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NORWALK, Conn. Wilton's Tom Brewer couldn't say no. When people asked him to join a team riding in the Connecticut Challenge, he quickly agreed.
"I embraced it early. It seems like a good cause, raising money for awareness for cancer survivors," said Brewer, whose team represents the Whittingham Cancer Center at Norwalk Hospital. "So many of these rides are for research. This is for families and survivors. That's an important distinction."
The ride begins Saturday at 8 a.m. at the Fairfield County Hunt Club in Westport. Over 1,000 cyclists have registered to pedal distances ranging from 10 to 100 miles.
Brewer has a special attachment to the Whittingham Center. His wife, Judy, died three years ago from cancer. Whittingham and its doctors played a huge role as she bravely battled the disease.
This is the first year for Team Whittingham, and it will include 10 riders. They will go various distances. Brewer plans to ride 50 miles. "I haven't done 50 miles,'' he said. "Let's hope I can make it."
Brewer isn't certain what emotions he'll feel when he rolls up to the starting line. "I'm sure there's going to be some sad memories, but I think it will be uplifting to be surrounded by a lot of courageous people who have bravely fought their own personal battles against cancer," he said.
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