Cycling raises money for cancer

CLINTON, Conn. (WTNH)-- Out of breath, sweaty cyclists pushed themselves, donations, and the pedals for the Connecticut Sports Foundation today.

Sweat, speed and the songs, the vital gears of spinning class.

But, lyrics never rang more true than at today's "Cycling Against Cancer."

Everyone is pushing the pedals for someone else. One woman has a list to remember, honor, and support, while others have a mental motivation.

"I also had a friend I lost a few years ago, who battled cancer. She was only 39, mother of 2, so it hits everybody," said Katie Dechabert.

She sees this as a win/win as she would hit the bike anyway, coming back for one reason.

"I think the adrenaline release, yeah good bang for your buck," said Dechabert.

Not only is it great fun, it's great exercise and even better for the heart.

"It feels great. It feels like we're helping people and that's what we want to do.  We just want to help people," said Heather Theriault, of Shoreline Fitness.

And they are helping little Payton Vincent. He's spending his first year of life, fighting for it. Battling a rare, aggressive type of brain cancer.

"Unfortunately, they were going to be here, but do to some unforeseen circumstances, he had to go back into chemotherapy this weekend, but he's a fighter," said Erika Ellis, CT Sports Foundation.

The Connecticut Sports Foundation helps about 500 families cope with the financial struggle cancer can often leave in it's wake.

"When you're going through treatment, you don't want to worry about can you pay your electric bill or can you pay for your medicine," said Ellis.

Last year this event raised $60,000 and they're hoping to spin donations even hire this time.

For how you can help this nonprofit organization, go to http://www.sportsfoundation.org/ .