NASA Team "Petals for the Cure"

Earlier this month, nine cyclists from NASA's Langley Research Center rode a 22-mile tour for "Petals for the Cure," a charity bike event to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer.

The benefiting organization, Beyond Boobs!, promotes breast health education, early detection and support throughout the treatment process. The charity ride featured two distances, a 7-mile family ride and a 22-mile tour. The route started and finished at Anderson's Home and Garden Showplace (the event's main sponsor), and ventured through the nearby neighborhoods between Jefferson Ave. and the James River.

"The sun warmed up the early morning start, and with little wind, it was a great day to ride," said Melvin Ferebee of Langley’s Space Technology Office.

According to Ferebee, the team has a special connection with the Beyond Boobs! organization because Andrea Salas of NASA Langley's Systems Analysis & Concepts Directorate and Tammy Grier of the Space Mission Analysis Branch benefitted from the organization’s support during their battles with breast cancer.

"Beyond Boobs! helps those dealing with cancer by providing friendship and information to those in need," said Salas, who is now cancer-free. "The people who make up the group have had breast cancer or are currently dealing with it."

It was not at NASA Langley, but during a support group meeting in Yorktown, when Salas and Grier first met.

Both are appreciative of the support from their NASA colleagues and friends.

The nine participants pictured above are: Dennis Keyes (SSAI), Jen Keyes (SACD/SMAB), Melvin Ferebee (STED Dave Reeves (SACD/SMAB), Dave Cornelius (AMA), Stephen Miller (AMA), Scott Angster (AMA), Jennifer Preslar (AMA), Sheri Thurrott (AMA).

Photo credit: NASA