On 19 March, the Ulysses Club’s inaugural Ride for Rheumatoid will arrive in Kiama, and for two members from Gerringong, the ride is especially personal. 

Seven years ago, Cheryl Mahedy was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic condition that affects 514,000 Australians each year. RA causes pain, swelling, and inflammation in the joints, as the immune system mistakenly attacks the tissues lining the joints. 

“I actually broke my right knee in a skiing accident, had surgery, and was recovering. Not long after, my hands and feet became incredibly painful. I could hardly walk and couldn’t use my hands,” says Cheryl. 

Fortunately, Cheryl was referred to a rheumatologist and began treatment with methotrexate, a drug that blocks antibodies from attacking healthy cells. However, Cheryl is aware that many others aren’t as lucky as she is. 

“I've been very fortunate that the drug that I'm on works very well for me. I'm very fit and active. Three years ago I cycled in the Multiple Sclerosis Sydney to Gong ride on a pushbike. I'm very fortunate because a lot of rheumatoid sufferers end up in wheelchairs, and it's horrible, so it’s very personal to me to be doing this ride,” says Cheryl. 

The Ulysses Club has supported RA since 1997, and their inaugural Ride for Rheumatoid aims to raise awareness for RA, as well as funds for research into new medications and a potential cure. 

“They’re on the cusp of an amazing discovery - a researcher at The University of Queensland, Professor Ranjeny Thomas, is investigating a potential breakthrough for RA,” says Cheryl. 

“As a result of this, other autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and type 1 diabetes, may also benefit from the research. It’s incredible.” 

The complete ride begins in Melbourne and lasts for a week, but Cheryl and her husband, Patrick, will join the ride in Marulan and travel with the group into Kiama on 19 March, continuing on through Campbelltown, Singleton, Tamworth, and Armidale. 

“All you need to do to participate is be a member of the Ulysses Club,” says Patrick. “There will be riders on bikes and people in cars, and everyone will wear an inaugural ride patch.” 

“For a $20 donation, you can join the ride at any segment. You’ll receive a “Ride for Rheumatoid” patch, and 100% of the funds will go to the Ulysses Club Arthritis Research Fund (UCARF). We’ll stop in each town for a few minutes to raise awareness. The goal is not only to promote the Ulysses Club's work in this area and encourage donations, but also to raise general awareness of RA.” 

While the ride is deeply personal for Cheryl and Patrick, they’re also excited to get back to the freeing feeling of riding. When Cheryl was first diagnosed with RA, she feared she might never ride again, and that thought was heartbreaking because riding is something she loves. 

“I love the freedom of riding and doing something a little out of the ordinary. I’m 65 years old, and not many women in their 60s are riding. It gives me a bit of a buzz,” says Cheryl. 

Cheryl is incredibly thankful for the support she has received from both the Ulysses Club and her husband, Patrick, but she wants to emphasise that the ride is about much more than her personal journey. 

“I’m happy to be the face of this, but it’s not about me. It’s about those suffering from RA and other autoimmune diseases that could benefit from this research and funding. That’s the message I want to get across,” she says. 

Cheryl can be emailed directly if you wish to contact her regarding the ride at [email protected]. 

You can sponsor Cheryl by donating directly to the following account: 

Bank Account Name: UCARF 

BSB: 062 517 

Account No: 1078 6075 

Please Reference: Your Name/Business-Sponsoring Cheryl Mahedy