7-year-old Lily Buchholz-Leibfried doesn’t remember much about her time with a rare liver cancer called hepatoblastoma. After all, she was only 1-years-old at the time, and needed specialized care in the cities and in Cincinnati.

“They were very cautious about the survival rates,” remembered her mother, Heather. “In April of 2019, I remember the tone shifted to thinking she could survive this.”

That’s when Heather started working on a bike ride to celebrate her daughter’s resilience.

The 4th Grit and Gratitude is coming up again on Sunday, August 18th at Spokengear in Two Harbors. This one will mark 5 years cancer free for Lily.

You can choose from a 23 mile or 50 mile ride.

And you’re encouraged to wear a tutu, since that’s what Lily wore when she was having a good day during treatment.

It’s not a race, just a ride for raising funds. The money will be split between hepatoblastoma research at Cincinnati Children’s, Ronald McDonald Charities, Dragonfly Foundation, and Northern Lights Foundation.

There will be a silent auction from 9am-2pm. Buchholz said they are so grateful for the support of sponsors and the community. They are looking for more riders and sponsors.

To sign up: https://myevent.com/gritandgratitude