PRESS RELEASE:
Relay For Life Team Raises Funds, Awareness Through Coast-to-Coast Motorcycle Journey
May 22, 2012 By Kari Dahlstrom 

Charleston, SC, May 22, 2012 – Joe Wise, a United States Army veteran, has been through a lot since he was diagnosed with Stage 4 clear cell renal cell carcinoma (a serious type of kidney cancer) in October of 2008. In December of that same year, he underwent surgery to remove his kidney and some affected lymph nodes. By April of 2009, he learned that the cancer had metastasized to his lungs and other lymph nodes.
"At this point, the doctors were using terms like 'quality of life,'" said Wise. "They told me that without treatment, I had a year to live and with treatment maybe two."
But, Wise doesn't give up. Some three years after diagnosis, he is still waging his courageous battle against cancer. After several rounds of chemotherapy, his body has 12 active cancer sites. "I'm here today because of Jesus and the fact I never minded authority well anyway," he said with a rebellious grin that hints at a unique outlook on life, developed both in church an on his motorcycle.
Though quite sick (a coughing fit recently caused him to break a couple of ribs) Wise is embarking on what likely will be the adventure of his lifetime. Accompanied by his wife Dana and friends Gary and Peggy Waldron, he has planned a cross-country motorcycle journey to raise money for the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life.
The couples, both members of the Christian Motorcycle Association, have formed Team Ride Across America, based in Henderson County, NC. With the goal of raising funds and awareness for cancer research, the riders will depart from Charleston, SC, on June 8 and arrive in San Diego, Calif., on June 15. Individual motorcyclists and motorcycle groups are invited to join in any portion or all of the cross-country ride. Donations in the team's name can be made at relayacrossamerica.com.
"I ride because I believe there has to be a better way. I ride for those who have lost this fight, and I ride for those who have succumbed to treatments," said Wise. "Our intent is to uphold the high standards of the American Cancer Society and to be good ambassadors to the world of motorcyclists."
According to Wise's web site (relayacrossamerica.com) the vision and purpose of Relay Across America is two-fold: 1) to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost and fight back against the disease, and 2) to provide an avenue for motorcyclists to participate in the American Cancer Society Relay For Life utilizing the sport to ride a segment or segments with his team.
Team Ride Across America will depart from historic Patriots Point near Charleston, SC, on Friday, June 8, with kickstands up at 1 p.m. Specific locations for overnight stops planned for Mills River, NC; Jackson, Tenn.; Fort Smith, Ark.; Amarillo, Texas; Gallup, NM; Flagstaff; Yuma, Ariz., and San Diego, Calif.; can be found at relayacrossamerica.com. Donations can also be made through the web site.
About the American Cancer Society: The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. As the nation's largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing about $3.4 billion, we turn what we know about cancer into what we do. As a result, more than 11 million people in Americawho have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating birthdays this year. To learn more about us or to get help, call us any time, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.
Joe wise( 828) 606-4269
jwise58@gmail..com
www,relayarcrossamerica.com 
or Facebook us at "Relayacrossamerica"