Celebrating Our Legends of the Loop
A highlight of our 24th year of 24 Hours of Booty was honoring our Legends of the Loop, a dedicated group of individuals who have been involved for many years and collectively raised over $1.7 million to support our cancer community.
These incredible champions have raised the most money since the event’s inception, setting the bar for generosity and impact. Each has a deep, personal connection to cancer and have shown up big for 24 Foundation time and again.
Katie Bleau
Team Captain, Amwins Group
Katie has been riding in 24 Hours of Booty for 14 years. She is the individual fundraising record holder, raising over $134,000 in 2025! More importantly, her favorite pizza topping is pepperoni!
Favorite Memory:
“Eleven years ago, I was fighting hard for first place at 24 Hours of Booty, with a Pinarello bike as the prize. When I learned that the person I was competing against had just lost his daughter to cancer, I told my team I wanted to step back and let him win to give him a reason to smile.
On ride day, while I was busy organizing team photos and frustrated that people weren’t on time, my team surprised me with a Pinarello bike of my own. In just two days, they had secretly worked with 24 Foundation and local bike shops to make it happen. It was one of the most meaningful and unforgettable moments of my life.”
Perrin DesPortes, Jr.
13 years riding in honor and memory of loved ones
“Honestly, I don’t look at my fundraising success with pride — it’s not about me. I’m beyond grateful for the support of so many people over so many years. I’m humbled. Cancer is hard, and we’re all in it together. I’m just a guy with a bike, a Gmail account, and a network of friends. My role is easy; making a difference is what matters most.
I’m honored to be a small part of what Spencer created. His vision shows us all what’s possible when you simply start. I also love that all the dollars raised stay in the Charlotte community, helping people nearby.”
Josh Jones & Wes Slocum
Team: LIBStrong & Drew's Crew
Josh rides in memory of his daughter Libby, diagnosed with leukemia in 2013 and who passed away in 2014, and Wes rides in memory of his son Drew, who was diagnosed at just 5½ months old with a rare form of leukemia and passed away on January 2, 2015, at only two years old. They also ride in memory of Claire Ratliff, Camden Kibler and other pediatric cancer warriors.
Josh and Wes met while Libby and Drew were in treatment and have been close friends ever since. Together, they raise funds to support other families and honor their children’s legacies.
Memorable Moment for Josh: In 2023, their team surpassed $1 million raised, and the Kids’ Zone at 24 Hours of Booty was officially named the LIBStrong & Drew’s Crew Kids’ Zone. “It’s comforting to know that permanent parts of the event carry Libby and Drew’s names,” they shared. “The Kids’ Zone gives parents a place to see their children play, make signs, and cheer on participants while feeling part of this incredible community.”
Memorable Moment for Wes: “I cried like a baby after Steve Kibler and Alex Vasquez presented Josh and me with our own Drew’s Crew/LIBStrong Honor Bike several years ago.”
Sandy Mazoway
Team: Levine Cancer
Sandy has been involved with 24 Hour of Booty since 2004. She walks in memory of her mom, Rose “Rosie” Nascimento, and in honor of her daughter, Sam who was diagnosed in June 2024 with Pediatric Undifferentiated Sarcoma of the Liver and was declared cancer-free this year.
Favorite Memory:
“Seeing Sam be a top fundraiser and wave to everyone from the Pace Car at this year’s 24 Hours of Booty was the best. The torch has officially been passed to her.”
“The 24 community is filled with people whose hearts are in this together. When my mom was in treatment, when she passed away, and when Sam went through treatment, I felt the power and passion. It feels safe and hopeful here…like home.”
Gary Parker
Team: GreerWalker
Gary has been riding since 2011 (with two years off). To date he has pedaled 1,612 miles in 24 Hours of Booty! His favorite pizza topping is sausage!
Gary rides in memory of his mom, who lost her battle with bone cancer at just 47, as well as his dad, brother-in-law, and others.
His favorite memories include seeing the joyful smiles of cancer survivors riding in the Speed for Need chariots.
“It’s rewarding to be part of a community that comes together during one of the hottest weekends of the year to ride, walk, ruck, and cheer for 24 hours to make a difference in the lives of those impacted by cancer.”
Joe Vogelbacher
Co-owner and Team Captain of Sugar Creek Brewing
Joe participates in memory of his sister, Michelle Pratt, who passed away from cancer.
In addition to being involved in 24 Hours of Booty as a participant and board member, Joe founded Michelle’s Mighty Mission 24,000 Meter Row, an annual indoor rowing event that supports 24 Foundation in Michelle’s honor.
Vaughn and Melinda Arthur
This husband-and-wife duo started with the Atlanta 24 Hours of Booty ride in 2010 and have been active ever since. Vaughn has participated in 29 events, while Melinda has participated in 23, riding and volunteering in Charlotte and across all three former event locations: Atlanta, Columbia, and Indianapolis.
Vaughn is a 37-year cancer survivor and Melinda is a 6-year cancer survivor!
Vaughn’s Favorite Role:
“I love working Gear Drop because it’s like a line of old friends saying hello and meeting new friends too. Survivorship programs mean so much to me, and it’s amazing to see the impact firsthand.”
Melinda’s Favorite Role:
“I love packet pick-up the afternoon before the event. The excitement is contagious as I greet old and new friends. Volunteering in the Hospitality Tent during the awards ceremony is another highlight; you can’t have a frown when you’re eating ice cream with hundreds of your closest friends!”
Dan Wohlbruck
Team: Reese
Dan has been riding in 24 Hours of Booty since 2016. He rides in honor of his wife, Teresa, a cancer survivor, and in memory of his father, who passed away in 2023. He says his favorite pizza topping is, “All of them!”
Dan says, “I’m just a small player in a much larger collective of people, all bound by a common bond — we’ve all been touched by a brutal, ruthless disease. While I’ve been personally spared, I’ve lived through the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery with my wife and friends. 24 Foundation has been a light not just at the end of the tunnel, but along the entire journey.”
Thank You, Legends of the Loop!
“Thank you, Legends! You are the heart of 24 Hours of Booty. Your passion and perseverance inspire us all and show the incredible impact we can make when we come together to fight cancer,” says Spencer Lueders, founder of 24 Foundation.
Adds, Katherine Murphy, executive director of 24 Foundation, “Congratulations to these amazing Legends of the Loop. Thank you for showing up big for our cancer community year after year and helping us change the course of cancer.”
