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Johnny Burrell

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Since 2016, Johnny Burrell has turned his passion into purpose for the Scott Hamilton
 CARES Foundation.  After losing his wife Ruth McGinnis to ovarian cancer, Johnny is dedicated to living and working to ensure a better future for those diagnosed with all forms of cancer and is honored to link arms with CARES 
again in 2024.  

Johnny, a CranioSacral Therapist in Nashville, has helped thousands of people overcome crippling emotional, physical and spiritual challenges. Fifteen years ago, he faced had a major challenge when he lost his wife, Ruth.  Through his healing work within his practice, his experience with countless friends and family members facing cancer, and the loss of his wife to cancer, Johnny was compelled to take action. 

Johnny found healing through cycling and has raised well over $283,000 for cancer research through his partnership with CARES, and aspires to bring that number to a $1 million.  In addition to a three-record-breaking ride across the state of Tennesse for CARES, Johnny volunteers his expertise as a cyclist and healer to help prepare other CARES' riders, as well as his expertise as a CranioSacral Therapist to treat CARES elite figure skating athletes for the last seven years.

“Losing my wife to cancer was a turning point in my life.  I realized how many lives around me were being changed by cancer and I wanted to help make a difference.  Through the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation and my love of cycling, I found a channel and an organization to motivate, support, and encourage me to use my athletic ability for good.  I understand the power of commitment, and through the example Scott Hamilton sets and the creation of his CARES Foundation I am inspired to make my own impact raising money for the fight against cancer." ~Johnny B

Through CARES, Johnny met Scott Williams and was honored to mentor, coach, and support him.  On September 11, 2019, Mr. Williams was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme or GBM, considered the most aggressive form of brain cancer with a median survival rate of just 9-12 months. In 2021, Johnny helped Mr. Williams fulfill his lifelong dream of biking the full 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway in the inaugural Erase the Trace ride which garnered donor support from 43 states and 30 countries.  Johnny continued to mentor and support Mr. Williams until his passing in 2023. 

As we honor both Scott Williams and Ruth McGinnis, in 2024 Johnny is partnering with CARES to raise more critical funding from sponsorships, donations and memorial miles in his continued pursuit to give back with his gift of cycling.  Marking one year since the passing of Mr. Williams and 15 years since Ruth's passing, this year's 115-mile ride serves as a memorial to them both and all others who are fighting cancer.