Grant Belsham, Senior Director of Marketing and Hematology at Medexus, has been involved with Wheels for the World for several years. His first connection to WFW came through Barry Haarde. Grant met Barry and another member of the bleeding disorders community in Pennsylvania during one of Barry’s rides, and later joined a memorial ride in New England in 2019, the year after Barry passed away.

“It was a great way to start honoring his legacy and continuing to support Save One Life,” Grant said.

For Grant, the mission of Save One Life and the camaraderie that comes with Wheels for the World are what keep him coming back. Even though the event is virtual, people continue to gather for group rides while others participate on their own. This year, Grant and another Wheels for the World participant, Becca, were in Kansas City for a hemophilia event and completed a 22-mile ride together. It was a special ride since they happened to be together on September 19, which is Wheels for the World's Barry Haarde Memorial Day. 

“It was important for both of us to take part, but also gave us time to laugh, reminisce and connect,” Grant said.

Medexus began supporting Save One Life and Wheels for the World around 2020, starting with virtual activities. Since then, the company has supported Save One Life through product donations, financial support, and awareness building.

“For Medexus, the community that Save One Life has built in the US and the connections they have here at home is important to us as a company,” Grant said. “We are a small company, and if we can do just a small part to help the bleeding disorders community with our time, our commitment and when possible financial support, it means a lot.”

This year, Medexus covered rider registration fees to encourage more people to participate in WFW. That helped bring together a team of 12! Grant also shared Wheels for the World updates on LinkedIn and kept the Medexus team updated on their miles and progress.

One of Grant’s favorite memories was the 2023 C&O Canal Ride, which took place during Tropical Storm Ophelia.

“It rained and rained with Tropical Storm Ophelia,” Grant said. “Yet we pedaled on through the rain and mud. Nothing like a group of other riders to encourage you not to quit!”

For anyone thinking about joining WFW, Grant recommends starting small and getting others involved.

“Start small and encourage others to just ride along – focus on the participation first and fundraising second,” he said. People can sometimes worry that they won’t raise enough money, but Grant believes it’s more about participation and awareness, and the fundraising comes from there.

We’re grateful to Grant and the Medexus team for continuing to support Wheels for the World and Save One Life, and for bringing more people into the ride each year.