PARENTS TRANSFORM PERSONAL TRAGEDY INTO HOPE FOR OTHERS: When 12-year-old Jackson Hill passed away from sarcoma, a cancer of the connective tissue, his parents transformed the tragedy into life projects to help others.  David and Melissa Hill are building a new Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel, they organize an annual fundraising bicycle ride called Jackson’s Ride the Gorge, and Melissa leads the Northwest Sarcoma Foundation.

This ambitious couple has devoted their lives to sarcoma research and patient/family support by spreading awareness of the devastating disease and the need to improve research and funding for patients.  “My husband and I vowed, as Jackson grew weaker, we would do everything in our power to help other children and families avoid our fate,” says Melissa Hill. Spurred to action, Melissa Hill joined the Northwest Sarcoma Foundation in October 2005, just one short month after her son passed away. She took on the role of Executive Director a few months later. The Hills continue to support families of sarcoma patients in their times of need – something they have first-hand experience with after losing their own child to the cancer.

They are helping to build the new Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel in Portland, where their son was treated. The hospital is slated for completion in fall 2011. Melissa and David have spent countless hours motivating friends, their family and work colleagues to support their efforts with financial contributions and event participation.

ABOUT JACKSON’S RIDE THE GORGE

On August 7, 2010, hundreds of cyclists will participate in the Fifth Annual Jackson’s Ride the Gorge to honor the vibrant legacy of Jackson Hill, a young boy who loved sports, cycling and spending time in the Columbia River Gorge. The ride offers an opportunity to explore the Columbia River Gorge the best way possible – with incredible support and two wheels quietly whirring along scenic rural roads. Three route options – 25, 50 or 100 miles – make this event perfect for cyclists of all skill levels. The ride benefits the Northwest Sarcoma Foundation, the leading non-profit organization committed to providing support to patients and families living with this specific cancer. It features frequent catered rest stops and a gourmet BBQ with free Full Sail beer at the finish line. The event starts and ends in Hood River, Oregon.  For more information about this well-organized and supported bicycle ride, visit JacksonsRideTheGorge.org.