This Sunday, hundreds of motorcycles will rumble round the Lakes Region as part of the Bikers Causeway Cancer Run.

Starting at Rick’s CafA?© on the Naples causeway, a parade of motorcycles, 10 police escorts included, will ride the back roads on a 100-mile loop up to Fryeburg and back, all to raise money for cancer research.

This is the second year for the event organized by Monique and David Wormwood of Naples who have both had cancer impact their lives.

“I’m doing this in memory of my dad,” Monique said.

Fourteen years ago, Monique’s father died unexpectedly of a cancerous tumor that had been misdiagnosed as “slow moving” in its risk, she said. Since then, several other of Monique’s and her husband’s relatives have passed away from cancer.

So the couple decided to start up the Cancer Run last year, blending their love of motorcycles with their love for family. They have corralled support from many local motorcycle dealers and businesses like Rick’s CafA?©, which has become headquarters for the annual event.

“Bikers are always looking for a reason to ride,” Monique said. “So why not give them a reason and help out a cause.”

Gerry Milano, owner of Moto Milano in Windham, has donated “cruiser” helmets to be raffled off at the Cancer Run. He too has family who have been struck by cancer. Milano said that bikers have been coming into his shop regularly to pick up event flyers, excited to participate once again in the motorcycle parade.

One new rider this year is Mary-Cay Pitre of South Casco, a breast cancer survivor. Pitre, who recently moved to the area, is excited to help raise money for cancer research while exploring Lakes Region backroads with the motorcycle parade. She hopes the event will not only further the cause of cancer research, but also raise awareness about cancer.

“I’m thankful for everyday that I’m here,” Pitre said of her struggle with cancer. “It was difficult, but all you can do is take it one day at a time.”

All proceeds from the Bikers Run will go to cancer research right here in Maine. Naples-based businesses like Bray’s Brew Pub, Rick’s CafA?© and the Songo River Queen II have pledged to give a portion of their profits on Sunday to the cause as well.

Susan Rowan, executive director of the Maine Cancer Foundation, said that much progress has been made over the years for cancer research through the support of fund-raisers like the Bikers Causeway Cancer Run. As scientists look into cancer causing genes, strategies are being developed to recognize who is at risk for certain types of cancer and may be able to someday prevent future generations from suffering the same diseases as their parents or grandparents, she said.

“There’s a lot going on after the Human Genome Project,” Rowan said. “That put a whole new emphasis on the lab.”

The genome project, which maps human genes and studies how specific genes affect an individual, may also allow patients to be tested for cancer before any sign of illness has arisen. And the earlier a cancer is diagnosed, Rowan said, the better the chance of survival.

The event raised $9,000 last year for the Maine Cancer Foundation. Registration is $18 and begins at 8 a.m. at Rick’s Cafe. The Cancer Run will then kick off with a roar at 10 a.m. for the 100-mile ride.