For many cancer patients, the goal is to "ring the bell," marking the end of treatment. As Kim Ramirez knows, however, survivors often incur extensive costs associated with after-cancer care. To remedy the problem, Ramirez formed Ta Ta Rebels Inc., a nonprofit that focuses on supporting breast-cancer survivors like herself. "We reached our five-year milestone last year," Ramirez said of the organization. "That in itself confirms that what we do is very much needed in the survivor community. Once you ring that bell, you are no longer eligible for resources received during treatment. The ongoing cost of follow-up scans, durable medical equipment (DME) and therapies continues well after ringing the bell."

To help raise funds for the cause, the nonprofit will hold the sixth annual Survivors Raise Hope event. The fundraiser will include a motorcycle ride from the Elizabethtown American Legion Post 329, 240 N. Hanover St., to the Middletown Anglers and Hunters, 1350 Schoolhouse Road. It will be held on Saturday, Oct. 1, with registration beginning at 9:30 a.m. The ride will kick off at 11:15 a.m., followed by festivities at the Middletown location beginning at noon.

"There will be breakfast sandwiches, coffee and soda available during registration," Ramirez stated. "The Elizabethtown Fire Police will assist our ride out of town and again at Cloverleaf and Route 230. The Linglestown Legion Riders will escort the ride to ensure a safe ride."

Participation in the ride is not required to attend the event held in the outside pavilion at the Middletown Anglers and Hunters. "We will have pulled pork sandwiches provided by One Love Cafe, chips provided by Martin's Snacks, cookies from the Mount Joy Sheetz, macaroni salad provided by Mount Joy Weis Markets, Turkey Hill teas, water and, of course, the famous chicken corn soup made by one of our volunteers, Linda Geib," Ramirez remarked. The event will also feature a variety of giveaways, bingo, a bean bag toss and merchandise available for purchase.

Three speakers will be featured at the event. "This year's discussion will cover the choices/options given after a breast cancer diagnosis," Ramirez said. "Barbara Fox from Confidence Inked will discuss how to camouflage the surgery scar. Bridget Grant from Inkcredible Outcomes will discuss the options of areola tattooing after reconstruction. Jennifer Krein is a breast cancer survivor that will share her breast cancer journey with everyone. These discussions are to raise survivorship awareness as we are the rest of the story."

The Survivors Raise Hope event is the organization's biggest annual fundraiser, and proceeds will help breast cancer survivors with ongoing out-of-pocket medical expenses, Ramirez noted. "This helps with co-pays, deductibles, DME such as prosthesis, mastectomy bras and compression sleeves," she said. "We also provide a scar tissue therapy that helps with regaining your range of motion after surgery."

For more information on the event, visit http://tatarebels.org or search for "Survivors Raise Hope" on Facebook.