By Maryanne Saxon
There was no shortage of love, support or sweat at Morristown’s NBD Training Zone gym this month, as friends, family and patrons of the South Street Creamery “Pedaled for a Cure” in honor of the Giardina family.
“You got it, you own it!” roared Pedal for a Cure Co- Founder Cheryl Beneduce Bock. “Pick up the pace! Fast tushies!”
This was no Sunday morning joy ride. Participants were not just pedaling for the cause, they were pumping and pushing.
With photos of Lori Ann and Jeff Giardina in front of them, and Lori Ann herself pedaling in the 9 am class… all of the spinners were motivated and working hard to show their love and support for a vital cause.
One hundred percent of proceeds — nearly $5,000 — from last Sunday’s four spin classes are pledged to Jefferson Hospital’s research program in Philadelphia. The fundraiser’s goal was to raise money to help find a cure for Metastatic Uveal Melanoma, a rare and virulent cancer that Jeff Giardina, 45, has been battling since 2013.
“Thank you all for joining us, sweating, pedaling and supporting this research,” Lori Ann Giardina, owner of the Creamery, said on behalf of her husband and two sons. “We are forever grateful and will continue to do everything we can to raise awareness and support for finding a cure. We have faith that we will see a day when there is a cure for Metastatic Uveal Melanoma.”
Lori Ann expressed special thanks to the Pedal for a Cure co-founders, who enlisted nearly 100 contributors to spin for the cause.
“As often as we can …offer an opportunity to raise funds and awareness, we do,” said Gloria Long, who partnered with Bock in 2010 to create Pedal for a Cure to support cancer research.
In the five years since Long and Bock have been pedaling, they have learned that the generosity of communities, friends and families always exceeds expectations. “ We are blessed to have so much support,” Long said.
Morristown High’s girls lacrosse team is an example. The girls recently donated $200 to the Giardinas’ campaign.
Ladies from Suzi’s Salon and Spa also came out to sweat, cycle and support the Giardinas. Staff from the salon participated in classes throughout the morning, happy to help a neighboring business and a loving family.
The staff at NBD — which stands for “No Body Denied” — was excited to host Sunday’s fundraiser, providing space, the latest and greatest in spin bikes and two instructors. Alissa Jones, owner of NBD, said this was the second Pedal for a Cure event held there since the gym opened in January 2014.
Last December, South Street Creamery patrons and a matching donor together raised more than $40,000 with a Cones for Cancer fundraiser.
Anyone who frequents the Creamery knows that it’s not just delicious food and ice cream that has attracted so many repeat customers. With every scoop, Lori Ann dishes out smiles, love and warmth. It is a wonder how the ice cream doesn’t melt.
Kevin Coughlin contributed to this report.
