09/06/09: Hamburg ‘McDreamy’ Bicyclist Fundraising to Fight Cancer

Original YNN Buffalo Air Date: 09/06/09
A South Towns woman is hitting the road to raise money for cancer research and she’s getting her inspiration from a TV actor’s campaign to fight cancer.
Shannon Gilmartin loves riding her bike almost as much as watching Grey’s Anatomy. She especially adores the scenes with Patrick Dempsey.
But Shannon’s no couch potato. everyday the Hamburg cyclist puts the pedal to the medal to train for the Dempsey Challenge.
“He (Patrick Dempsey) started the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing in Lewiston Maine because his mother is a survivor of ovarian cancer,” said Gilmartin.
So far she’s peddled her way to raising $5,200 hundred dollars for the challenge thanks to help from her Hamburg neighbors.
“Anything that can be done to help to find more money for research to find cures for some of these diseases I think is important,” said donor Robbin Mandiak
“My whole family is plagued with cancer. On both sides. My mom side, My dad’s side. Some of my husband’s relatives as well. So I wanted to do something,” added Gilmartin.
She posts updates on her fundraising on several websites.”
Link to ‘McDreamy Bicyclist on Twiter
“I’ve got Twitter, I’ve got Facebook, I’ve got articles in the Hamburg Sun. and just trying to do everything I can to get to $10,000,” smiled Gilmartin.
Ten thousand dollars would also guarantee her a private bike ride with “Doctor McDreamy” himself.
“I had been for about a month in the number one fundraising spot, and I just got overtaken at the beginning of this week. So I’m number two right now out of about 3,000 people who are fundraising,” said the determined Dempsey fan.
Shannon hopes to return to the number one spot soon. She has until October 2nd. That’s when she’ll hit the road for the challenge in Maine.