How One TechOps Employee's Tribute Became Ride 4 the Fight

“Unfortunately, many great stories start with a tragedy, and that is how this one began.”

Ten years ago, Emiel Akkermans, Maintenance Manager in Delta TechOps AMS, lost his childhood friend, Mark, to cancer. Mark was only 40 years old and was preparing to become a father for the first time.

A year later, Emiel found a way to turn grief into an opportunity to give back to his community by starting a cycling ride to raise money for cancer research.

“I don’t think anyone ever realized how big this was going to be,” he said. “When I sat with Jerry Allen ten years ago, I was just thinking of cycling with eight to ten people. This year we have 155 riders who signed up.”

What began as a small tribute ride has grown into a beloved TechOps tradition, bringing together employees, families, friends and sponsors in a shared mission to support the fight against cancer.

This year’s ride was especially meaningful. It marked a decade since Mark’s passing and the ninth edition of Ride 4 the Fight. As cyclists pedaled through the villages and Dutch countryside where Emiel and Mark grew up, the memory of his friend remained at the center of the journey.

Among this year’s participants was Mark’s brother, riding in his honor. Along the route, Mark’s wife, daughter and mother cheered cyclists on from a rest stop.

Every rider has their own reason for riding. “Cancer is personal. Nearly everyone knows someone whose life has been touched by it. That is a big reason why I come back to ride each year.” Jerry Allen, Senior Vice President of Delta TechOps, said.

Participants chose from three routes showcasing the best of Brabant, Netherlands, ranging from 65 kilometers to 155 kilometers. Riders could choose from three routes, including the scenic Bossche Bol route through forests and countryside, the longer Worstenbroodje route through landscapes that inspired Vincent van Gogh or they could tackle the ultimate challenge: the 155-kilometer Tour of Brabant.

“We chose cycling routes over 65 kilometers because the ride is not meant to be easy,” Emiel said. “The fight against cancer isn’t easy. It’s a battle.”

Thanks to growing participation, generous donations and support from corporate sponsors, Ride 4 the Fight raised a record €25,000 this year, nearly $29,000, to donate to the Dutch Cancer Society (KWF). Total donations have more than tripled since the event began.

Ride 4 the Fight reflects the best of TechOps: supporting one another and giving back.

“The culture is supported by everyone in TechOps and by Delta,” Emiel said. “Delta is who they say they are. It’s one thing to say you have a culture, but it’s another thing to live out those values.”

Emiel’s commitment to the event has been a driving force behind its success.

“Emiel’s leadership in Ride 4 the Fight says everything about him,” Jerry said. “Anyone who knows him knows he is as kind, caring and genuine a person as you’ll ever meet. He doesn’t just talk about his values, he lives them. He cares for the community and for people, and this event is a manifestation of that.”

This year’s Ride 4 the Fight was supported by EV Cargo, Gate Gourmet, Main Blades, Viggo, Smoke and Fumes, Survivathon, gategroup, Necamo, Van Dommelen and Joy Rides Rentals.

— Company newsroom — sourced from Delta Air Lines. Matter furnished by the company. Not a Notice Nearby paid placement. This page reprints matter furnished by the company from its official newsroom. Notice Nearby did not write this release. Read the original: https://news.delta.com/how-one-techops-employees-tribute-became-ride-4-fight