Pedal Forward, Change Lives

Who we're supporting and their story

At the Muskegon Pub Pedal, we host an annual cycling event along the Muskegon Lakeshore Trail that doubles as a fundraiser to support local families facing medical expenses. This event is not just about promoting physical activity and fun; it also strengthens our connections with local businesses, as many restaurants, bars, and other establishments actively participate and contribute to its success. Over the years, we have managed to raise considerable funds that go directly to helping families in need within our community

Who we're supporting this year...

Kim
Kim

In the midst of a selfless career spent caring for others, Kim Keeton now finds herself in need of support as she confronts a high-grade stage four neuroendocrine carcinoma, an uncommon form of cancer affecting her liver at the young age of 39.
What began as persistent stomach pains led to a devastating diagnosis, challenging Kim to navigate not only the physical toll of chemotherapy but also a battle with her insurance provider for essential treatments and pain medication. Kim hopes her story serves as a poignant reminder for others to undergo regular testing, enabling early detection and potentially saving lives.
Kim has a Go Fund Me account set up for immediate support with her pain medications and treatments.

If you would like to donate, you can either donate directly to Go Fund Me or buying a t-shirt for this year's event!
Kim's GoFundme: https://gofund.me/d45401e9

Payton
Payton
We would like to introduce you to our third recipient for this year's event! Payton Patterson is a beautiful, almost 5 year old girl who was diagnosed with a very rare disease. While the community has rallied behind her and her family over the past year we would like to provide some assistance to ensure her and her family have the means to attend a very important Batten's Convention this summer.
If you would like to donate, you can either donate directly to Go Fund Me or buying a t-shirt for this year's event!
Payton's GoFundme: https://gofund.me/874d5eaf
Brett
Brett

Brett Belmarez was born and raised in Muskegon. He has been married to the love of his life, Desiree for 10 1/2 years. They have a 6 year old son named Roman. In the middle of December, 2023, Brett started experiencing flu-like symptoms. Near the end of December, in addition to the flu-like symptoms, he began experiencing shortness of breath and lung pain. After having his blood work checked and a ct scan, they discovered a mass (6.1cm) on his right lower lung and some enlarged lymph nodes. After a biopsy, it was determined to be lymphoma. It is still early, so they do not have results on what stage or what specific type of lymphoma it is. A meeting is scheduled with the cancer center to begin working towards a treatment plan and obtaining a 2nd opinion with more information from U of M. They are not sure what the future holds, but they are remaining positive and keeping their faith in God.

If you would like to donate, you can either donate directly to her Go Fund Me or buying a t-shirt for this year's event!

Brett's gofundme: https://gofund.me/3787d4a4

Krista
Krista
The final recipient of our event will be one of my personal friends from childhood through adulthood and I am moved to be able to help support her. Dispite her lifelong struggles she remains positive, always has a smile on her face and is grateful for all she has. Please take the time to read her story below!
Krista Mills is a 40 year old mother of 4. At the young age of 27, she unfortunately found a lump in her breast and was diagnosed with stage 2 Breast Cancer. With a years worth of treatments done, she was in remission in 2012. 🙌🏼
Around 2015, Krista scheduled an appointment at U of M because she was still having some side effects, from what she thought, was her cancer treatment. After 1 visit with a Rheumatologist, she was diagnosed with Scleroderma. It's a rare connective tissue disease that effects the skin, and in some cases, the internal organs. She suffered from rom numb, ulcer covered finger tips, due to yet another diagnosis of Raynaud's Phenomenon, horrendous heartburn, extreme fatigue and joint pain. After many treatment plans failed, finally her Rheumatologist decided on a monthly infusion called Rituximab. Finally there was a form of relief to calm the beast of a disease called Scleroderma!!
Fast forward to August 2023. Krista was diagnosed with a broken rib. Physical therapy and muscle relaxers seemed to help until her breast implant from her reconstructive surgery was found to be infected. She underwent surgery to remove the implant only to find out that her blood counts were very concerning.
After another visit with an oncologist and PET Scan, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer that had spread to the left lung as well as the rib that was broken.
Currently Krista is taking oral chemo pills for the treatment, while dealing with the pain on a daily basis. Family has been her rock through all of this, as well as a huge support system full of family and friends and she is still hoping for a cure.
If you would like to donate, you can either donate directly to Go Fund Me or buying a t-shirt for this year's event!