Inaugural charity bike ride raises $55,000 for Ascension Sacred Heart Cancer Center patients

Ascension Sacred Heart Cancer Center was honored to host the inaugural SPOKES (Supporting Patients Onward with Kindness, Empathy, and Strength) charity bike ride on November 6-7, 2026.

Around 60 riders took part in the two-day, 130-mile round-trip journey from Pensacola to Crestview to raise funds and awareness for local cancer patients undergoing treatment.

Conceived by Craig Conn, a nurse manager at Ascension Sacred Heart and avid cyclist, SPOKES was established to bring a high-impact cycling fundraiser to the Gulf Coast after Craig participated for many years in a similar long-distance cycling event in California.

The inaugural event more than doubled its initial fundraising goal of $22,500 by raising $55,000 in combined direct rider donations and community sponsorships.

100% of the proceeds will directly support the Sacred Heart Foundation's "Greatest Need Fund" for cancer patients. Managed by oncology social workers, these critical funds address emergent patient barriers, providing gas gift cards, emergency lodging, holiday meal assistance, and vital health screenings for uninsured patients.

"Every single dollar raised is going to stay right here in this community directly supporting our patients and their families with real tangible needs." said Krystal "Sunshine" Nall, Operations Director of Oncology Services, Ascension Sacred Heart Cancer Center.

Participants in the 130 mile ride include physicians, cancer patients (current and past) and community members, including Dr. James Smith, Medical Director at VITAS (Inpatient Hospice Care) who is an active cancer patient undergoing immunotherapy and dialysis, and Dr. Zachary Wright, Ascension Sacred Heart Oncologist, who treats many of the patients who will be helped.

The 130-mile trek traversed Pensacola, Milton, Pace, Holt, Baker, Munson, and Crestview.

• Day 1 (Friday, Nov 6): Departed Ascension Sacred Heart Cancer Center (7:00 AM), stopping for lunch at Harold Assembly of God in Milton before arriving at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Crestview.
• Day 2 (Saturday, Nov 7): Returned from Crestview (8:00 AM start), stopping at Margaret Street Church of Christ in Milton, and finishing back at the Cancer Center for a 5:30 PM closing ceremony.

Ascension Sacred Heart is planning to build on the success of this first time event by growing its size and impact next year.