Dr. Ron Graves, an oral surgeon, Mercy Memorial Foundation board member and avid bicyclist, said he is volunteering for the upcoming A2A race because he supports plans to build a new cancer treatment center in Ardmore.
“I’ve had patients in my practice and family members who have had to go out of town for care,” he said. “It’s a real burden.”
The A2A Arbuckles to Ardmore Race for Mercy on March 28 is a fundraiser for the new center, which will provide patients quality care with the use of upgraded technology, while offering shorter treatment times. It will be owned by the Ardmore Chamber of Commerce Foundation, which will lease it to the hospital. The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year.
Graves heads up the committee that will be responsible for ensuring any runners experiencing physical problems get immediate help. Other committee members are Dr. Jerry Cross, Dr. John Sjulin and Stan Marshall.
“We have a number of bicyclists who will be patrolling the entire length of the event who will watch for any runners who are in distress,” he said. “Right now, I have 26 volunteers.”
Graves said the bicyclists will look for any runners in trouble. Potential medical problems include exhaustion, blisters and heat stroke, should the day be warm enough.
The Southern Oklahoma Ambulance Service will have two ambulances along the course, and a medical tent staffed with physicians will be set up near the finish line to treat emergencies. The members of the bicycle patrol will all have cell phones to report anyone who needs immediate medical care.
“I’ve been able to see the project grow since Alison introduced the idea,” he said. “It’s been amazing to see how the community has stepped up. It makes you proud to be an Ardmoreite.”
Steve Biehn, 221-6546
