Milestone Ride2Live event raises funds for Maimonides Breast Cancer Center

Dozens of motorcyclists hit the streets of Brooklyn on Saturday, October 1 — the first day of national Breast Cancer Awareness Month — to raise awareness of the Maimonides Breast Cancer Center and mammograms as part of an annual tradition now in its 10th year.

Over 100 motorcyclists made up of supporters, survivors and even hospital staff were on hand for the charity ride, appropriately dubbed Ride2Live, held outside the Maimonides Breast Cancer Center in Boro Park. Bikers from across the borough partnered with Maimonides to host the ride, which departed from the center’s driveway via police escort, and made its way on a scenic tour of Brooklyn, through Sunset Park and up to Coney Island.

This year’s ride kicked off at noon and was led by Maimonides Breast Cancer Center Director, Dr. Patrick Borgen, a proud motorcycle rider himself who started Ride2Live nine years ago to raise awareness about the center, mammograms and the borough’s breast cancer rates.

“Breast cancer is very common in Brooklyn. There are nearly 2,000 women who get it every year,” Borgen told this paper at last year’s event. “These bikers, you will find, are the nicest people in the world…[They are] very passionate while they support the cause.”

The ride led to the after-party site, Gargiulo’s Restaurant in Coney Island where the Gilbert Rivera Foundation Cars for Cancer Show was also taking place.

“What a great testament to the overwhelming support of the entire borough of Brooklyn,” said Borgen, who is also Chair of Surgery at Maimonides. “It’s so gratifying, as a physician and healer, to see friends and colleagues year after year turn out for these twin events.”

“Our Foundation is dedicated to supporting the Maimonides Cancer Center, especially the work being done by our amazing Breast Cancer Team,” said Erminia Rivera, vice chair of the Maimonides Board of Trustees, and head of the Gilbert Rivera Foundation, named for her late husband who died of cancer. “It’s so important for patients to feel support before, during and after treatment, and having these events ensures that we are getting the word out to as many people as possible that world-class cancer care is available right here in Brooklyn.”