreatic Cancer community in Rhode Island, and on a national level. I have been part of a team that raised over $550,000 for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in Rhode Island since 2010. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is the only organization out there that is attacking this disease comprehensively, and that is why they have my wholehearted support. This ride’s supporters have been a key component of that fundraising success. I feel we are making true progress in fighting this disease. This year Congress passed important legislation that will move Pancreatic Cancer research forward, and that is a direct result of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s work in Washington. Our continued support of this great organization will be the keystone of driving a stake in the heart of this disease.

Myself and Pete Washburn at the start of the 2011 ride

Through my affiliation with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, I have lost another close friend to this disease. Pete Washburn and I became quick friends when he was fighting pancreatic cancer. I never thought the disease would beat his fighting spirit, but even the strong succumb to this scourge. Losing Pete has only renewed my resolve to defeat this disease. Pete was a great supporter of my ride, and I have enjoyed meeting many of his family members, and fighting this disease side by side with them. I ride with his memory near to my heart at all times.

The finish line in New Hampshire on year two

This will be my fourth time riding this annual ride. For the entire 200 miles this year, I will be accompanied by two great friends, Greg Anderson, who has ridden the ride with me twice, and Ed Hernaez who has completed the ride once in 2012. We also have a contingent of 100 mile riders. Newcomer Billy Fitts, Karen’s nephew and my lifelong friend will be tackling the ride. Billy is taking this challenge on after being off a bike for 20+ years. John Braica, a close friend of mine and Karen’s will ride the last 100 miles with us. Also my buddy Bill Fontaine and my father Leo Costantino (69 years young) will ride those last 100 miles with us as well. This diverse group of riders is a testament to how Karen positively influenced everyone she knew. Her positive attitude lives on in her friends and family’s drive to destroy the disease that took her. We are welcoming other riders, but bear in mind that this is a one way, unsupported ride, so if you do choose to make the trek, you will have to provide your own personal support vehicle. Thank you to all of the amazing people in advance for joining this fight with me. They are all true warriors, and I know we can ride this disease down to the ground together, all in Karen’s name. To support this year’s ride please follow the instructions below.

Please visit: 

http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/karenpettydoublecentury/bikeride




Sincerely Determined,


Eric Costantino
AKA Wacky Dad