By Sylvia Powers
Each October, as the nation turns its attention to breast cancer awareness, Mark D. Cooks laces up his cycling shoes and leads a movement that’s grown from a few riders into a rolling symbol of hope, unity, and health. The Pink Diamonds Bike Ride and Health Fair, now a major part of the Best Southwest community’s breast cancer awareness efforts, began with a simple invitation—and a life-changing realization.
From Civic Duty to Community Movement
About seven years ago, while serving as an elected official, Cooks was invited to speak at a local breast cancer awareness event organized by Linda Lydia, founder of the Pink Diamonds. “I came to give greetings from the city,” he recalls, “but I left deeply moved by the women I met and the impact of their stories.”
Inspired, he approached Lydia the following year with an idea—to add a cycling component to the annual awareness activities. “We started with just three people,” Cooks says. “Only one of us rode that first time—me—while another followed behind in a car to make sure, I was safe.”
That humble start would soon blossom into something remarkable. The next year brought 35 riders, then 75, and before long, the Pink Diamonds Bike Ride was drawing more than 200 cyclists from across the region. “Every year we grew,” he says. “It wasn’t just about riding anymore—it became a movement.”
Riding Through Seven Cities for Awareness
The route, which begins and ends in Duncanville, winds through seven cities in the Best Southwest area, touching Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Glen Heights, Ovilla, and beyond. The event now features multiple ride options—from a 4-mile family route to challenging 15-, 30-, and 50-mile courses—all looping back to Duncanville.
Cooks proudly notes that the ride attracts participants of all ages and abilities. “We have riders as young as six and as seasoned as eighty-one,” he says.
Giving Back with Every Mile
Registration for the Pink Diamond Bike Ride ranges from $30 to $60, and proceeds support breast cancer survivors through the Pink Diamond organization. “Last year, about a thousand dollars came from people who gave above their registration,” Cooks shares. “Every contribution goes back to help survivors and their families.”
Participants also receive keepsakes—such as cycling socks, pink gear, or commemorative tokens—and gain access to the companion Health Fair, where hospitals and local wellness providers offer free resources and screenings.
Building Health and Community
For Cooks and his wife, Karen Hodges-Cooks, both avid cyclists, the ride is about more than fundraising. “This isn’t just about breast cancer,” he says. “It’s about showing up for each other, building equity, and creating a healthier community.” The couple travels to other cities’ rides, spreading awareness and inviting cyclists to join their cause.
Looking Ahead: Wellness Every Weekend
“Every two minutes, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer. Pink Diamonds was created for one purpose—to raise funds for women who are uninsured or underinsured and currently going through breast cancer treatment. Every dollar we raise goes directly toward helping women receive the care they need. In addition, we also provide prostheses for women who have undergone mastectomies or lumpectomies,” said Lydia, who is a 30-year triple-negative metastatic breast cancer survivor.
On Saturday, October 11th, at the Pink Diamonds Health Fair we will provide free mammograms, flu shots and pediatric screening for children from 5 to 12 years of age.
