CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hundreds are expected to join Charlotte’s Booty Loop that started Friday and continues today in order to raise funds for cancer survivors.
The annual 24 Hours of Booty event is taking place in the Myers Park community.
It’s an opportunity for cyclists and walkers to circle the Booty Loop while raising attention and funds for those battling cancer.
The event is hosted by 24 Foundation, a nonprofit charity that works to improve the quality of life for survivors.
Executive Director Katherine Murphy says this annual event is reinforcing their commitment to survivors.
“This is our 23rd year here at 24 Hours of Booty, and we’ve raised over $28 million that is staying right here in the Charlotte community,” Murphy said. “It’s helping fund programs and services that are just as vital as chemotherapy, radiation or surgical treatment.”
“We’re providing things insurance doesn’t typically pay for or is not as available to other people without philanthropy [such as] art therapy, music therapy, nutrition services, transportation to and from treatment, and mortgage and utility assistance,” she said.
“Cancer not only can be physically devastating, but mentally, emotionally and financially as well,” Murphy said. “That’s why we’re here, to help alleviate those burdens as much as we possibly can. Meet them where they are and have that immediate impact on their cancer journey.”
Lauren DiFrank has been participating in 24 Hours of Booty for 12 years.
“I’m a rider during this event, and my business Bella Ballerina is a sponsor in the kids zone this year,” DiFrank said.
DiFrank, an alumnus of Queens University of Charlotte, is a cancer survivor.
“That’s when I was diagnosed with cancer, my senior year at Queens,” DiFrank said.
DiFrank says it was thanks to the Queens and Myers Park community, and the 24 Foundation, that she was still able to focus on finishing her higher education.
“[They made] sure I was completely taken care of,” she said.
This year’s fundraiser holds huge significance for DiFrank.
She’s participating without her husband, Rob DiFrank.
“It’s the first year without my husband, who passed away from cancer this past November. My 4-year-old son and I are going to be riding in his honor this weekend. I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel, but right now, I very much feel Rob surrounding me, and I’m very excited to ride in his honor,” she said.
“It was so magical. My husband and I met because of 24 Foundation. We would come together every year, ride laps, talk to friends we had made here and make new friends each year. We got married at the chapel at Queens University. So much of our relationship is around 24 Hours of Booty,” DiFrank said.
She wants people to know how far the fundraising dollars go for cancer survivors.
“The funds are completely impacting cancer patients right now,” DiFrank said. “Those patients are getting programs that they need right now.”
The 24 Hours of Booty began Friday and wraps up at 7 p.m. Saturday.
