Riding across America to raise funds for breast cancer: St. Augustine welcomes Al Reszel
On March 23, Al Reszel began his seventh cross-country solo bicycle ride to raise money for Pink Pedals for a Cure| Terry’s Ride and The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). St. Augustine will become Reszel’s latest stop for a ride named to honor his wife, Terry, a 14-year breast cancer survivor.
What began in the Florida Keys will traverse through 12 states and two countries, clocking over 4,100 miles in 49 days, with expectations to arrive in Albany, Minnesota, the couple’s hometown, on Mother’s Day, May 12.
Since 2016, the 65-year-old cycle enthusiast has traveled more than 20,000 miles and raised over $50,000 for the BCRF. The St. Augustine Record caught up with the couple during a well-earned pit stop on March 27.
The St. Augustine Record: Congratulations. Explain why this is so important to you.
Al Reszel: We’re working together to find a cure for breast cancer. Survival is a common thread in this heroic story where love threads a narrative born from determination, courage and commitment. As a 14-year breast cancer survivor, Terry wrote her chapter of sufferance and stoicism. So today, and for the past seven years, she’s my supporter, comforter and cheerleader while I raise funds an awareness for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
The St. Augustine Record: Terry, tell us about your battle with breast cancer.
Terry Reszel: After years of mammograms and biopsies, I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 and underwent a bilateral mastectomy. Al gave me strength and stability. Al and my family helped me to forge a path of perseverance to endure the dark times. We found hope and conviction through faith and belief in our love for each other.
Al Reszel: Terry withstood insurmountable challenges. So, we came up with another courageous journey. You can even say we came up with a secondary, life-changing event. I decided to take the road less traveled. One that demanded conviction. And that’s when Pink Pedals 4 A Cure | Terry’s Ride in support of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation was born.
Terry Reszel: We want to help find a cure.
St. Augustine Record: Al, was cycling a new venture?
Al Reszel: I’ve been an avid cyclist and outdoorsman for years. In 2015, to honor Terry’s courageous journey we created Pink Pedals 4 A Cure | Terry’s Ride. The first year, I completed a 500-mile solo bicycle ride from Afton, Minnesota, to Geneva, Illinois. Six years ears since, I’ve crisscrossed the United States multiple times raising money for BCRF.
Terry Reszel: Years ago, Al left corporate America after 29 years to earn a master’s degree in special education from Bemidji State University. He worked as a high school education teacher, enriching his life and the lives of "his kids" for 10 years. He retired in 2020. Today, we spend time with our two sons, their wives, and five beautiful grandchildren when we’re not on the road.
Al Reszel: It’s been 14 years since Terry’s diagnosis and today we count our blessings, live our lives one day at a time, and look to the future.
Terry Reszel: This isn’t just a journey about our love for each other. It’s a journey for those striving to survive and the families of those in need. We were able to find peace in a turbulent existence. But this is our goal to create awareness and financial support to fund breast cancer research in an endeavor to find a cure.
Al Reszel: I always say: I can’t do research, but I can ride a bike.
The St. Augustine Record: How does it feel to be in St. Augustine?
Al Reszel: Not long after we got married almost 46 years ago, we stopped and drank from St. Augustine's Fountain of Youth. We’re going to stop by again to let people know that I'm 65 years old, that is my seventh cross-country bicycle ride, and this Fountain of Youth really works!
Click here to track Reszel’s Pink Pedals for a Cure| Terry’s Ride.
This article originally appeared on St. Augustine Record: Riding across America to raise funds for breast cancer: St. Augustine welcomes Al Reszel
