By Mark Ambrogi
Jane Ransel’s son-in-law, Spencer Lueders, founded the 24 Hours of Booty charity cycling event in Charlotte in 2002.
Ransel followed the growth of the fundraiser, which benefits national and local cancer research. In 2012, it came to Indianapolis, and Ransel volunteered to work in the Booty (apparel) shop. In October 2014, she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
“It’s so funny the way life’s paths take us,” said Ransel, a longtime Carmel resident who moved to Westfield a month before she learned she had cancer.
The non-competitive bicycling event for riders of all ages and abilities will be held from 7 p.m. June 24 to 7 p.m. June 25 at Butler University. Funds raised will benefit the IU Simon Cancer Center and the Livestrong Foundation.
“IU Simon Cancer Center is where I go for treatment, and that’s where my doctor is,” Ransel said. “I just can’t say enough about the IU Simon Cancer Center (in Indianapolis) and the facility there. It’s one of the largest pancreatic research facilities in the country. To have it my own backyard is really beautiful. The 24 Hours of Booty has been giving money to it for all these years, and I really benefit from it.”
Ransel, a 1970 Carmel High School graduate, has been undergoing chemotherapy every other week since October 2014. She is a marketing manager for Spohn Associates, a manufacturers’ representative for architectural products and said her job allows her to work a week and then have treatment the next week. She is able to work from home during her treatment week.
“I think of cancer as an annoyance like having a cold, and I try not think about it,” she said. “I’m so grateful to continue working, have a normal life and to have so much optimism for the future.”
She said she is optimistic because her treatment is going well.
“It’s one of those cancers that there is not a good percentage of recovery for people,” she said. “I just hope I can show others with a lot of confidence and optimism and good doctors, we can beat this nasty thing.”
Ransel said she even hopes to ride a few laps at the 24 Hours of Booty, as she bought a bike at a garage sale. It’s the first bike she’s had since she was a child.
To register, visit 24hoursofbooty.org/events/indianapolis/.
