WSU Bicycle club offers movie screening to benefit brain cancer research

If you’re looking for a good cause to get behind, the Wichita State University Bicycle Club, along with the Oz Bicycle Club and Bike Walk Wichita, will present a premiere screening of "HOPE," a documentary about cyclist Maria Parker's 3,000 mile race to fight her sister's terminal cancer diagnosis.

The screening will be followed by a question-and-answer session with Parker and the film's producer.

The screening starts at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, at Wichita State’s CAC Theater. Admission is $10, or $5 for all students with ID; the doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Local bike shops and clubs will be on hand to provide information about bicycling opportunities in the community

“HOPE” features the story of Parker’s epic race; how an accident that destroyed her equipment and devastated Parker and her crew couldn’t stop the greatest comeback in the 2013 Race Across America, widely recognized as the world’s toughest race. “HOPE” is a story about hope in in the face of death, and refusing to accept the impossible.

Moriah Beck

Moriah Beck

According to Moriah Beck, assistant professor in the WSU Chemistry Department, the film is about much more than a bicycle race.

“I believe this film will be inspiring for everyone who has had a family member with a terminal disease,” she said.

Beck hosted Parker’s family and support team as they passed through Wichita in the summer of 2013, and she’s continued to follow and support 3,000 Miles to a Cure, Parker’s charity.

“As a recipient of cancer research funds at WSU,” Beck said, “I thought it was important to do my part to encourage continued funding for research.”

According to event organizers, 100 percent of the proceeds from the showing of “HOPE” will be donated to benefit brain cancer research.

For more information or to purchase tickets, go to wichitahopescreening.splashthat.com.