Vancouver couple take a JoyRide to raise money for kids with cancer

Ellsworth Springs — In 2009, Austin Vellek was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, cancer of the eye. Since then, his parents, Rolf and Sharla Vellek of Vancouver, have gone on a joyride. Not to shirk their parental duties, but to raise money for the Children’s Cancer Association. This year, the association raised $25,000 at the annual JoyRide, a motorcycle ride from Tigard, Ore., to the Caring Cabin on the Oregon Coast. The proceeds go to support the secluded cabin, which is reserved for seriously ill children and their families as a free getaway. This year, Austin was chosen to cut the ribbon at the start of the ride June 4.