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Doctor, team riding in BDB 100 to raise money for cancer research

For several of those participating it's more than just a bike ride, it's a ride for cancer research. 

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) -- The training is complete and cyclists will push towards the finish line Saturday in the Big Dam Bridge 100.

For several of those participating it's more than just a bike ride, it's a ride for cancer research. As the Director of the UAMS Myeloma Institute, Dr. Gareth Morgan is continuing his crusade to raise awareness for cancer research and this time, he'll be pedaling for a cure.

"We need to raise money to improve our research in Myeloma and to make the local community aware of what a gem they have in the middle of their population," he said.

Dr. Morgan has been personally and professionally touched by cancer.

"Seeing people who are alive and well eight years and beyond after they have diagnosis when in the past the average survival was only two years," he said.

From the lab to the road, this doctor's connection to his patients is strong. Saturday morning, 81 Ride for Research team riders will participate in the Big Dam Bridge 100. Dr. Morgan will take on the full 100 alongside a patient who just completed treatment.

"He actually seriously beat me on a weekend when we had a practice ride. He's really good. We have a lot of people who just live normally and go back to doing sports," he said.

Morgan and his team hope to raise money and awareness for new treatments being developed right here in Little Rock.

"I'm really looking forward to that, because we're all going to have the same jerseys. It's going to look great and it's going to be emotional," he said.

Dr. Morgan is determined to reach the finish line.

"I think these guys who are cycling are really super heroes, when you see how fit they are you would never know they've been unwell," he said.

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