Meet Adrian Deen

“I wanted to remain connected to SOUL RYEDERS knowing firsthand the impact the organization has on the lives of families impacted by cancer.”

When my wife April was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2016, we were introduced to SOUL RYEDERS through a Yoga 4 Cancer (Y4C) class. April, myself and our 2 year old twins Alton and Elan had moved to Rye only 6 months prior to April’s diagnosis and were just familiarizing ourselves with this new area. In a brief moment, when we received the news about her cancer, our world changed. Y4C was recommended to April and after attending a few sessions, there was an immediate positive impact and she was taken under the wings of the SOUL RYEDERS’ angels. The next day after the Y4C class, Sandy Samberg arrived at our home with a “Big Batch” home cooked meal made by some very talented volunteer chefs. The personal touch and support for all of us was very special. April attended Mondays with SOUL RYEDERS for massages and wig fittings and the support kept coming, not only for April but for our whole family.

Adrian with his wife, April, and their children, Alton and Elan.

Photo credit: Jo Bryan

After April passed, I knew that I wanted to remain connected to SOUL RYEDERS knowing firsthand the impact the organization has on the lives of families impacted by cancer. They were instrumental in my wife’s well-being during her illness especially in her final days and it was important to me to find ways to contribute to SOUL RYEDERS’s long term goals and mission.

Volunteering is something I have always found very rewarding so I was thrilled to jump in and get involved. I have been a part of fundraising efforts such as the annual Ray’s Polar Plunge and created and ran in my own half marathons, with each event raising money for SOUL RYEDERS. I am now proud to share that I’ve been working together with the Leadership Team and a few friends on creating a race event with SOUL RYEDERS to connect people in the local community and beyond in a meaningful way to be active and support an important mission!

The TieTheTownPink campaign takes place in early October and volunteers sign up to deliver pink ribbons to those that have purchased them. This is one of my favorite family volunteer opportunities and it is a great way to get both my children involved as well! Families came out to greet us as we adorned their homes with the ribbons and let us know how thrilled they were to display their support for SOUL RYEDERS.

I also enjoy being able to provide some strategic input on the business side of the organization by being part of the Grant Committee as the liaison to Gilda’s Club and I joined the Giving Circle; a critical group of donors united to ensure the financial support and longevity that SOUL RYEDERS needs.

When I think about the volunteer opportunity that resonates with me most, top of mind would be serving as a member of the SOUL RYEDERS Board of Directors. It is quite rewarding to be a part of this group of insightful colleagues that play an essential leadership function in shaping this organization’s success and ensuring the team remains focused on its mission and goals.

Adrian pictured (far left), along with SOUL RYEDERS half Marathon & 5K fellow co-chairs: Libby Geist-Wildes, Milan Yokuty and Michele Weiss. (Missing Emily Borrell)

Photo credit: Christine Lombardo

The impact this organization has on its clients is immeasurable and I have witnessed it firsthand. SOUL RYEDERS was there for my family in our time of need and giving back always feels good. I am thrilled to remain connected to SOUL RYEDERS in a variety of ways that will help support other families whose lives are impacted by cancer.