Riding to conquer childhood cancer

ATLANTA (FOX 5 Atlanta) - Four years ago, John and Shawn Dickson, of Woodstock, suffered a devastating loss. Their oldest daughter Kiersten, a non-smoker, died from lung cancer. Now, they're keeping her memory alive by carrying on her mission to end childhood cancer. 

"It's amazing to know her legacy lives on," said Shawn Dickson. "I just wish she was still here to celebrate with us."

It was on May 5, 2014, when Kiersten was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer. Eighteen months later, at just 20-years-old, she lost her fight. Despite her terminal illness, her father John Dickson said she lived every day to the fullest, playing soccer, traveling with family and friends while continuing her education.

"She [Kiersten] at the time was enrolled at Georgia State undergoing chemotherapy, radiation and taking 18 hours of classes with a 3.75 GPA," said John Dickson.

While at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta her oncologist and the staff said she was a ray of light. Treated by the compassionate doctors and staff at the AFLAC Cancer Center.

Before she passed away her parents say Kiersten wanted to find a way to help keep families and kids from going through the painful journey of fighting cancer. So, they teamed up with the Olde Blind Dog Cycling Club to create the St. Paddy O'Pedal Ride to conquer childhood cancer.

On Sunday, March 24, more than 600 cyclists from all over the southeast will gather to ride routes of various distances starting from Milton Georgia. 

"She was always reaching out to help people, to inspire people. She was just that kind of person. So, knowing that we are continuing that for her I'd like to think she'd be proud of us," said Shawn Dickson.

For more information on the St. Paddy O'Pedal ride and kid's Bikefest go to:
www.choa.org/stpaddyopedal