Dr. Brad Adkins of the Woman’s Clinic rode 500 miles from Memphis to Rosemary Beach, Fla., to raise money for Wings Cancer Foundation, which helps cancer patients and their families with support, research and education. The ride raised $65,000 for the nonprofit organization, which should cover the majority of its expenses for a year, Dr. Adkins said.

He was accompanied by Woman’s Clinic Administrator Jon Ewing and 12 other riders on the five-day Wings Ride. It started at the West Clinic in Memphis, which is a referral center for many patients from the Woman’s Clinic who need cancer-related surgery.

Although affiliated with the West Clinic, Wings serves any cancer patient regardless of where the medical treatment is provided. The organization offers wellness programs that encourage active lifestyles and provides patients with hope.

“I feel proud yet humble,” Adkins said. “What initially started as an individual goal quickly morphed into a team accomplishment done for a bigger cause. New friendships were forged within a spiritual and physical journey.”

The purpose of the 500-mile trek was to promote cancer awareness, encourage healthy lifestyles and raise money for Wings’ health and wellness programs. The ride took the cyclists through Tupelo, Miss.; Tuscaloosa, Selma and Andalusia, Ala.; before ending on the Gulf Coast between Panama City Beach and Fort Walton Beach, Fla. Along the way, the riders encouraged people to support Wings and help raise cancer awareness.

“We went through a number of small towns and met some people at country stores who inquired about our ride,” Adkins said. “A couple of times, people would pull out their wallets and generously donate to the cause.”

Both Dr. Adkins and Ewing said they drew their motivation from a Woman’s Clinic employee who is fighting breast cancer. She had a double mastectomy and is undergoing aggressive chemotherapy. She will receive services from Wings.

They also rode to support all Woman’s Clinic patients fighting cancer. “To think in some small way I helped my patients and our Woman’s Clinic patients in their battle against this awful disease is rewarding,” Dr. Adkins said.

Dr. Adkins started cycling when he began training for triathlons several years ago. He said he enjoyed the challenge and fitness aspects of the sport. However, he had never attempted such a long distance before.

“In one triathlon, I rode 56 miles in one day, but I had never done a century ride before,” he said, “and here we basically did five century rides in five days.”

A lasting memory of the ride occurred in the rolling hills of Alabama, Dr. Adkins said. One of the riders was struggling to make it up another incline, but two stronger riders flanked him and helped him with a push. It was an inspirational moment, he said. “A good friend made the eloquent analogy that our physical uphill climb was nothing compared to the battle cancer patients have, and everybody needs a little push along the way.”

Featured Doctor

Brad Adkins, M.D. Obstetrics and Gynecology

Raised in Memphis, Dr. Adkins earned his medical degree is from the University of Tennessee in Memphis and his internship and residency were at the University of Texas in San Antonio. He is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology.