Hundreds of cars circled through Miramar Regional Park for a drive-thru celebration to commemorate their accomplishments at the 12th Annual ANF Group Tour de Broward. Although the tour was not in its traditional format, participants who completed any of the cycling, running, or walking events on their own were still recognized for their efforts. To ensure everyone’s safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, participants completed a 50 or 100K bicycle ride, a 5K run, or 3K walk on their own and submitted results online.
The top fundraiser (at more than $21,000 raised) was Brett Rose, a man re-learning to walk after a mosquito bite he received at Ocean Reef unleashed five diseases (West Nile virus, encephalitis, meningitis, Zika virus, and Dengue fever) that attacked his nervous system and left him paralyzed. After an extended time at Memorial Regional Hospital, he is recently back home with his family and is working diligently to reclaim the physical abilities and life he once had. Brett, the incoming chair of the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation, was able to complete the 3K walk by doing 1K on three consecutive days.
“I grew up in South Florida and am now raising my own family here. We are blessed to have a world-class healthcare system in our backyard, and it was important for me to support it, not only because of the care I received from Memorial that saved and gave me back my life, but because I know Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is there when my kids need it,” explained Rose.
The dedicated participants were able to stay in their cars and be presented their finisher’s medal, event t-shirt, and souvenir bag. They then continued the parade past the Tour de Broward sponsor tents and were presented gift items from those organizations. A check presentation ceremony revealed that more than $375,000 had been raised from the more than 1,000 individuals that participated virtually.
“I don’t think one can truly have an appreciation for something like that until you need it. I now have a chance for many more tomorrows’ and the ability to watch my children grow up. There are no words that can truly convey my gratitude for everybody at Memorial who made such an unforgettable impression in my life,” added Rose.