NATCHEZ — Lance Armstrong has “Livestrong” and Relay for Life has its walk-a-thon; Carey “Moose” Greer took these ideas and mashed them together to form “Moosestrong” and the Pedaling for a Cure ride.

The Pedaling for a Cure ride is a 50-mile bike ride to raise money for the American Cancer Society. It will be April 23.

“I had the idea for a bicycle ride where anyone could sign up and get sponsored,” Greer said. “Sponsors will pay for a certain amount per mile, and (riders) can ride however many miles they can ride. The sponsors will pay for what they offered, and all the money goes to the American Cancer Society.”

Greer was diagnosed with lymphoma June 30.

After his treatments started he continued to ride with his friends and refused to let his treatments slow him down, Greer said.

His friends were talking about “Livestrong” and said they were going to call Greer “Moosestrong,” referring to his nickname and his stubbornness, he said.

“They say ‘Moosestrong’ is just being hard-headed and not giving up, and having no quit,” Greer said.

Team “Moosestrong” will also be participating in Relay for Life on May 6, its slogan is, “Pedaling for a cure.”

The Pedaling for a Cure ride will start at 1 p.m. at the National Guard Armory.

“It’s going to be a very informal thing, we’re going to go up the Natchez Trace and back. Riders can ride whatever distance they want,” Greer said.

Greer’s initial goal was to raise $1,000, but he has reached that already, he said.

“If we could raise several thousand it would be great,” Greer said.

One of Greer’s closest friends, Stan Smith, has helped him get sponsors and organize the event.

“I think Moose’s personal goal is to be the largest independent fundraiser (for the cancer society),” Smith said.

“Of the small people (independent fundraisers) he’d like to raise some money so other people don’t have to go through what he’s gone through.”

Smith understands the importance of the event because he has now seen someone close to him fight the disease, he said.

“This is the first person (I’ve known with cancer) that I have ever been there from the start (of the process),” Smith said. “I’ve known about it from the start. I’ve learned more about how the treatment process goes, and how they basically kill you to save you. I’ve actually witnessed somebody have it.”

Riders can sign up for the event at Smith’s store, Stan’s Rock and Roll Shop, or at The Bike Shop at Trippe’s Western Auto.

Greer said that he has always been a believer in giving for a cause, but it really hit home when he was diagnosed.

“I can tell you that in the past if someone had asked me to contribute I would (have). But it’s dear to me now because of my situation. It really brings it home when it’s you,” Greer said.