Cancer Survivor and Activist Spent Countless Hours Counseling Patients

Jarrett H. "Buddy" Boren, a resident of Dallas, TX, who passed away Feb. 28 will be remembered for many achievements, among them raising money and awareness for the battle against cancer, having won the fight against the disease himself. (Source: Legacy.com).

Boren, author of Reason to Ride which documented his 20,000 miles on a bicycle to promote survival of cancer seemed to live the words of optimism in his everyday life.

He had done so probably since before his diagnosis. Then he decided alone to fight the illness that he was determined would not beat him.

Jim Hoyt, of Richardson Bike Mart, met Boren when he had already done three rides and was getting ready to make his second trip around Texas.

"As I listened to Buddy's story I was struck by his dedication and his passion to help people with cancer," Hoyt wrote in the book's Foreword. "I had not heard of very many long distance rides done solo, without a trail vehicle."

Astonishingly, Boren did ride solo and battled horrible weather, injuries, illness, dehydration, hunger, and some uncooperative motorists, to name a few obstacles.

But, true to his spirit he did not let any of these barriers get him down or stop him from reaching his goals. On top of that, his attitude never wavered, his spirit never sagged.

His book is a testament to the will of the human spirit and should serve as a guidebook for cancer survivors who aim to bike it to spread their message of hope to the country.

To say Boren's account of his travels is inspiring does not give credit to the motivational presence that encompasses his makeup.

He was truly a force to be reckoned with in every ride he took and yet he wrote about the occasional points when he had to slow down. But he came back swinging every time, not letting any doubts or even the worries of his family keep him from finishing his project.

And it is a strength that is both awe-inspiring and miraculous to witness as you pour through the pages of his journal he keeps throughout his adventures.

In 2004 Boren was awarded the Patriot Cup at the Park Cities annual Fourth of July Parade in Texas.

"I first met Buddy in 1984," John Eagle of Dallas writes. "Buddy's spirit and commitment to excellence always impressed me."

Boren, who was 67 when he passed away, graduated from Southern Methodist University in 1972 with a degree in geology and was active in the entertainment industry during the 60s and 70s where he was involved with record productions, concert promotions, entertainment management, and film production.

A memorial service honoring his life will be held at St. Michael and all Angels Church in Dallas March 4 at 11 a.m. with a private burial following in Wills Point, TX.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the LIVESTRONG foundation.