An army of tutu-clad community members gathered in Two Harbors Sunday to help support the battle against pediatric cancer. The Grit and Gratitude bike rides – a 23 mile and 50 mile – celebrate Lily Buchholz-Leibfried’s journey through treatment, and the joy that she continues to bring to those around her.

“Today’s event is called Grit and Gratitude and it’s a bike ride to raise money for pediatric cancer. This is the fourth year we’ve run the event. It was inspired by Lily’s experience with cancer. She is now five years in remission from stage four hepatoblastoma,” said Heather Buchholz, Lily’s mother.

Hepatoblastoma is a rare form of liver cancer, and Lily was diagnosed at eighteen months old. In April of 2019, when Lily concluded her treatment, Heather began developing the first Grits and Gratitude bike ride.

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“We raise money for 50 percent of the money goes to pediatric cancer research and 50 percent goes to our charities that support families who are in treatment. So, it’s a big day,” said Buchholz.

The first ride brought in almost two-hundred riders and volunteers, and that number has continued to grow.

“I feel overwhelmed with gratitude. I tear up every time, I might cry, I pull into the bike shop and see everybody unloading at the parking lots and see all the energy. And it’s been really successful,” said Buchholz.

The community not only came together to participate in the ride, but to donate and help run the event as well.

“The volunteer support is incredible. All told, we have over 50 people involved from start to finish, from designing t-shirts to 25 people working the day of at our aid stations and registrations. So, it’s kind of amazing how much happens between behind the scenes. It’s all volunteers,” said Buchholz.

And as Lily grows up, the community continues to support those just like her, one tutu at a time.

“I’d just like to say thank you for everybody who showed up, who’s volunteering, who’s riding. We have our website open for donations, and we plan to be back next year,” said Buchholz.

To donate to the cause, go to Grit and Gratitude 2024 | MyEvent