Pocatellans prepare for the Huntsman 140

On Saturday, Zach Parris rode 80 miles on his bike. In two weeks time, he’ll be riding 140. All in the name of cancer research.

For him and his wife, Tami Parris, cancer research holds a special place for them. Zach was diagnosed with prostate cancer in Aug. 2012. Tami was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in the fall of 2013.

“We’re both invested in making the Huntsman 140 a success,” Zach said.

The Huntsman 140 is an annual bike ride near the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah. People can choose to ride four different routes: a 25-mile route, 55-mile route, 75-mile route and a 140-mile one.

All funds raised go directly to the HCI to help with research. The Parris team is looking to raise $10,000 this year. Tami said fundraising can be an easy job.

“Everybody’s either had a loved one or somebody in their family has had it,” she said. “When you tell them it’s for the HCI and it’s for research people are ready to help.”

$10,000 may not sound like a lot of money for research, but Zach’s doctor at the HCI has personally told him how valuable it can be.

Zach said, “I told him I can get you $8,000 or $9,000, that’s what we raised last year. When I told him that his eyes got big, he said he could do a lot with that much.”

As they prepare for their 4th ride in a row, the two see the growth of the ride every year. Both describe the growth as “everything.”

“We’re really trying to cure cancer and it gives us hope, too,” Tami said.

Besides donations, the Parris team is looking for more riders. Zach and Tami said they don’t mind the distance people ride, they only care about more money coming in for the cause.

Here’s a link for their team page. You can also find more information about the Huntsman 140 here.