Family Focus: Cancer survivor to bike for a cause in upcoming event

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — This month, more than 1,000 people will ride bikes around Charlotte to raise awareness in the fight against cancer.

The 24 Hours of Booty charity bike ride will take over the Dilworth area July 27.

Steve Kravitz recently showed off the new cycling jersey he'll wear in two weeks when he bikes for a cause.

“The back of the jersey, our slogan, shows taking a bite out of cancer,” he said.

It will be Kravitz’s first time riding in Charlotte's 24 Hours of Booty.

“(I’m) very excited, being a two-time cancer survivor,” Kravitz said.

He has raised money for the event for two years but couldn't actually ride because he was fighting his own battle with cancer -- stage four sarcoma.

“This is the first full year I've been cancer-free -- 12 months now, and I'm actually going to be able to ride in the event,” Kravitz said.

So far this year, he is the biggest individual fundraiser for 24 Hours of Booty. Kravitz has raised $35,000.

“The support is unreal,” he said. “I could never have dreamed the support people, friends and colleagues have given me. A lot of people have seen what I went through and know the challenges.”

Kravitz said his fight motivated him to reach out to everyone he knows. He held a fundraising dinner and has enlisted the help of family, like his daughter Kristyn.

“It's awesome,” Kristyn Kravitz said. “I'm so proud of him. And it's like, down the road, I hope it makes a difference.”

Jenni Klein-Walker, a 24 Hours of Booty organizer, said Kravitz is making a difference.

“He's so inspirational, and he's driven and passionate, and he's the reason why we do what we do,” she said.

At the end of the month, Kravitz will put on the jersey that has a special Lance Armstrong quote he holds close to his heart.

“People don't lose the battle with cancer,” Kravitz said. “They just run out of time.”

If you'd like to register for 24 Hours of Booty, or if you'd like to volunteer, click here.

WSOC