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“ Ken was determined to win his battle with cancer,’’ Crouch said. “He is a constant reminder of the importance of living every day.“
Crouch’s team, Shepard’s Wheels, has raised more than $17,600 and has a goal of $25,000. Her team includes Shepard’s widow, Tonya, and 16 other riders. The last time Crouch saw Shepard was at last year’s CT Challenge.
Shepard, 49, was known for his innovation and energy in attracting interest for the Bluefish, an Independent League team. Shepard brought in Pete Rose as a guest manager for a game last year, and tried a wide range of tactics to drum up fan interest.
Shepard joined the Bluefish in 2012, and served for more than 25 years as a baseball executive. His career started in New York, when he was named the general manager for a team in Geneva in 1987. Just 23 at the time, Shepard was the youngest general manager in professional baseball.
Crouch became friendly with Shepard through her work with the Connecticut Challenge, the Fairfield-based organization that provides support and programs for cancer survivors.
Proceeds from this weekend’s ride benefit CT Challenge programs. More than 1,100 cyclists have raised nearly $1.3 million for the CT Challenge, the only program of its kind in the nation.
Shepard embraced the cancer fight with the help of professionals at the CT Challenge. Crouch remembered his courage, his attitude and his fight. She has learned how important the organization has become for cancer patients and survivors.
“Almost every day I hear someone’s story about their cancer journey and how the CT Challenge and the resources it provides give survivors a return to normalcy,’’ she said. “While life is forever changed once the cancer diagnosis is received, living life beyond can be normal and even fulfilling. It’s all about attitude.”
Click here to support to Crouch and click here to visit the Shepard’s Wheels fundraising page.
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