The death of the woman on Saturday, July 26, during the Riding For The Cure ride is a tragedy. The fact that it occurred during a community fundraiser that has helped so many people is also a tragedy.

Riding For The Cure started in 2012, when Lynda Kerr rounded up some motorcyclists to raise money for a friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer. Kerr has continued to host the ride, and the organization has raised more than $500,000 for local cancer patients over 14 years.

On July 26, passenger Betty E. Campbell, 66, of Butler, died when the Can-Am Spyder she was riding on crashed into a creek, according to state police. The motorcycle operator, her husband, Douglas B. Campbell Jr., 69, of Butler, was taken from the scene to a Pittsburgh hospital with a suspected serious injury.

The crash brought the ride to a stop, as other motorcyclists attempted to help the couple before emergency services arrived. The riders returned to the American Legion Post 778, where the ride began and was set to end after a nearly 100-mile journey.

At the American Legion, the high-energy rock music which played through the speakers to energize the participants that morning was replaced by more solemn songs.

Even though tragedy had struck, event participants still spent time together at the venue meant to hold a celebratory after-party. People at the home base comforted one another as they spoke quietly about the ride and what happened, affirming what some motorcyclists said before the ride — they are a tight-knit group.

So, like the motorcyclists who participated in Riding For The Cure, let’s remember Betty Campbell as a caring person who attended charity events and did her part to help people going through tough situations.

Let’s also keep her husband in mind as he goes through physical and emotional recovery after this incident.

Finally, remember that the ride has always been about helping cancer patients, a cause and an event that should receive continued support.

— ET