Pedal the Cause is an annual event in St. Louis, as well as throughout the nation. Thousands of people come every year, some of them choosing to ride the course and others just staying for support. Many of these people are either cancer survivors, or loved ones of someone battling with cancer. There are various food and merchandise tents, all donating their proceeds to cancer research funding. The Hoppers, a Kirkwood family, come to Pedal the Cause every year in support of their dad and husband, Dave Hopper.

“Because of the last five years and people that have raised funds in the past, there have been some breakthrough medicines,” Dave Hopper said. “I’m living proof that cancer research works.”

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Dave Hopper, a prostate cancer patient and father of Jessie Hopper, junior, raises his arm in greeting as he is interviewed.